What’s your name?
How many years did you attend ISHR?
9 years
What year did you graduate?
2022
What are you up to now?
Hello ISHR community! I’m currently doing a volunteer year abroad in India at a women and children’s welfare organisation called Nari-O-Sishu Kalyan Kendra (NOSKK). Here, we work towards supporting and empowering oppressed and disadvantaged women, youth and children. We do this by providing educational programmes, workshops, counselling, legal aid and skill training about topics such as hygiene, human rights, domestic violence, employment, life skills and more. My main responsibility is teaching English to age groups ranging from kindergarten to college students. I’m also able to take part in the counselling of domestic violence victims and help organise workshops and rallies to raise awareness about important issues vulnerable groups are currently facing. Furthermore, I have the opportunity to give my creative input and ideas to assist with the development of future projects and the organisation itself. If you are interested in learning more about our cause, the steps we are taking to improve the livelihood and education of women and children, and how you can help as well, please read the attached info leaflet. Your time and support is highly appreciated!
What was your favorite subject at ISHR?
Psychology and English
In what ways do you feel ISHR prepared you for what came next?
I think ISHR has prepared me in many ways for the next chapter in my life. Since I’m currently teaching students of all ages, I find myself reflecting on my own experiences in class as a student. When I plan my English classes, I think back to the creative lessons, interactive teaching methods and my connections to my teachers at ISHR. I have taken a lot of inspiration from teachers that have supported me throughout my student life and try to model this behaviour with my own students.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in adapting to life after ISHR?
I think the biggest challenge I faced after graduating from ISHR, was to find and adjust myself to a new routine. Like any student, I spent most of the last 12 years in school, so it felt unnatural to not have to go to school five times a week anymore. Therefore, when I finished my IB exams, I felt a bit lost and confused on what step to take next in my life. Since I love having a routine, it was important for me to find new direction in my life whether it be studying at university or doing a volunteer year abroad.
What advice would you give to current students or your former self?
In my opinion, the most beneficial piece of advice you can receive as a student, is to not put too much pressure on yourself about what will come after graduating. During grade 10 and the diploma programme I constantly worried about what would come next and I desperately wanted to have everything figured out. I would compare my lack of future plans with people who had their entire life planned out since fifth grade. However, I learned that once I stopped comparing myself to my classmate’s career plans, my own ideas started to flourish and this is how I came to where I am now. Learning to accept that everyone will have unique paths after high school, helped me find my own.
What’s your favorite memory from your time at ISHR?
One of my favourite memories at ISHR would have to be during our fifth grade field trip, where we had to cross a stream through stepping stones over the water. As we were making our way across the stream we heard a splash: Mr. Pearson had fallen into the water along with his clothes, towels and belongings.
