Teaching and Education

Both teaching and learning have been a huge passion of mine for the past few years, and I am so proud to have extended it to several parts of my life. To begin,  I started volunteering at Kumon, helping young students grow in their confidence and skills. What started as a simple volunteer role quickly turned into something much deeper—I discovered how much I loved helping others learn. Since then, I’ve followed that passion across the world, teaching at a local school in India, leading my school’s peer tutoring program, and volunteering as a teaching assistant at elementary schools here in Washington. Every step has deepened my belief in the power of education and the joy of sharing knowledge.

The village and local school I taught at in Solan, Chewa

Teaching in Chewa

DAY 1: Chewa Village Adventure: A Day of Discovery and Tomato Harvesting

As I arrived in Chewa village, nestled in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking landscape. The village embodied the quintessential rural Indian experience - a picturesque setting with clean streets and colorful houses painted in soft hues.

Fields filled with tomatoes in Chewa

Tomato Harvest and Village Life

The day began with an exciting tomato-picking expedition at Yashpal's family farm. Walking through towering tomato fields that rose above my head, I experienced the authentic rhythm of rural life. The organic farmland was a testament to the village's agricultural heritage, where families grow and consume their own produce.

The Harvest Experience

·        I used two different baskets for collecting tomatoes --> one was carried by hand, the other carried on the back

·        Picked ripe red and orange tomatoes; the green were not to be harvested yet

·        Witnessed an impressive harvest of around 300 tomatoes

·        Enjoyed the incredibly fresh air and organic environment

Exploring the Local School

The highlight of my journey was visiting G.S.S.S. Chewa, a charming bright yellow school with blue window trimmings. The school, situated near a beautiful village temple and pond, represented the heart of the community.

Village Surroundings

·        Observed a family of wild chickens

·        Encountered curious monkeys in the nearby forest

·        Explored paths circling the hillside

·        Witnessed the remnants of an old camp site

Reflections

Despite seeing some areas affected by forest fires, the village's spirit remained unbroken. The lush green hills, abundant crops, and warm community atmosphere made this experience unforgettable. Chewa village offered a glimpse into the slow-paced, nature-connected lifestyle that defines rural India. The day was a beautiful reminder of the simple yet rich life in Indian villages - where community, agriculture, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly.

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DAY 2: A Day of Teaching at Chewa School: Bridging Educational Gaps in Rural India.

Today marked an exciting milestone in my journey as I taught at the Chewa school in rural India. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, offering a unique glimpse into the realities of education in rural areas.

Preparing for the Lessons

The day began with early preparations, including a hearty breakfast of paranthas and a final review of my math and history lessons with my mother. Despite her initial concerns, she was impressed with the content I had prepared.

Arrival at the School

We arrived at the school at 10:25 for my 11:00 lessons. The principal warmly welcomed us, even taking a picture with me and expressing her appreciation for my passion for teaching. While waiting in her office, I noticed a calendar of school events, reflecting the staff's dedication to providing engaging experiences for students despite budget constraints.

Teaching Experience

My first lesson was a history lecture for grades 11 and 12, along with trainee teachers. I focused on projecting my voice clearly and using my presentation slides effectively. While some students appeared less engaged, others showed genuine fascination. The math lesson for grades 9 and 10 proved even more enjoyable. Despite the language barrier, students demonstrated a good understanding of the English problems, though they struggled with computation and translating real-world scenarios into mathematical operations. By offering hints and encouragement, I saw their confidence and eagerness to participate grow.

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Reflections on Rural Education

This experience highlighted several challenges faced by rural schools in India:

1.      Language barriers: While students understood English, there was a need for translation, indicating potential difficulties in accessing educational resources.

2.      Technology integration: The use of presentation slides was effective, but the need to transfer them to a USB drive suggests limited technological resources.

3.      Student engagement: The varying levels of student interest underscored the importance of interactive and culturally relevant teaching methods.

4.      Teacher training: The presence of trainee teachers at my history lecture indicates ongoing efforts to address the shortage of qualified educators in rural areas.

Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm of some students and the dedication of the school staff were inspiring. The computer teacher's translation assistance and the principal's support demonstrated the collaborative effort to provide quality education.

Giving a math lesson to grades 9 and 10!

Cultural Immersion

After the teaching sessions, I had the unique opportunity to milk a cow at Yashpal's family home. While challenging and somewhat unpleasant, this experience provided valuable insight into rural life and agriculture, complementing my educational journey.This day of teaching in Chewa village was a profound experience, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in rural Indian education. It reinforced the importance of passionate educators and innovative teaching methods in bridging educational gaps and inspiring students in rural communities

DAY 3: A Celebration of Community and Education in Chewa Village

The day was filled with joy and cultural pride as the village came together for a special event celebrating education and community spirit. The ceremony was a vibrant display of local traditions and educational achievements.

Highlights of the Day

Community Gathering

·        V nana was the special guest of honor

·        Villagers from across the area attended the ceremony

·        Strong sense of community was evident throughout the event

Cultural Performance: Yashpal's nieces performed a traditional Himachali dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Their enthusiasm and pride in representing their local culture was truly inspiring.

Me and a group of Chewa students at Dahm!

Recognition and Appreciation

A significant moment came when I was presented with a trophy, which deeply touched me. This recognition made me realize the impact of my efforts and the appreciation of the local community.

Feeding the Children

The event included a meal for the school children, which aligns with India's Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM). This program is crucial in rural education, providing:

·        Nutritional support for students

·        Increased school enrollment

·        Social protection for children

Handing out plates during Dham