We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful SHALINI BHALLA. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with SHALINI below.
SHALINI, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Our ability to perceive and assess ourselves positively, particularly during challenging times, reflects the depth of our self-confidence and self-reliance.
In my personal journey, I’ve witnessed the gradual maturation of my confidence, rooted in self-appraisal and the recognition of my achievements. Not long ago, I eagerly awaited external validation, often in the form of awards, to affirm my worth and skills. Such acknowledgment provided a significant boost to my confidence and self-esteem—a phenomenon common to individuals across all stages of life, whether students or professionals. Yet, while external recognition is gratifying, it’s crucial to draw motivation from these milestones and continuously strive for greater accomplishments.
In my roles as both a counsellor and an educator, my interactions with students offer intrinsic rewards. The satisfaction derived from guiding students along their career paths or assisting them in overcoming daily obstacles serves as a profound source of affirmation. This fulfilment not only bolsters my confidence but also serves as a compass, guiding me in charting future endeavors and projects.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Inner Space, our organization, operates as an educational consultancy firm with a mission to empower learners across all age groups, enabling them to realize their full potential and accomplish their educational objectives. Our focus lies in offering personalized guidance, innovative solutions, and comprehensive support to help individuals navigate the complexities of the educational landscape effectively.
We engage in collaborations with schools, colleges, and universities to develop strategic initiatives aimed at improving academic outcomes and enriching the overall educational experience for students. Our advisory services span various areas, including curriculum development, accreditation, and quality assurance. We consistently strive to introduce creative approaches and products tailored to understanding the unique capabilities of each child.
Among our notable initiatives, one of my most cherished projects involved designing workbooks tailored for underprivileged children to enhance their reading, writing, and numeracy skills. These workbooks have positively impacted 10,000 students across 121 schools.
Looking ahead, I am currently working on a project to design an Adversity Quotient test, which aims to assess how students respond to adverse conditions. This analysis will provide valuable insights into their mental well-being and aid in mitigating factors contributing to suicidal tendencies. Several of my projects are designed to address the pressing needs of society.
In addition to my consultancy and counseling endeavors, I am actively seeking collaborations to extend the reach of my expertise, utilizing it as a tool for the advancement of education on a larger scale.
Overall, my commitment and passion for educational practices remain steadfast, as I believe they serve as crucial vehicles for nurturing essential competencies and skills among students, educators, and educational institutions alike.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my view, the three most important qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge highly valued across various domains are:
Positive Thinking: Positive thinking is the ability that enables us to understand ourselves and to analyze, evaluate, and interpret situations positively. This results in comprehending other points of view and fosters good interpersonal relations, enhancing self-esteem and developing self-confidence. It’s a foundational skill crucial for personal development in academia, professional settings, and everyday life.
Communication Skills: Strong communication skills encompass effective communication, enabling individuals to understand each other and build good interpersonal relationships. Clear communication also fosters self-motivation.
Adaptability, Resilience, and Knowledge: In today’s rapidly changing world, adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning are critical. Adaptability involves being flexible and open to new ideas, technologies, and ways of working, facilitating learning and evolution in response to changing circumstances. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from setbacks, overcome challenges, and maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Both adaptability and resilience are essential for navigating uncertainty, managing stress, and thriving in dynamic environments. Knowledge encompasses skills, qualities, and overall understanding of subjects that can be applied for the betterment of society.
My advice to the upcoming generation would be to be passionate about your work, work with dedication and patience, and you will achieve your goals. These qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge are not only valuable individually but also complement each other, creating well-rounded and capable individuals capable of tackling various challenges and opportunities.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
As an educational consultant, I’ve witnessed numerous developments and undergone significant personal growth.
1. Transition to Remote Teaching: Over the past year, there has been a notable shift towards remote teaching and learning. During this period, I have adeptly utilized digital tools and platforms to deliver engaging and effective online lessons.
2. Professional Development in Online Pedagogy: This involved engaging in virtual workshops, enrolling in online courses, and collaborating with fellow educators to exchange best practices for remote instruction.
3. Utilization of Social Media: Social media has played a crucial role in expanding my reach. Through various platforms, I’ve been able to connect with a wide network for counseling and the development of educational products nationwide.
4. Adaptation to Hybrid Learning Models: Embracing hybrid learning models, which blend in-person and online instruction, has facilitated enhanced learning experiences and collaboration.
Overall, the past year has been marked by adaptation, innovation, and a renewed emphasis on student-centered approaches. Collaboration with educators from different regions has been instrumental as we navigate the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://innerspaceedu.com/
- Instagram: @shalini.bhalla.8
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalini-bhalla?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
