In this episode of Caller ID, Brandon Davis Wells talks with Dr. Mohsine Bensaid—Ashland University assistant professor and TESOL program director—about identity beyond the usual “what do you do?” question. Bensaid shares how growing up in Morocco, dreaming of pro soccer, and discovering English through an influential teacher shaped his path into language, education, and intercultural exchange. He recounts navigating rigid schooling, pursuing English linguistics and literature, and seizing opportunities that eventually brought him to the U.S., where he experienced higher education as a global “melting pot.” They discuss why language learning and intercultural understanding matter, the value of exploring in college, and how his Islamic faith frames work as worship rooted in integrity and service. The core takeaway: your job shouldn’t carry the full weight of your worth—balance means not losing yourself in any one role.

00:00 Burnout And Balance
00:24 Meet Dr Bensaid
01:00 Beyond What You Do
02:05 Soccer And Family Joy
03:16 Injury Ends The Dream
03:49 Morocco School Choices
05:03 Finding English Passion
09:46 University Culture Shock
12:26 Chasing Exchange Opportunities
15:18 Fulbright And The US Leap
17:39 Higher Ed Melting Pot
19:44 Making Intercultural Priority
20:20 Small Town Initiative
20:54 Why Languages Matter
22:17 Morocco vs US Schools
23:37 Back Home Teaching
26:28 Returning to Ashland
28:20 Networking Lands ACCESS
30:21 Exploring Careers
33:46 Faith and Work
36:43 Final Career Wisdom
39:34 Closing Thanks

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New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.