What is it really like turning 18.

I was 18 many moons ago. But this is not my reflection of life 23 years ago.

While 13 January happens to be my birthday; my birthday as a teacher, coincidentally falls a day prior. 

On a crisp January morning I had joined Kasturba Medical College International Center and began a journey that I have thoroughly cherished until now. I wrote a post in 2019 on completing a decade as a teacher (https://sambitspeak.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-decade-in-teaching-reflection.html) and ended it with "Next update could be at least 5 years down the line." But as you can see, it has taken couple of years more to pen this.

Stepping into the 18th year of teaching, becoming an adult in experience, what do I think?

I have had the unique opportunity to teach various programs.

I started with KMC-IC which was a USMLE based program with American Indians as the student cohort. I taught for 4 years in that program. After that I moved into Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC), with Malaysian (and later few Sri Lankans) MBBS students. I was posted to KMC Manipal for 6 months and taught the Indian MBBS program. During the MMMC stint I taught the Allied Health Science courses which had Indian students. Later, after MMMC was turned into Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) and moved to Melaka, I taught the BDS program at Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS, Manipal) along with Manipal College of Nursing (MCON). Along with these I have also briefly taught biochemistry to Dietetics students of our hotel management school (WGSHA), Biotechnology students of our Life Sciences school (MSLS), pharmacy students of Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS). And then a few more... I moved to Melaka, Malaysia last year and currently teach MBBS & BDS programs at MUCM.

Change & Constant

Being a Millenial, I have seen that transition from chalk-&-talk to OHPs (people of a vintage will know) to PPTs to GPTs. I have also now seen students of two different generations (in policy we consider a minimum of 15 years as a generation). 

Having always been close to the student population, as I reflect on the change (and reams have been written about it) that is undergoing, I feel a lot remains the same. 

Technology might have advanced, the maturity levels of young adults might have advanced, the approach and interactions with teachers might have changed, but what essentially makes a students remain similar.

A class will always be filled with motivated and not-so-motivated students, a class will have chaos, a class will have overtly active students and massively passive students. The struggle for exams, the need for fun, the vagaries of late teen years, the experimentation with authority all remain similar through the years.

And therefore at the core of what remains as a function of a teacher is to care.

The care to go well-prepared into the class. The care to give hundred percent in the class and outside of it. The care to read the room. The care to correct where necessary. The care to lend a hand of help when needed. The care to go out of the way to understand. The care to chastise when appropriate. The care to stand up for students. The care to stay extra hours to explain a concept. The care to be passionate about the job. The care...

As famously our great teacher Dr Ramnarayan used to say of students, "They do not care how much you know, till they know how much you care".

I have come to understand that it is equally important to know too, for from that knowledge flows other things, but care should be at the heart of things.

And this concept of care is not at loggerheads with modern concepts of student care. In fact and contrary to the movement that is happening in that direction, teachers should be at the heart of student care, complemented or supported by trained non-teaching professionals. The needle has moved a lot on that front, but with experience I can say, higher education institutes must re-evaluate those priorities.

Personal Philosophy/Education Philosophy

It is said that one of the few most important things one must do when one teaches adult students is to understand oneself first. Our personal philosophies guiding our education philosophy matters a lot.

While a standardized approach is seen in higher education, what our core values are as teachers remain. That is why we see some lamenting that students must be sincere self learners, some believing that students will always not be interested and is fine if they scrape through, some believe that sage-on-the-stage is the best 

While we do not think about it overtly, it is sometimes good to reflect on what drives us internally. There are many resources and very simple ones at that, that might take a minute or two. Examples include Philosophies Held by Instructors of Lifelong-learner (PHIL), https://www.dovepress.com/teaching-philosophy-in-a-teaching-portfolio-domain-knowledge-and-guida-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-AMEP, etc. 

Our education philosophies also change with the passing of time. As I have written in my decade long journey essay, I was an "angry young man" when I started teaching. Growing up on being stickler for rules and discipline made me so, but now, on turning 18, I have changed that since many years. That has again come from a change in philosophy essentially.

It is not appropriate to call it mellowing down with age (not that I feel old or something). It is rather understanding that a classroom environment can be many things on many days and perhaps from this ability to have the focus of the class and having fun in the class, that does not necessitate being angry.

A lot of focus over the years has been around involving the students, more project based teaching, etc, but I feel it is important to know your audience. And which a lot of higher education centers are misreading. A MBBS student from US who joins medical school at the age of 30 cannot be compared to a 18 year old from India. The motivation level will be different, the ability to grasp concepts will be different, the approach, the knowing self will be different. And this I am just talking about MBBS students. Change the discipline and the story changes.

Therefore the teaching philosophy must factor in all variables. In being a service provider, a teacher, can only provide good service if she is aware and at peace with her core philosophies.

Be more to preach

We teachers are preachers. 

Not the charlatan kinds (well there are many but let's not talk about them).

