Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tanushree Sen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tanushree, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
When I was in high school, my school started a boys’ swim team, without a corresponding girl’s swim team. It was disheartening, but I was passionate about swimming and determined to participate. I decided to attend tryouts for the boys’ swim team, and I made it! Sometimes during a swim meet boys on the opposing team would look at me a bit incredulously, but they shaped up real quick when I handed their asses to them. I think that experience marked the beginning of my “rebellious” spirit. I refused to let societal norms or institutional limitations tell me where I belonged. This mindset set me up for my future, particularly in mechanical engineering, a predominantly male field. Throughout my time in school and in my career, I encountered skepticism and discouragement from peers, and that definitely triggered my imposter syndrome. But at the end of the day, I chose to believe in myself. Even today, I still have my moments of doubt. But I remind myself of how far I’ve come and what I’ve overcome. I’m always up for a new challenge, driven solely by my personal pursuit of growth and fulfillment. Because at the end of the day, I know where I belong, and no one can stop me from reaching for the next level.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a high school math teacher, but during my free time I work on my podcast, “The Desi Condition.” It is centered around South Asian mental health and wellness. Now entering its fifth year, it’s been a real source of joy and passion for me. Exciting news: beginning March 10th, the podcast will be broadcasted on iHeartRadio through Rukus Avenue Radio! Tune in on Sundays at 7 AM and 7 PM EST to join the conversation.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Time management has always posed a significant challenge for me, especially considering that I have A.D.D. I teach full time, and up until May 2023, I was in graduate school getting my master’s in secondary math education. I always felt extremely strapped for time. There were times I was so busy I was left uncertain about the future of my podcast, and whether there could be a future at all. But I knew that was the voice of fear, so I kept picking up the mic and telling myself, “record one more episode, and see what happens.” Over time, those single acts of incremental effort shaped the vision I once doubted I could achieve.
Throughout this journey, I’ve also come to understand that even more than quality or quantity, consistency is everything. Confucius wisely said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” It became a sort of mantra for me during difficult periods of time. I was not able to produce as much as I wanted to, but what I did produce, I did consistently. People notice consistency, and they respect it. It shows expertise and professionalism. In terms of creating content, I’ve learned the value of allowing creativity to unfold organically. You have to be patient with yourself. Creativity cannot be rushed, but trust that you will get there and you will know when it’s right.
For people early in their journey, I would encourage you to extend grace to yourself when you don’t quite get things right, and to keep pushing forward. Remember the passion and purpose that led you to this path in the first place. You are here for a reason, and your unique perspective and abilities have the power to shape your journey in profound ways. Embrace your individuality and trust in your capacity to create something meaningful.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
The Desi Condition primarily follows an interview format, which means I’m constantly on the lookout for new, captivating guests! Specifically, I’m seeking individuals with compelling narratives related to mental health or valuable insights into this topic. For every subject we explore, I aim to delve deeper and add fresh perspectives to the conversation. For instance, while I acknowledge the importance of topics like cultural appropriation, I opt not to cover if I can’t contribute anything to the greater conversation that hasn’t already been said.
I can be reached on Instagram @thedesicondition, via email at [email protected], or on our website at tdcpodcast.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: tdcpodcast.com
- Instagram: thedesicondition
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Sabeen Shalwani
