What has kept me passionate over the years is the opportunity to positively influence young minds. Growing
up, I naturally became a role model for my younger cousins, and seeing them learn from me and develop into
confident individuals made me realise the impact a teacher can have. I wanted to extend that influence beyond
my family and inspire many more students to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and become
compassionate, responsible individuals. I truly believe in the idea of "making the world a better place," and
education is one of the most powerful ways to achieve that.
What do you enjoy most about working with high school students, and what makes this age group
unique?
Adolescence is one of the most transformative phases of life. Research shows that teenagers experience rapid
physical, emotional, and psychological changes, making it a period when they need understanding, patience,
and guidance more than ever.
What I enjoy most about teaching high school students is building meaningful relationships with them. I
believe in leading with kindness rather than authority. I don't believe that shouting is an effective way to
manage a classroom. Instead, I strive to earn my students' respect by listening to them, understanding their
perspectives, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where they feel heard.
Teenagers can sometimes appear rebellious, but often they are simply trying to navigate a confusing phase of
life. As educators, it is our responsibility to guide them with empathy rather than react with frustration.
Watching them mature, gain confidence, and discover their potential makes teaching this age group incredibly
rewarding.
How do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) will change the way students learn, and what advice would you give
students about using AI responsibly?
Artificial Intelligence has already begun transforming education, and I believe its influence will continue to
grow. While AI offers incredible opportunities for learning, I have also observed students relying on it to
complete assignments and projects without truly understanding the concepts. This defeats the very purpose
of education.
I encourage students to view AI as a learning companion rather than a shortcut. It can be used to simplify
complex topics, generate ideas, explore multiple perspectives, and guide them toward reliable research papers
and academic resources. However, critical thinking, creativity, and originality should always remain at the
heart of learning. AI should support their learning journey—not replace it.
What is one habit or skill that you believe every student should develop to be successful in school and beyond?
If I had to choose one skill, it would be confidence.
Confidence empowers students to embrace challenges, learn from failures, communicate effectively, and step
outside their comfort zones. Life will always present obstacles, but a confident individual approaches them
with resilience and determination. I believe confidence, when combined with humility and continuous
learning, becomes one of the greatest strengths a student can possess.
What is the biggest challenge facing students today, and how can they overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges students face today is excessive exposure to social media and instant
gratification. Constant access to digital content has shortened attention spans and, in some cases, exposed
children to unhealthy influences such as substance abuse, unrealistic lifestyles, and unhealthy comparisons at
a very young age.
I believe the solution lies in creating meaningful alternatives. Encouraging students to participate in sports,
yoga, music, art, reading, volunteering, and other physical and creative activities helps them develop
discipline, resilience, and genuine happiness. These healthy experiences provide long-term fulfilment instead
of the temporary satisfaction that comes from what is often called "cheap dopamine."