When I joined Teach For India (TFI) in 2011 because of my personal inspiration to serve the nation and do something about one of the most pressing challenges that we are faced with, I didn't know about the leader behind this movement. It was only during our training when I not only got to meet her and learn about her remarkable story, but felt truly passionate about starting this life-long journey as an educational equity spokesperson. Shaheen Mistri, the Founder and CEO of TFI, is truly #madeofgreat and her story is even greater.
Settled abroad, Shaheen came to Mumbai with her family when she was 18 years old and it was then that she decided to stay back in India and lead her life serving a cause that was bigger than herself. She had the courage to give up a life of luxury and comfort, all to see a million Indian children transform their lives by experiencing excellence in education. She founded Akanksha Foundation, an NGO that provided after-school educational support to slum children, which later became a chain of schools for the underprivileged, without any compromise on the quality of education provided. In 2007, Shaheen founded Teach For India, a movement of young leaders working day in and day out towards a common vision- One day, all children in India will receive an excellent education.
What I admire the most about Shaheen is her enormous sense of possibility. Despite all the challenges she has faced, and continues to face, in her professional and personal life, she has never lost hope and the belief in the work that she does. She has a sparkling smile and she smiles very often. Her positive aura is so palpable; you notice her presence the moment she walks into a room. She is also very reflective and has internalized the habit of looking back on one’s own actions and constantly working towards improving oneself. An amazing writer, her words can inspire anyone. As a TFI alumni, I still have access to my TFI mailbox and I sometimes go back to some of her mails whenever I feel bogged down or uninspired. I distinctly remember a note she had once shared with us all fellows, which really made a difference to me and would like to feature an excerpt from her note in this post:
"Remember you always have the choice :
· To plan or not to plan
· To develop those incredibly strong bonds with your kids. Or to be just another teacher
· To treat your children with respect, and care. Or to do something that humiliates them
· To transform you classroom into a beautiful, magical place. Or to have it continue to be the unclean, uninspiring place that won't inspire change
· To rise above mediocrity and strive for excellence. Or to be a little better than the alternative
· To solve the problems that you have. Or to complain about them
· To focus on the good. Or to get bogged down by what isn't working"
It's been two years since my journey with TFI ended but the bond that I built with my kids and their parents, my co-workers at school and colleagues at TFI are still extremely special to me. More importantly, the lessons I learned during the fellowship will always stay with me. Whenever I look back at my TFI days, I silently thank Shaheen and salute her for her courage, grit, determination and faith.
Check out this website for knowing about many other #madeofgreat personalities: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/
Check out this website for knowing about many other #madeofgreat personalities: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/
