"Believe in yourself and inspire people around you"

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1. Tell us more about your experience as an educator.

Hello, I am Crystal Rocha. I have completed my MSC in hospitality n tourism alongside with a diploma in labour and administrative law and started my career working for 5 star hotels and then moving forward to co-owning my catering business. I have though in various institutes like Sophia Polytechnic, IITC, etc. with subjects varying from food & beverage, culinary, management studies, communication skills to travel & tourism. In my years of teaching I learnt that hotel management as a course covers a broad spectrum of varied subjects which are co-related to various sectors.

Currently a professor at Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management.

2. What is your opinion of the Indian education system and how would you like to change that?

Since I teach in a stream which falls under vocational education I do feel that the course itself has changed and become more practical based over the years giving students an opportunity to not only showcase their skills but the exposure they get through compulsory internship is what makes them industry ready individuals. I strongly believe that the field of hotel management has evolved and opening new gateways of possibility thanks to the Indian education system.

In my opinion the one thing I would like to improve is the updation of certain topics in the syllabus which should discuss and educate on the current trends of the industry.

3. What changes in the teaching methodologies have you seen in the recent times?

I think I'm happy in a way we have changed as educators and we constantly learning and preparing ourselves to teach in this fast paced tech savvy world.

Being from an age where blackboards chalks a lot has changed for the good. The usage of tech friendly tools being accessible to the students through Google Classrooms and explaining your topic through a video or PPT and the current trend of remote teaching using your phone or laptop making it accessible provided you do have internet. I do feel that we have to strike a balance between lecture based method and using the new tech way of teaching. If both are very mindfully paired together it will only help us bridge the gap.

4. How does education help one do well in their career?

The late Mr. Nelson Mandela once said "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world".

For me education is not only in books it is also in the experience u gain in your college or school. Every role u take every new goal you achieve is a learning. Your college is your podium your opportunity to make mistakes and learn. Every opportunity is like a life lesson which makes you ready for the world you step into as a professional. Education helps build character, nurtures our social skills and paves way for an enlightened future.

5. Do you think teaching as a profession is viewed at par with corporate jobs?

I think we are the most underpaid sector of the economy being educators. When it comes to a general look at a pay scale corporates are far more superior in those terms.

People believe our job is 9 to 5 but in actuality as is a never-ending job from assignments to paper correction to self-learning and updating our own certificates and degrees. We as a community are still not viewed at par with a corporate job. But, I do feel times at changing and maybe in the near future we are equal.

6. How can we adopt technology to make teaching more effective?

I think the beauty of technology is the accessibility and ingenuity in provides. There are a lot of fun ways that one can pique the interest of the class while planning a competitive but fun game which can be accessed through the comfort of your phone. Keeping in touch with the assignments you sent or updating your notes so students are well informed various apps like Google Classrooms, Kahoot, Zoom etc. Makes even a mundane class seem interesting. The best part is that you are always informed about the results which makes it easy as an educator to brush up that particular topic or tweak and change your teaching method to help the student understand better and effectively

7. Why does India need more educators like you?

I truly believe that as an educator I have the power through my words to change the world. As an educator I have tried to learn and study and keep myself well informed, I do not constrain my thinking and ability through a rulebook. I feel once you truly believe that education is power then you will keep learning and taking up new subjects to teach challenging yourself. Being a young educator in this field I'm never ashamed of saying age is just a number a person abilities should be judged through their determination and passion to be better every day. I have never turned away from anything new whether its teaching a new subject or stepping up to be a leader or heading any event. I strongly believe and thank my workplace that gives me constant opportunity to be a major part of community service project through heading the student council and being a part of DLLE. So as long as you continue to believe in yourself and inspire people around you. I think these are the future educators who see people for the work they do and not age that they perceive.

- Ms. Crystal Rocha

Interview By - Mayuresh Sangale