“I want to reach out to innumerable children in my lifespan”

Dr Anshu Arora was recently awarded ‘CBSE Teachers Awards 2017-18’ for her valuable contribution in the field of education. She has over 24 years of teaching and administrative experience and is a recipient of several awards like ‘Jewel of India’ Award, ‘Limca Book’ recognition, ‘Best Principal’, ‘Best Guru’, and winner at the ‘Cyber-Fair.’ She has also authored three books. Speaking with The Peeper Times, Dr Arora credited her students for keeping her motivated.

How would you describe yourself?

My profile lists me as an administrator, educator, writer and speaker but I feel that I am and will always remain a learner.

Quote that inspires you?

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both…
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

– From Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken

 What prompted you to become a teacher?

The passion for teaching is something that, I think, I have subconsciously inherited from my father who was a renowned professor. But I realised it only after I had my babies. Life was beautiful with my husband and kids surrounding me. I enjoyed every bit of motherhood, but then questions from nowhere puzzled me day and night – questions that challenged my identity. I soon found my answer when DAV Public School offered me a job of a Computer Science teacher.

Tell us about your journey as a teacher?

My decision to teach brought a lot of challenges on the professional front, being untrained and ill-equipped topped the list. So, I decided to join some courses. I evolved with every new learning and subconsciously took up more and more responsibilities. From DAV Public School, I moved to Ryan International School where I was promoted as the head of the department and later as the senior supervisor. This was followed by an offer to head Bal Bharti School. I realised that if I wanted to do more for children, I need to equip myself further. So, I became a master trainer with CBSE for conduct of workshops for teachers and principals. I was lauded as the Indian representative at the BETT Asia leadership summit. This was followed by a PhD research in ‘media habits of school children.’ I also authored three books – Comptitude (a computer book series for classes I-VIII), and two fictions, ‘The School Tales’ and ‘Say Bye to Goodbye.’ Just when I felt settled, an opportunity in the form of Amity International School came knocking on my door.

What next?

A shriveled and bent tree that is full of fruits and flowers has a deep desire for all its parts to be used for humanity at large. I also wish for the same and want to reach out to innumerable children in my lifespan.

Do you feel strongly about something? Have a story to share? Write to us at info@thepeepertimes.com or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter