For this month’s edition, we have Tatongkala Ao, Asst. Professor and HOD of the Department of History who is currently pursuing her Ph.D in Cultural Studies from Tezpur University. She completed her MA from GGSIP University, New Delhi and BA from Jesus and Mary College, DU. Find out more about her inspirations, her philosophy in life and advice she shares with her students…
3T: Hi, thank you for choosing to be this month’s Spotlight. What accomplishments fill you with pride so far this year ?
Tatongkala: The pleasure is mine. Well, I think it’s better that I answer this question in a few months when I will be finally getting my PhD degree.
3T: What/ who inspired you to be a teacher ?
Tatongkala: One person who inspired me to be a teacher is my mom. As a teacher she was strict but very sincere in her work. When I was growing up, I saw many of her students coming back to her and thanking her for not giving up on them and for helping them change their lives. That was amazing and I hope that one day I will be able to have such an impact on my students.
3T: What is the best thing about your job?
Tatongkala: I believe that being a teacher is very rewarding. We are not only sharing our knowledge with the students but every single day we are also making a difference in someone’s life knowingly and unknowingly. And that goes far beyond the knowledge that we impart in the class. Getting to meet the young minds and learning from them; inspiring them and receiving sweet thank you notes from the students are the best things I love about my job.
3T: What made you grow as a person during this lockdown period?
Tatongkala: Keeping a positive attitude has helped me to grow as a person during these difficult times. It has taught me to be more compassionate towards others and not to take our health and time for granted.
3T: What are your opinions about teaching students at this (college) age level ?
Tatongkala: Teaching students at the college level is sometimes very challenging. As teachers we are meeting students who are at a critical point in their life. Every student has different abilities, expectations and experiences. Having to deal with students, I would say that one needs a lot of patience.
3T: Where do you plan to be 5 or 10 years from now?
Tatongkala: Five to ten years from now, I hope to have published a book or two at least. I also would like to see myself teaching in a Central University.
3T: What would your dream vacation be like ?
Tatongkala: My dream vacation is an adventurous one. I would like to have a vacation that includes rock climbing, hiking or trekking. Hiking the Milford track in New Zealand or a trek to Machu Picchu in Peru is definitely a dream vacation.
3T: If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
Tatongkala: If I could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, I would take them to Rome. A city that brims with history, art and architecture and it will be definitely a place worth visiting. And while we are there, we would love to taste and enjoy the food too.
3T: What would the students be surprised to find out about you ?
Tatongkala: There could be many things students will be surprised to find out about me. But one thing people often get surprised about is knowing about my taste in music. Yes! I am a fan of rock music! Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Black Sabbath, AC/DC are some of my all time favourites. And I also suffer from ornithophobia though I am slowly trying to overcome this phobia!
3T: If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share ?
Tatongkala: I do not want to call it wisdom but I would like to share a few words of encouragement with my students. Your college life is going to prepare you for your career and your life. Use this opportunity to explore and find your passion. Learn from your mistakes and remember that no experience in life is wasted.