Sharika Venugopal

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and what were you doing before arriving at THINK Global School?

My name is Sharika. I was born and brought up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and am of Indian ethnicity. Before starting with TGS, I was a school-based psychologist in Melbourne, Australia. I worked primarily with adolescents whose families sought refuge in Melbourne from countries like Iraq and South Sudan. It was a truly humbling and eye-opening experience having had the chance to work with students of such a demographic. It made me realize the potential for resilience the human spirit has.

2. What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about the work I do is being trusted to be “let in” to a person’s vulnerable side. It is especially rewarding when a student can better understand themselves, navigate a situation, and make informed choices in any facet of life, whether it be friendships, relationships, future goals, etc.

3. What aspects of THINK Global School’s educational model do you find most appealing?

The entirety of it is genuinely appealing to me! The project-based learning and the experience of traveling to different countries genuinely develops a worldly-wise, holistic individual with the potential to navigate the ever-changing nature of societies.

4. What are your most memorable travel experiences?

My most memorable travel experiences were to Kenya and Bhutan. I went on a safari through the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and it was mesmerizing to experience the serenity of the wild. In Bhutan, my trip’s highlight was hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest monastery – an architectural wonder, with a rinpoche (a high-ranking Buddhist teacher) who led the group I was with through a meditation session inside the second oldest altar of the monastery. What was also memorable in my visit to Bhutan was the warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the Bhutanese people.

5. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would love to visit Cuba and Iran.

6. What is your favorite book, and why?

My favorite books are ‘Braving the Wilderness’ and ‘Daring Greatly’ by Brene Brown. She champions the notion that vulnerability is strength, and by embracing it and learning how to be accommodating without sacrificing who we are helping in connecting with one another.