Teesha Nanthini Sukumaran has bagged Youth Excellence Award

Teesha Nanthini Sukumaran has bagged Youth Excellence Award

• September 22, 2021

Teesha Nanthini – Portfolio 

First of all, I am delighted to receive the award "Youth Excellence Award" under the category of Women Inspiration Awards from Women Icon of the Year powered by Times Women. This award is a motivational sense for the dream to come true and, obviously, all the activities of my future. By achieving such awards, to bring dreams to reality and prosperity in all efforts, more steps will be taken with dedication and concentrated intentions. I strongly believe that the deeds of my future are only good and efficient. I will ensure that this award is just the beginning and over time, there are so many awards in my way. This courage and self-confidence came from the belief that everyone has in me, particularly my beloved parents, Mr & Mrs. Sukumaran Renganayaky, and my dearest guru, Ms. Nalini Rathakris for the inspiration and faith.

The English language has always been central to my interests throughout my life, both in education institutes and in my hobbies. I have always felt inspired by my English studies, from primary level to tertiary level. I have developed a great interest in analysing language, meaning, and structure everywhere, from the language in music and film to its usage in daily life. This interest has been magnified to higher levels through my Foundation in Teaching English as Second Language (TESL) followed by Bachelors of Arts in TESL at HELP University, thus leading to my decision to take the next step to pursue a Master's Degree in Education at the University of Malaya. 

I've always been interested in the vast possibilities that can be explored through the creative use of the English language, and I firmly believe that my choice to pursue the teaching profession has been consistently central to my personality. My first engagement with students was upon the completion of my secondary level education, in which I began conducting private English classes. 

I have had the experience of using my enjoyment of English in various teaching environments such as direct instruction and online learning by reading, writing, and speaking with students from various age groups and proficiency levels as a mentor to develop their understanding of English. I truly enjoy the experience as it allows me to present my passion for not only the English language but also for teaching, helping me learn how to adapt my language and later teach others, that gives me great joy watching their confidence and language skills develop. I have previously participated as a volunteer English teacher for Jinjang Utara LongHouse Literacy and Numeracy Project initiated for the underprivileged children and youth, and later secured a teaching position at a private institute, ANT Education upon the completion of my practicum at Maz International School. 

In the present, while continuing my Masters, I am currently a part-timer at Edugate Language Academy, tutoring for a variety of courses such as Primary, Secondary, General, Adult English, Business Writing, English for Communication, and so on. I am always amazed by the things my students do and say, and the enjoyment I experience when I am with them. Helping to positively influence lives and helping them to mature is extremely gratifying. I especially like structuring lesson plans, modelling positive attitudes, and differentiating teaching methods for my students. 

I am confident in my English abilities as an educator as well as in the consumption and application of my knowledge as a Master student, hence I am constantly engaging in the learning of new things, and it is this willingness and enthusiasm to learn that I believe will benefit me greatly in my profession. I am dedicated to fulfilling my goals and anticipate achieving all that is necessary to become an efficient and productive teacher. 

My interest in dance started at the age of 5 years old when I enrolled for Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam. It fascinates me in the way we can move without speaking with just the emotion on one's face and the movement created to show such feeling. My passion lies in dance, in which I have invested most of my time. My passion for dance grew when I joined Sri Rathakrishanan Music & Arts Centre. Attending dance classes, taking part in the workshops and intensive training as well as performing on various stages created a sense of belonging and responsibility not only towards this dance academy but also to the art form in general. In addition to this, I have a broad dance background as I have been dancing since young at Sri Rathakrishanan Music & Arts Centre, which I still currently do. Over the years that I have been dancing under the tutelage of a well-experienced teacher, I have competed in several competitions and attended various camps where I have gained many essential technical and performance skills, knowledge, and experiences. My personal and professional skills were also developed upon taking on additional responsibilities and roles as a member of the dance academy. I was also promoted as a certified trainer at the dance academy upon the completion of several courses and examinations. To date, as a trainer, I work alongside the principal to train young talents for various dance events. Such an opportunity helps me reflect on my current abilities and work on my strengths and weaknesses. Despite being a trainer, I humble myself to correct and improve my methods and approach, and also do the needful to be more efficient at work.

 Having worked as a secretary and an administrator for numerous dance projects, allowed me to broaden my ability in other skills such as leadership, interpersonal, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, administration, just to name a few. I have had experiences performing at local and abroad stages that built my commitment to the dance academy and my confidence level as a dancer. Recently, I have been elected as the manager of the dance academy. In this capacity, I am required to constantly liaise with the principal and members of the academy, oversee the progress and wellbeing of the students, manage paperwork, administer new enrolment, and so forth. I believe I was chosen for this position for my consistent effort in showing my dedication and interest in the development of the dance academy. In recognition of my efforts, I have received prestigious awards such as 'Authorised SRFA Trainer' (2016), 'Excellence in Leadership (2016), 'Exemplary Commitment & Service' (2019), and 'Most Supportive Student' (2019). 

Given the vast experiences I gained at the dance academy, I was able to pull off well as the 'Events Director of HELP University TESL Student Council' in 2016, 'President of HELP University TESL Student Council' (2017), and 'Communication Director of HELP Indian Club Society' in 2017 during my undergraduate days. These experiences further enhanced my qualities as a leader and team player and a good listener. This proves that through my interest in enhancing my academic qualification, developing my teaching profession, being committed as a dancer and a dedicated member of the dance academy as well as contributing to the community and social services, I can positively influence more lives, particularly the younger generation and help make the community a better place. 

Besides, I have secured a position as an assistant secretary at a non-profit organisation, Pertubuhan Kesenian & Kebudayaan SRFA, in which I have participated in volunteer work and social services to cater to the local community. I work with a team of aspiring and determined young adolescents and adults. The founder's noble motive has opened up my eyes to the social and community sector, working to help provide practical support to help people and their families manage their day-to-day lives better. Such volunteer work has significantly improved my initiative, my patience, and my communication skills. Whilst working on recently completed social projects such as 'Merdeka Campaign' and 1-Day Animal Donation Drive and an environmental project, 'Voice of Earth', I have found my values and also learned to respect other's needs, wants, and beliefs. I realise how becoming a social worker can change not only my life but many others for the better. One of my responsibilities as a member of the community entails being a role model for the younger generation, showing love and care for the needy as well as becoming a great achiever and a noble person in the community. 

As an individual, I am an outgoing and motivated person, and I see this as a great quality to bring to my profession, passion, and social work. I have always grown up in the frame of mind that if I never try then I might never know what I am missing, thus I strive to be the best I can and I believe that hard work will pay off. Through my involvement in various fields, I have learned time management skills, thus I can hand in a high standard of work within the deadline and balance out my part-time study and teaching as well as keeping a steady study and work pattern going. I am finding my current endeavours very interesting and I am enjoying my experiences, hence I cannot wait to obtain all the skills and qualifications I need to attain my aspirations. I am a motivated person who is hardworking and committed to finishing anything I begin, for I don't give up easily and my determination and commitment are the strong qualities that will help me push myself to reach my life and career goals.