When we come from a genuine place, we always want our students to do well. We want them not to do well just academically. 

In early years of teaching we are made to believe or understand that the true reflection of a teacher is how the students perform. The grade inflation issue that plagues higher education (primary too) comes from this place. Higher grades because of more objective than subjective, more continuous than summative assessment, is fine. But the massive inflation is not fine. It stems from the "jo dihkta hai wahi bikta hai/ what can be measured can only be improved" type of philosophy. 

I feel and have observed that there is a massive shortfall in skilling for the world because of this shift. Soft skills, non-verbal communication, co-curricular activities have been on a decline owing to various factors, including GenZ things.

Therefore, the only way for us teachers, to emphasize to our students the importance of all this is by doing it. Leading by example is never going to go old and happens to be the sure-shot way to make an impact.

I have always felt that my foray into organizational activities, public speaking, writing, taking student-facing initiatives, have helped me be a better teacher over the years. While it will be a minority of students that will see it and get inspired, I have come to believe it is always like that and it is worth it.

The road ahead

I did not talk about many other things that capture my thought space as a teacher. The exponential increase in research activities, output and expectation. The adapting to GenZ reliance on AI. The changing technology landscape. The psychological shift in youngsters. The commodification and corporatization of higher education. The quality of teachers and quality of students. And so on...

Perhaps I should write more and not just on work anniversary. I strongly believe writing clears the thoughts. Writing, and not academic alone, helps formulates thoughts. 

A teacher has so many things to say. Classroom makes us so.

As I have written earlier, I will state it again that classroom for me is a meditative space. 

So much has happened in life in all these years, and there have been umpteen unkind moments. But once inside a classroom, all outside noise dies for me. I am at complete peace. I am with the class. I am with my students. And that is a litmus test that I enjoy teaching more than ever.

And I am pretty sure I will love to continue be a teacher, continue do things that help students, find ways to make academics enjoyable, bring new technology to the youngsters, help gain more knowledge, all in the hope that they become complete professionals.

It is like these things and more on turning 18...

PS: Just as I was about to enter a class an hour back, a 2nd year MBBS student, who I have not taught came up to me and said she searched through my research work, especially in policy and gender and my newspaper writings and she was so impressed and she wants to come discuss about her work on these domain with UN Sec Gen office. These are the rewards a teacher lives for eventually!

Letter to Aindri on her 11th birthday

Dearest jhia, 

You are 11!

First things first, this is your first birthday outside of India.

Quite unique, isn't it? So yeah, this marks the most important change in the past year.

But rewind to your 10th birthday celebrations. We had it in Valley View (again) and you seemed to quite like that idea.  Mom painstakingly built a "Jasmine" themed cake. Fondant, butter cream, tiered, decoration, etc, the usual routine on 2nd Jan followed (while you went to school). All our friends of Manipal were in attendance. It was a large gathering of about 35 people. By that time, we were also anticipating our movement to Malaysia, so we were also seeing it as a large gathering before we leave. Anyway each of your birthday we have invited all our friends at Manipal and it has always been a lovely time.

A few days after your birthday, we went to Bangalore. Sweden folks had come down and we went to spend some time with them. By that time our final dates to move to Melaka were not final but it was in the offing. We also met Rishu, the cute little boy, during that trip. 

You had your school annual day a few days later. And you had always been very excited for it. This year you got to dance. As usual we were the excited parents coming to school early and taking the best seats. You danced very well and you were so happy that your Vice Principal Ms Jyothi Santhosh appreciated your performance. A few days later we also did a trip with Aadya Shetty and her family and drove to Mudigere and stayed there for a night. I think you enjoyed that trip.

Utsav came of course at the end of March. As usual the grind that had been happening for the last 10 years happened. It was to be my 10th and last as Secretary, CCC. You had been an integral part of all these right since your childhood. I guess one of the highlights was when Dr Ballal announced in the valedictory about my leaving, which stunned you (and a lot of people who did not know until that point)

Tough goodbyes

By now the dates were decided and we started packing and saying good byes to people at Manipal. You were of course not vey happy about it because Manipal was what you had seen and lived all the 10 years of your life. It was extremely tough for me too, to leave the place we had made home. But we did start meeting people, going to their houses, meeting for dinners, etc. We had received so much love and affection from people and it was hard to say bye, but it is important sometimes to move forward and that can involve moving away. Physical distance may increase but the love, the fondness does not change. They change their shapes yes and it can be tough to see that change happening, but it is an important phenomenon in life and one must accept that happily, mindfully, and move on. 

Leaving our home, which we built ourselves, in which we had the best of times was tough. You loved every part of our home, from your 'sundar' bedroom to the floor, to everything. But we were to make a move for something new and possibly better. 

Few weeks before we were to leave, Jema, Jepa, Trisha nani, Hitesh Fufa came over and we had a good time with all of them. We went to Hasta Shilpa village, the boat ride in Swarna river, restaurants, etc. 

