What Keeps Me Motivated in My Educational Journey

Reflecting on my journey in education, I see a path filled with learning, experimentation, and meaningful impact. Over the years, I have worked with two very different organizations: a school under the Beaconhouse School system and an NGO-based teacher training institution (Under the Supervision of the Durbeen Organization). In both, I chose to remain a learner-teacher, committed to learning every day and sharing that knowledge with others. This mindset has kept me energized and inspired throughout my career.

In the field of Urdu language teaching, traditional methods often dominate the classroom. I decided to break these traditions and explore new ways of engaging students. For example, I integrated technology in teaching by using interactive tools, educational apps, and digital storytelling, which made learning Urdu more dynamic. I also applied multilingual approaches, considering the diverse linguistic backgrounds of my students. By designing activities that connect Urdu with students’ home languages, I was able to make lessons more inclusive and meaningful.

Project-based learning has also been a key part of my approach. I encourage students to work on small research projects, presentations, and creative writing tasks that reflect their own experiences. Differentiating instruction according to students’ interests and abilities has allowed me to bring a student-centered perspective to the classroom. Watching students take ownership of their learning and respond positively to innovative methods has been incredibly motivating.

Another source of motivation comes from my dual role as a teacher and a teacher trainer. Training new educators gives me the opportunity to share insights, inspire confidence, and see a ripple effect of innovation in other classrooms. Knowing that my work influences not only students but also other teachers, adds meaning and energy to every task. In teaching Urdu, limited resources and my own language barrier in English have been constant challenges. Yet, finding creative ways to overcome these constraints and learning something new every day keeps me motivated and energized.

Throughout this journey, supportive managers and supervisors have played a crucial role. Their openness to change, encouragement to try new ideas, and freedom to experiment allowed me to grow and innovate. Positive outcomes reinforced my motivation; when students thrived, embraced new methods, or expressed their learning in creative ways, it gave me a deep sense of satisfaction. This reflects the principles of self-determination theory in organizational behavior, where autonomy, competence, and relatedness drive sustained engagement. 

On a personal level, my mother has always been a major source of inspiration. Despite limited formal education, her passion for learning and command over technology constantly motivates me. She celebrates every success as her own, and her joy strengthens my resolve to continue improving.

Ultimately, what keeps me motivated is a combination of organizational support, student engagement, innovation, and personal inspiration. By blending technology, multilingual approaches, student-centered strategies, and teacher training, I have found a way to make my work meaningful, energizing, and impactful. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, teach, and inspire; and this, more than anything else, drives me forward.