“For me, teaching isn’t just about academics-it’s about helping young minds grow, question, and believe in themselves. It’s about showing them that they have the power to create a better future.

I grew up in a family where education was everything. When I lost my father at 11, it turned our lives upside down. But my mother made sure my sister and I never gave up on our studies. She would always say, ‘Education is the one thing no one can take away from you.’ Those words have stayed with me all my life.

Over the years, I worked in different fields and even explored opportunities abroad. But nothing gave me the sense of purpose that volunteering did. Joining Teach for Change was the turning point. Teaching English in government schools became more than just a way to give back-it became a way to connect with children and make a difference in their lives.

The joy of seeing a student speak confidently in English or perform on stage is something I can’t put into words. Of course, it wasn’t always easy. Convincing government teachers to accept a volunteer like me took time, but persistence worked.

Now, as I think about my goals for 2025, my dream is to see government schools transformed into places where every child has what they need to succeed. Qualified teachers, better infrastructure, and an updated curriculum are all crucial. I hope to inspire others in the community to step forward and contribute to this change.

In my five years of volunteering, I’ve been recognized as Volunteer of the Year twice, but the real reward has been watching these children grow. Their success keeps me going.

Outside teaching, I also work with the Hyderabad Blood Donor Association. Helping others has always been at the heart of what I do.

Looking ahead, I want to continue improving literacy in government schools and inspiring students to dream big. Teaching will always be more than a job for me-it’s my way of giving back and building a better tomorrow.”