What keeps you motivated? Seeing the light of satisfaction and fulfilment on my students' faces when they pass exams in English with flying colours or when they can handle a conversation in English coherently.
Best teaching moment? It happened last summer when I went with a group of 12 students to Bulgaria for an international camp. There was a busy schedule with English classes in the morning, workshops in the afternoon and topic-based activities in the evening. My students were all praised for their command of English and one of them won the camp trophy. I was so proud of them and it made me realise that my work is not in vain.
And worst? When one of my poorly prepared students raised his hand during one of my classes. When I saw his hand go up I felt so happy thinking that he had the right answer. Instead, he asked me if he could go to the toilet. I was so disappointed.
What have you learned from your students? I always read in my students' eyes what I have to do next. They teach me how to teach. If I see that they are bored with some activity I immediately change it. If I see that they are interested in something I develop that activity. They keep asking questions and this challenges me to keep informed.
Biggest challenge? The system of education in Romania is going through a process of complete change. The new laws that have been passed modify the old ways of teaching completely and I feel overwhelmed. We do not know exactly when these changes will come into effect and this is even more frustrating because students keep asking us and we have no answers.
What's next? I have applied for a Comenius grant from the European commission to attend a course on literature in the UK. I intend to develop a course on literature in my school and I need more ideas and materials.
Top tip? Never give up your dreams and never let the others "cut your wings".
Alice Sirbu, 37, has been teaching English for 14 years and currently works at a state secondary school in Galati, eastern Romania. She also mentors trainee teachers