Melaka in May

The day finally arrived. Shobha aunty & Ullas mama came home to say bye; your friends Aadya Vemala and Saanvi Bhat dropped as a surprise. It was a very emotional moment. We left from Mangalore to Bangalore and then to Kuala Lumpur and arrived in Melaka on 3rd May, a Saturday. A new place, we were received by former colleagues from Manipal and the sense of familiarity was a relief. Ganesh uncle, Anand uncle, Nagalakshmi aunty, they were all there in the morning.

We settled in in the staff quarters and as soon as Monday, 5th May came, we were filled with another worry - of leaving you alone at home. Something we had never done in all these years. I was suggesting we put cameras to see you, but Mummy said that wouldn't be required, as you were a very responsible girl. The office timings here were 8-5, though we could come home for lunch. That left you alone for a very long time at home. But you did well. Though your screen time increased with watching tab but you did well.

The next concern was school. We went to see a couple of schools though with our prior planning we had decided to send you to Melaka Expatriate School. Thankfully you liked it better than the other schools. However, the session was underway and we planned to send you at that start of the year (September 1 in this case).

This left you with nearly 4 months of being school-less! But it passed and passed well. You have in fact, though reluctantly, read 5-6 books in these months.

We were regularly going for shopping trips on Wednesday and Friday in the college vehicle, a routine you started loving. We explored many things at Melaka starting from Jonkers street, food joints, Mahakota mall, big Aeon, small Aeon, Mixue!, and other new things. You found new love in Kari Maggi, a change from the Indian maggi. You began to like these Sanrio things (rolls eyes) like Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, etc, etc and of course wanted all of them all the time.

New school - new beginnings

School started in September and we were worried how it will be. The curriculum, Cambridge curriculum, is pretty different from CBSE which you were used to. The approach of subjects is different, the books are presented differently and they are really good - as teachers of so many years we could see that. But it was not easy to pick as it demands different approach. 

Your class just had 10 kids, you were the 11th and that is a sea change from how it was in India. You started making new friends, maneuvering the school staircase, the teachers (Mr Morias), lunch time, and other things. It has just been 3 months and the journey has been fine. This December holiday you did say that you were bored and wanted to go to school. You have decided to have lunch provided at school. Which is also a testimony that you have taken to the food here.

Newer things

Among new things in Malaysia, we met Vinod uncle and family a few times in these months, you had a good time with Hari bhaiya. We also went to a Chinese wedding (of our former student Rachel) and it was a unique experience. We reconnected with Mummy's school friend, Anshul mama and their family which includes Snow the most well behaved dog. By the end of November we purchased the new car (you are calling it Aphro) 

The end of the year brought with it a heartbreak with Nani-ma being diagnosed with advanced cancer. You went with Mummy to Calcutta to see her. She is doing well in body and spirit until now but you know how difficult it can get. You were upset but having seen Nanu earlier as a kid, you have a very good understanding of these difficult health conditions, which has been, sadly, part of you since forever. But what is important is that it has not deterred anything. We have been strong and practical and resolute in dealing with these things. It gives you character and a unique strength to deal with things. It also tells you what priorities in life are. We do not know how this year is going to be for Nani but whatever it is we will deal with it and you will always have her love and blessings.

The world that was

The world in the past year was as crazy as it could get. There has been a sense of despondency overall. The Trump administration in America has been in news for all the wrong reason. There is a wave against good scientific temper in America (as well as in India), against immigrants. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza continues, and other small ones have popped up, and they have been normalized. There have only been pockets of uplifting initiatives. You are still studying Roman history and will need some time to understand these things.

Whatever it is, remember, kindness will move the world forward. You must be kind to yourself first, then to everyone around you. There is much value in goodness.

Technological advancements are on a rise. the quest for the space or Mars is continuing. Artificial Intelligence continues to be part of our everyday lives, though many think the bubble might burst soon. Australia banned social media for under 16 year olds, which has been lauded. You were very keen on having a phone for this birthday which was vetoed of course, and for good reason.

So, concluding...

The year 2025 has been a roller coaster. Moving countries is definitely not an usual thing, at least for us, and you did it and did it well. Looking back, you must be commended for your support, even though it was not easy for you. You are adapting to the new school and hope you do it well, sooner than later. You are desperately wanting to be a teen. 

You still love your songs, you have diversified into English and Korean (black pink et. al.,) and your dance (large part of the 4 months at home before school) and those stupid YouTube videos (watching which has drastically reduced) and your Mixue boba tea. And the birthday cake, which Mummy has to make. And which she has, despite not having oven yet. That said, you are a very understanding girl, much mature for your age.

I hope you keep your innocence. I hope you adapt to the world quickly because so many things are suddenly changing. I hope you continue to be the determined (for getting things, read material objects, that you want) girl that you are.

On that note, I love you the most!

Papa.