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What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are the biggest
day-to-day challenges?
Everything! Being in a class with so many children from diff erent backgrounds
and having the opportunity to interact with such cute and funny personalities.
Also, collaborating with other talented, dedicated and caring teachers makes
for a great work environment.
As for challenges, managing a room full of young children can be
enjoyable, but it can also be hard and can drain a lot of your energy. The day-
to-day challenges I face are usually from dealing with diffi cult behaviours
from moody children. It is so important to keep your class functioning
smoothly throughout the day even when you have to give extra attention to
some children in need.

Do you see yourself as a career-orientated person?
Yes, always. I love my work. I love having a stable routine and the feeling of
coming home satisfi ed and happy. Sometimes during long summer holidays I
actually miss school and my students. I just miss being in a fun and energetic
environment. The early childhood mind is so fascinating and I’m truly glad I
have been given this teaching opportunity.

PRERNA KAUR
Part time teacher at Helen Doron Learning Centre

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I didn’t actually decide to go into teaching. Teaching happened to me by chance.
I initially wanted to become a jewellery designer, which is what I studied in
Australia. To further broaden my knowledge, I had taken up gemology and
jewellery design at GIA, Thailand. While doing the design course, my instructor
mentioned a job opening at GIA, which piqued by interest, as I had just gotten
married and wasn’t ready to start my own business. All worked out well and I
got the job. That was when I realised how much I enjoyed teaching and decided
to do my Master’s in education at SUNY (State University of New York) a couple
of years later.
What is a typical week like for you?
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I work a full-day with a two-hour lunch
break in between, where I usually eat, nap, run errands or be with my children
during their school break. The other two week days, I only work from 3 to 4pm
teaching English after school. On Saturday mornings, I teach at Helen Doron.
Basically, I have a lot of time on my hands as a part-time teacher and I love it.

What future goals do you hope to achieve?
I would someday like to have my own school with a training centre for all
teachers, regardless of race and colour.

Why do you think most Thai Indians pursue this career path?
The money? Haha, just kidding! On a serious note, I think it is because they are
capable of doing it well and also because of the benefi ts of the working hours.

Why do you think this career fi eld has gained so much popularity among
your group of friends?
I think it’s the word of mouth and demand for the position that has made this
job such a popular one amongst us.

What do you love most about
your work?
I love the fact that when I’m
“I think [most Thai- teaching I feel like I’m in a
diff erent place away from the
Indians choose this stresses of the real world. My job
is my therapy, as my students are
job] because they are wonderful and they just always
capable of doing it make me feel so happy and valued.
well and also because Do you see yourself as a career-

of the benefi ts of the orientated person?
Yes, I do see myself as a career-
working hours.” oriented person. Having a career is
something I am doing for myself
and I take pride in it.

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