Meet our alumni: Ms Taqdees Pathan
Meet Ms Taqdees Pathan, a Class of 1996 alumna of the Diamond Jubilee High School for Girls, Mumbai. Currently a section head at the school, Ms Taqdees reflects on her journey from student to educator.
Growing up in a well-educated and conservative Muslim family, my educational journey began when my parents made the pivotal decision to enrol me in this esteemed school. This choice laid the groundwork for a remarkable voyage through academia and personal development.
Though I excelled academically during my school years, my shyness and introverted personality remained a challenge. My decision to become a teacher allowed me to finally overcome my shyness, eventually evolving into an accomplished educator.
Following the completion of my secondary education, I pursued higher education at the prestigious Sophia College for Women, delving into the realm of science and earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. The decision to pursue teaching came unexpectedly, presenting a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact through nurturing young minds. Equipped with a Bachelor of Education degree from Bombay Teachers’ Training College, I joined my alma mater as a teacher.
Immediately, my role as a teacher allowed me to connect with students. Over time, I embraced the diverse opportunities provided by the school, including workshops, training sessions, mentorship programmes and hosting events and competitions. These experiences shaped my teaching philosophy and honed my ability to express my thoughts more effectively.
My commitment to education, dedication to excellence and leadership qualities did not go unnoticed by school administrators. Recognising my contributions, I was promoted to section head. Today, I am responsible for a team of teachers and students and ensuring the smooth functioning of academics.
Collaborating with my former teachers Ms Janhavi Karambelkar, Ms Sushma Sharma, Ms Nishat Ansari, Ms Nilofer Rajwani, Ms Shirin Muchhala, Ms Zeena Rodrigues and our former teacher and principal, Ms Vardah Roghay, offered a unique perspective. Their mentorship and insights provided invaluable guidance as I transitioned from their student to their colleague. Their constructive criticism and unwavering support inspired me to give my best to our students.
The pandemic provided me with new opportunities to utilise my technological expertise. Leveraging these skills, I facilitated online learning, not only conducting my own classes effectively but also mentoring fellow teachers in adopting digital teaching methods. This allowed me to explore new educational avenues and make a positive impact during challenging times.
Throughout my 18-year journey as an educator, I have been honoured with the “Loyalty Award” and the “Certificate of Excellence” from the school. Additionally, I have received the “Exemplary Contribution” award from Edunext Technologies in the category of “Most Innovative IT Teacher”.
From a reserved student to a confident section head, my journey is a testament to my perseverance, passion and dedication and the support I received from the Diamond Jubilee High School for Girls, Mumbai. My commitment to education remains steadfast as I continue to strive for excellence and inspire others to follow a path of growth and achievement.
Check out more of our alumni stories here.
