I came. I learned. I taught

From 15 years of age to 35 years, from 2001 to 2020, from Chota Bachha’s to Bada Bachha’s here I present a snapshot of two decades of my teaching Journey. For me, teaching was a choice and not a chance. When I look back at these 20 years, I feel I didn’t choose to teach. It is the teaching that chose me.

So let us recap my teaching milestones. 

In April 2001 after completing my 10th std Board exams at the age of 15 years, I along with two of my school friends Mayuri Utturkar and Mughda Bakre ran a Kids camp for two months in a society complex. What motivated us to do that? Well, I don’t remember very clearly but I guess we wanted to spend time together productively, earn few bucks and utilize our talents in enriching others. We got an amazing response with more than 30 students enrolled in the summer vacation camps. We engaged children aged 5 to 12 years with activities like dancing, drawing, craft, and team-building games. Our parents were so happy to see us doing this. But this was not a life long plan. Just a vacation activity. Then in June 2001, our SSC results were declared and all of our friends fared well. We all chose different streams like Arts, Science, or Commerce. We got busy with our new life. 

But somewhere the allure of college life didn’t excite me. The successful completion of Kids camp evoked the spark of teaching in me. Drawing inspiration from my elder sisters who would take Home Tuitions for school students, I decided to venture into this field wholeheartedly. The joy of teaching, the creative satisfaction, the orator and public speaker in me, the innate desire in me to support my family with extra income and be independent and not rely on my parents for the pocket money were some of the motivating factors to manage the college life and the academic life of my students. 

I was in my 11th std and started taking tuitions for students from 3rd, 4th, and 5th std. So almost 20 years ago, I started officially my teaching career from my home, sweet home with full parental support. Till I was in 12th std I taught students of the above grade.

In my undergraduate years, I got more confidence to teach students of higher classes. So from 2003 onwards, I started teaching students from 6th, 7th, and 8th std. This continued until I completed my graduation. In the five years of my college life, I ensured that I don’t compromise on my grades or results. The only regret I have is that I didn’t enjoy college life and that I spent most of my time teaching and studying for my students or for myself. 

In my third year of graduation, three boys from my college who were my good acquaintances reached out to me and asked me to teach Economics to them. We all were from the same batch and they wanted to learn from me. This was definitely a validation for me that I am on the right path. I prepared detailed notes for them and they would come to my house to take classes from me for Economics. It was a delight to teach my batchmates and even get paid for it too. Their faith and trust in me boosted me so much.

So, in 2006 when I was done with the Bachelor of Commerce course, I thought of securing some industry exposure and so I started my formal employment in an Engineering company in the Administration department. One month into the job and I felt that something was amiss with my life. As they say, Once a teacher, always a teacher. So I started taking Home Tuitions in the early hours of the morning and late evening for students of 11th & 12th Commerce. 

After working for two years in the organization and tasting the corporate world, I decided to quit the business world for good and venture into teaching full time. With no additional qualifications, no guidance, no idea as to how to go about it, I just went with the flow.

In 2008, I saw the TOI Ad of Nayak’s Tutorials Pvt. Ltd, a popular coaching class based in Central Mumbai. I applied and they called me for a demo lecture. I had never given a demo lecture in my life and was so nervous. After two days, I received the call and was asked to report the Corporate office in Mulund. I was given the lectures of subjects like Secretarial Practice and Organization of Commerce to be taught to 11th & 12th std students. Seeing my progress, within 3 months,  I was asked to teach Economics to 11th & 12th std students of different batches and Centre. Our Course in charge Mr. Ritesh Soni gave me so many opportunities to grow at Nayak’s Tutorials. Seeing my performance and progress, he offered me to teach Economics & Management subjects to TY BCOM and CA-CS Foundation Course. I was also asked to teach Economics to the 9th & 10th std for the state board, CBSE, and ICSE. A typical day would be taking lectures for at least 7-8 hours and travel to at least 3-4 branches. My day would start at 6 am and I would return home by 8 pm. One day I would take two lecs in Thane, two in Mulund, two in Kalwa and finish it with Dombivli center. I continued this grind even after my marriage in 2010. Having done this for three years, my teaching skills, crowd control, connect, and love for the professions increased exponentially. But I felt exhausted with excessive travel and a strain to my throat. I started thinking of other options in the teaching world. 

Realizing the importance of higher education, I enrolled for M.Com from the University of Mumbai and completed it in 2011.

My school friends Aditi Korgaonkar and Mayuri Utturkar spoke briefly about an exam that is to be cleared by teachers for UG and PG teaching. It is called a National Eligibility Test and State Eligibility Test. Even before my M.Com was completed I applied and appeared for the exam. With the blessings of the Almighty, I was able to clear it in my first attempt. 

In 2012, I applied to SIES College of Commerce & Economics for the position of Assistant Professor in the Bachelors of Management Studies Course. In 2015, I became the Coordinator and the head of the department. During my tenure at SIES, I ensured I upgrade myself on a regular basis and contribute to the growth of my department and the college. I gave my heart and soul to SIES.

Realizing that I need to study more and get a formal degree, I pursued a Masters in Marketing Management course in 2015. I slogged at work and studied very hard for this course. For three years, I had no weekends. I never missed any lectures. Gave my best in every project or presentation. As a result, I ended up with 1st rank in all the semesters and was recognized with a Gold Medal. Thereafter enrolled for Ph.D. in 2018. 

In April 2020, I resigned from SIES after 8 years of service to pursue better career prospects. My 8 years at SIES made me a better teacher, coordinator, colleague, and leader. I learned, unlearned, and relearned so many things. One step at a time, I worked on myself and the department. When I entered SIES, I cried when I had to make my resume as I didn’t have anything substantial to add. But when I left SIES, my resume was overloaded with medals, awards, degrees, and certifications (This is not an achievement post, for more details check my LinkedIn bio). Research writing, Case writing, book writing, I tried and triumphed in all my academic ventures. In the last 3 years, I got an opportunity to teach UG and PG students from popular colleges in Mumbai.

Most importantly I was loaded with so much love and respect from my students. They are my true wealth. The bonds that I have made at SIES are timeless. For me, it was the end of an era. 

In June 2020, I joined SVKM’s NMIMS Deemed to be University. Very excited and nervous about this new journey. From kids camp and home tuitions in 2001 to coaching classes in 2008 to NMIMS in 2020, it is so humbling to be part of one of the leading institutions of the country. I hope I can contribute meaningfully to my students and the institution.  

This teacher's day I complete 20 years in this profession. I feel so fortunate to be part of this amazing fraternity. The ability to influence positively and shape young minds motivates me to this day. My first teachers' day on 5th September 2001 was amazing and 20 years later on 5th September 2020, this teacher's day is still so special.

Thank you, God, for making me the Teacher I am.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all my students, teachers, and colleagues for bringing out the best in me.