TEACHER FEATURE

What brought you to WYWLA? 

My husband and I moved to Raleigh in August and I was looking for a job here. Once I found WYWLA, I loved the fact that there was such a strong focus on empowering women to be leaders. I also love the emphasis on serving the community! 

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

I love the environment and culture here! I have really enjoyed getting to know the staff and students so far. I have also felt very supported in my time here!  

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

I think my biggest piece of advice is to be kind- To others and to yourself:) 

Where did you grow up?  What were you like as a kid? A young student? Favorite subject growing up?  Hobbies?

I was born and grew up in Chennai, India. As a kid, I always had way too much energy and enjoyed causing chaos with my sisters! I was always surrounded by family and community so I had a fun childhood. I ran track all through school and my favorite subjects were history and science! 

What is one fun fact about you?  

One fun fact about me is that I am bi-dialectal/ bi-accented! Also, my favorite movie is Chicken Little!

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I graduated from a tiny college in Arkansas called John Brown University. I majored in Psychology and Family and Human Services with an emphasis in Counseling and Child and Adolescent Development. 

How long have you been in education?  Where did you work prior to WYWLA?

This is my first year working in a school setting! I graduated in May, but worked as an archivist and in retail while I was in school! 

What music do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home?  What type of music do you listen to/prefer?  Favorite artists/ bands?  Favorite songs?

I tend to listen to more podcasts on my drive to work. My current favorite is Crying In My Car: A Podcast for Teachers (even though I’m not a teacher haha). Music wise, I love jazz and artists like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. I also like 70’s and 80’s rock and Indie music! Some of my favorite artists are Fleetwood Mac, Her’s, Daniel Caesar and Vampire Weekend. 

Are you a cold weather person or a warm weather one? What is your dream vacation?

I am definitely a warm weather person! My dream vacation would be going to Greece or Thailand.