As we begin our new academic year, we welcome many new staff members. The Woodstocker caught up with some of them to chronicle the first chapter of their adventures.
Where are you coming from?
Ulan Bator, that’s in Mongolia. I worked there for the past five years and before that, I worked at Kodaikanal International School.
What subjects do you teach?
Maths. I teach grades 7, 8, and 10.
What’s different about Woodstock from the last place you worked at?
My previous school was a day school and this is a residential school, so I’m required to do different tasks. I am far more involved with students personally, I have to fulfil my role as an advisor. As an advisor, I have to act almost like a surrogate parent and that was a shift.
What are your goals for this academic year?
I’m new here and I think I’ll take a while to adjust because of how different things are here. I’ll have to get used to the environment and the climate. A personal challenge will be managing to live away from my husband and children, and that’s a big shift. I’ll have to work to settle in.
Why did you decide to come to Woodstock?
I’ve heard a lot about Woodstock, and the culture and community here are similar to Kodaikanal where I worked previously. I loved the community there.
Is there anything compelling about the Himalayas that made you want to come to Woodstock?
Absolutely. In my previous school, we had a long winter, where we would have sub-zero temperatures for almost six months. We would have to be indoors for a long period of time. I was looking for an environment where I could indulge in a lot more outdoor activities. I was really looking forward to coming here.
Are there any fun facts about you that you’d like to share?
I really enjoy laughing and I’m very scared of insects, and Mussoorie has not been kind to me so far. I’ve found spiders and scorpions, which has been unnerving, but I’m happy to be here.
Photo by Knema Gardner
Arnav Kumar is a staff reporter
Edited by Nupur Agrawal
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