Here's why I do what I do!

Many of you ask why I’ve been devoted to transforming education since a decade now and the answer lies in my earliest childhood memory. I can still recall the night before my first day of kindergarten as if it were just yesterday— I was excited, nervous, and full of butterflies in my stomach. Back then, school felt full of promise. But as I progressed through schooling, that excitement slowly turned into dread and despair.

I quickly discovered that school wasn’t always an easy and loving place for a first generation learner like me. While my parents offered the very best of support they could, that was inadequate for the rigor of school as I grew up. Some teachers—especially those who taught math or language—offered harsh judgment, unkind words, and a dismissive attitude instead of the guidance I needed. I would often feel that they neither understood my challenges nor cared for me as a person. Even though less than a handful of teachers behaved this way, the harsh experiences made me feel as if the odds were stacked against me—at one point, I even gave up on the idea of continuing school.

Yet in those challenging circumstances, I found hope exemplified by the grace, generosity, and kindness of a few educators. I was fortunate to have their subtle actions and words transform my journey of life beyond school. They would often ask me about my experience, invite me to share a meal, and took the time to understand me. Their kindness and encouragement still reminds me of the true power of education and human connection. One such insurance is when my fear of math was replaced by a passion for the subject in Grade 12, thanks to an amazing teacher who not only excelled at teaching but also connected deeply with the students, sharing the purpose and fascinating use cases behind the concepts.

I gained clarity further when I began volunteering at an educational nonprofit. I met dedicated and inspiring teachers who, like those who transformed my life, worked tirelessly every day to support their learners. Witnessing their commitment made me wonder: How can every child receive the support that transformed my own life?

That question drives me to this day. I have been doing what I do because I believe every child deserves teachers who see their potential, encourage their dreams, and guide them to succeed. When I founded the Global Citizenship Foundation, my conviction led me to focus on equipping educators to transform education into a force for human and planetary flourishing—for every child, everywhere. Whether at work with my colleagues or through work with education leaders from around the world, I strive to be the support and inspiration I once needed — perhaps, this is my way of leaving behind things better than I found them.