Welcome to ‘Meet the Teacher’ where our lovely staff at the Lady Nafisa school introduce themselves and share their experiences on what it’s like being an educator at an independent Islamic girls school.
So let’s get started and meet Ust Ayesha!
Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you teach and how long you have been a teacher?
Assalamu alaykum, my name is Ustadha Ayesha and I am a P.E teacher at LNS. For the last couple of years, I have been teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to young teen girls which has led to this current role which I am very excited to take on!
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a teacher?
My training in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu gave me the thirst to begin teaching. I realized that it was only in teaching this skill and intellectualizing the movements and techniques, that I would really be able to hone my own skills in this sport. I’m also inspired by strong, active women who can use their bodies in a way which protects them whilst remaining fit and healthy. I’m eager to teach this to other girls and empower them too!
How would you define a great lesson?
I feel a great lesson is one in which the students have happily engaged in activity and felt captivated to attend the next lesson!
What do you enjoy about teaching at an all-girls school?
It is wonderful to see the different personalities of the girls – they all come with their unique attributes, yet they are fiercely supportive of each other.
If you could only give one piece of advice to a student, what would it be?
Never give up! It’s very common to reach a stage at some point where your goals may not seem achievable, or you no longer have the same drive. I would say keep focused and stay committed; never give up!
What would be your dream school trip?
Watching the Women’s Wimbledon Final on Centre Court would be amazing.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am guilty of having more hobbies than my time allows me to indulge in. I play Chess every day and of course I train in my biggest passion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu five times a week. Poetry, reading, calligraphy and abstract art take up the rest of my time.
If you weren’t a teacher what other profession do you think you would choose?
The thought of being a professional athlete has always seemed enticing!
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Ironically, I dreamt of being a teacher when I was little.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
“O Allah, make me better than what they think of me, and forgive me for what they do not know about me, and do not take me to account for what they say about me.” Abu Bakr As-Siddiq
And finally, what does education mean to you?
Education is a stairway to power, intellect and tolerance. To create cohesive and tolerant societies, we must educate ourselves to become open-minded individuals.
Thank you so much to Ust Ayesha for sharing with us. Join us next month and see who will be telling us their story.
