Reaping sweet rewards, Doing what I love

Last year, I made the decision to leave my job in pursuit of a path that aligned with my deep passion for nature. I began exploring opportunities that would allow me to engage meaningfully with my interests, and that’s when I came across the TFN Fellowship Program. As I read through the brochure, I felt an immediate connection—it seemed like exactly what I had been searching for. I was overjoyed when I was selected for the fellowship, knowing it would foster personal growth, continuous learning, a deeper connection with nature, and the chance to work with children.

The 10-week orientation has been a transformative chapter in my life. Reflecting on it, I know this period will remain one of the most memorable in my journey. The sessions on topics such as multiple intelligences, personal strengths, and holistic learning—including intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects—have greatly expanded my understanding of both learning and facilitation. They not only enhanced my comprehension of children's needs but also helped me understand myself and my son better. My perspective has evolved significantly. The sessions on water with Biomes, waste management with SWMRT, and food with Anuradha deepened my understanding of these issues and emphasized the importance of introducing them to children.

The theatre workshop with Murthuza was especially transformative for me. I’ve never been particularly comfortable with physical expression, but his session helped me overcome that barrier, allowing me to become more expressive. I’ve noticed a marked improvement in how I engage with my students in the classroom. I now move with greater confidence and have discovered a newfound enthusiasm for storytelling.

One of the most impactful experiences during the orientation was the visit to HadoSiddapura Lake and the segregation centre at HSR Layout. This visit left a profound impression on me. Before, I primarily observed nature without much focus on sustainable practices. However, this experience heightened my awareness of the environmental impact of my actions. Since then, I’ve started adopting sustainable practices, such as making bio enzymes and using biodegradable products. I’m gradually integrating these changes into my daily routine and am eager to combine nature connection sessions with lessons on waste management, inspiring my students to consider the sustainability of the natural world.

With a passion for making a meaningful impact on children and promoting positive change in their relationship with nature, I’ve embraced my role as an educator. It has now been a month since I started working in schools, and every day presents new opportunities for growth and learning. Observing and learning from nature on an ongoing basis is deeply enriching. The children’s enthusiasm and curiosity, especially when they share my love for nature and ask thoughtful questions, make this experience incredibly rewarding.

There are, of course, challenges, particularly at working with some school children. However, the warmth and affection from the students—like the countless hugs I received on Teachers Day—are truly heartwarming. Their eagerness for my daily visits and excitement for the lessons deeply inspire and motivate me, filling my heart and pushing me to give even more.

As the Tamil proverb says, “Karumbu Thinna Kooliya?”—"Being paid to eat sugar cane?"—I feel like I’m reaping sweet rewards while doing what I love.

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Shared by Sumeetha, Teach for Nature Fellow, 2024 Batch