Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
I would say values based, integrity, and opinionated.
What do you like most about your job?
The people and the students who I have the opportunity to meet from around the world.
Best work trip/Worst work trip?
I think one of the best work trips was going to Vibrant Gujarat in 2013. Mr. Modi was still Chief Minister then, and I had the chance to meet him. I had the opportunity to meet everyone, and since we were among the speakers, we received a police escort all the way from the airport to Gandhinagar. That was a surreal moment. Not necessarily the best work trip, but definitely the most memorable one.
I don’t think I’ve had any really bad trips, but I have encountered things like delays, cancellations, or being on a 12-hour car ride just to get somewhere.
If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?
I think I’d like to learn Korean just so that I could be more influenced by K-pop. And I love Korean culture and Korean food.
What makes you get up in the morning?
I feel a sense of purpose daily.
Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?
See, I’m not starstruck, so I don’t care for celebrities. I’ve taken inspiration mostly from my elementary and high school teachers, I would say.
For whatever reason, they have really inspired me, especially the teachers I had when I moved to Canada, and they took a lot of time and effort with me. So I take a lot of inspiration from what they did and how they guided me, and I like to do the same for others.
Best international ed conference and why
I think with international conferences, it doesn’t matter where they’re held. As long as you meet your partners and you can make meaningful connections, it is a good conference.
Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?
I like the Midweek Roundup by Marty Bennett because it’s easy to listen to and it’s really practical and current, and not theoretical. It’s really like to get you to think about what’s current.
As a book, I like A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini. It’s not about international education but there’s so much empathy in the way it’s written and I think you need that in this space.
