As my elders told me, I was once the naughtiest kid in the family, bursting with curiosity and doubts. Pampered and bright, I sailed through school with ease. But puberty brought self-consciousness, shyness, and crippling doubt. I struggled to understand the changes within me. Despite supportive loved ones, I retreated into my shell, unwilling to accept help. Those years passed in a blur, culminating in a rebellious phase. I abandoned science for dramatics, and that’s when life truly began. Theatre and film became my passions. Theatre, in particular, taught me equality and appreciation for diverse talents. I learned to live life fully, regretting only that I hadn’t discovered this sooner.
Two years ago, I embarked on a remarkable journey as a full-fledged drama educator at Sunshine Worldwide School, a turning point that solidified my resilience and self-belief. This exceptional institution exceeded my expectations, offering an ideal environment for learners to grow and thrive. It was the most ideal school any child would want to be a part of. The very lessons I learned as an adult were being instilled in learners here from nursery onwards. It was my first time as a full-fledged educator. I was nervous and excited. I had no clue of how things would work. Honestly, the first few months were challenging, but I enjoyed those challenges. Directing learners became a transformative experience, allowing me to explore my potential and discover new strengths. With each drama production, our bond grew stronger, fostering emotional connections. I was happy to share my expertise but the best part was, I got to learn from the learners too. My debut directorial play for sunshine, “Who Had a Fall?”, opened doors to new challenges and triumphs. The director is said to be the captain of the ship, and it was not an easy hat to be worn. I navigated multiple responsibilities, supported by a talented team and a positive school culture. We were like a family throughout the production. Sunshine gave me an opportunity to move out of my comfort zone, explore my strengths and conquer my weaknesses. Now, I am much more confident and open to learning new things. I’m grateful to be part of this extraordinary school, where students and educators thrive together. If only I had attended a school like Sunshine during my formative years!
Thank You
-Alisha Menezes (Drama Educator)
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