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Leanna YY Chan, the founder of Immerse Languages Institute, knows about overcoming obstacles. Fresh off launching her language school in late 2019, the world threw COVID-19 her way. Suddenly, in-person classes – the heart of her business model – became impossible. Undeterred, Leanna pivoted to online instruction, a challenging feat for a brand-new venture. But the difficulties didn't stop there. Marketing a new language school during a pandemic, with limited promotional options, proved to be another hurdle.
Leanna's passion for languages was undeniable, but her background was firmly rooted in finance. Running a language school, she discovered, was a labyrinth of intricate systems, scheduling complexities, and a bewildering array of examinations. "Everything for me was new," Leanna says, "from marketing to the system, to all the different examinations to different types of school systems. I had to learn from scratch.”
"I had an old system, and one day I was so frustrated," Leanna recalls and a quick online search led her to Classcard. Payroll, previously a time-consuming and error-prone manual process, became delightfully automated. "It's a nightmare" Leanna jokes, but with a hint of relief, "to think about not having Classcard now. We've built in so many things!”
The impact of Classcard went far beyond streamlined payroll. Scheduling and record-keeping became a breeze. Teachers, students, and administrators now have real-time access to class information, creating a smoother and more efficient experience for everyone. "It's very convenient for everyone," Leanna beams. Immerse Language has transformed from a startup struggling with growing pains into a thriving hub of language learning.
Leanna credits a passionate Chinese history teacher from her youth for igniting her own love of learning. "She made history come alive," Leanna reminisces. "It wasn't boring at all. You could feel her passion, and she knew everything so well." This experience left a lasting impression on Leanna, shaping her desire to create a similar learning environment for her own students.
Leanna's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Looking back, she acknowledges the importance of thorough planning. "I wish I knew it would be so difficult," Leanna admits. However, the rewards far outweigh the struggles. With Classcard by her side, Leanna can focus on what truly matters: nurturing students' curiosity and connecting them with the beauty and richness of different cultures.