A native speaker and a passionate teacher giving Hindi classes right from the basics

Find out more about Sheetal

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  As a native speaker and teacher of Hindi, I developed my interest in the language through a combination of personal experiences and a deep appreciation for its cultural and historical significance. Growing up in a Hindi-speaking household, I was immersed in the language from a very young age. My family often communicated in Hindi, and this gave me a strong foundation in both its spoken and written forms.
  
  
  Teaching Hindi came naturally to me because I wanted to share this passion and help others experience the beauty of the language. I love seeing my students progress and connecting with them through conversations, stories, and texts in Hindi

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  My ultimate goal in teaching Hindi is to share my knowledge and help others learn the language, while also creating a sustainable livelihood for myself. Hindi is not just my native language; it's a part of my identity and culture, and I want to make it accessible to people who are eager to learn it, whether for personal growth, professional needs, or a deeper understanding of Indian culture

• How does your work help society?

  By teaching Hindi, I'm promoting the importance of language as a bridge between different cultures. In today's interconnected world, understanding a language like Hindi-spoken by millions of people-is key to creating more inclusive societies.
  
  When people from different backgrounds learn and connect with Hindi, it helps break down cultural barriers and promotes mutual respect

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  If I had to think of a role model for my work, I would say that, in many ways, I see myself as my own role model. The reason is simple: I'm deeply committed to both the hard work of teaching and the willingness to continuously improve and learn. In my own journey, I've always strived to make sure that the language I teach is accessible to as many people as possible, while also ensuring I provide an enriching experience for my students.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  Bring me joy and allow me to express my creativity. One of my favorite hobbies is reading. I find great pleasure in diving into books, whether they're fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. Reading not only helps me relax but also enriches my knowledge and understanding of different subjects
  
  Another hobby I'm passionate about is makeup. I enjoy doing makeup, both for myself and for others. It's a way for me to express my creativity

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  Certainly! Here's an anecdote that reflects both my professional life and my passion for teaching:
  
  I once had a student who struggled with learning Hindi, especially with the script and pronunciation. She was dedicated but felt frustrated because Hindi felt so different from her native language. One day, after a lesson, she stayed behind to talk. She shared how much she wanted to connect with her Indian roots, as her grandparents spoke Hindi but she never learned it. This made me realize that it wasn't just about language; it was about her desire to bridge a gap between generations and connect with her heritage.
  
  I decided to focus on her specific struggles, breaking down complex concepts into simpler, more manageable lessons. Over time, I noticed a transformation-not just in her language skills, but in her confidence. She started engaging more in class, asking insightful questions, and even began practicing outside of class. A few months later, she proudly told me she could hold a conversation with her grandparents in Hindi. It was an emotional moment for both of us.
  
  This experience reminded me why I do what I do. It's not just about teaching the language-it's about helping people connect to something deeply personal, whether it's culture, family, or self-expression. It's moments like these that truly make the hard work worthwhile, and I'm grateful to play a part in my students' journeys of growth.