Meet Kathy Dahdal

We were lucky to catch up with Kathy Dahdal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the creator and proud owner of Queen’s Educational Resources, an online educational store where I provide unique and relevant Social Emotional Learning resources to teachers around the world. I believe what makes my resources so special is their ability to resonate with young people. I have been working in education for 17 years, starting as an English teacher and since progressing to the role of assistant principal. Throughout my career, I have watched young people struggle to navigate their day-to-day lives, their interactions with others, and their journeys into adulthood. I believe that teachers not only have a responsibility to help young people pass their exams but also to teach them how to deal and navigate the world we live in.

That’s the reason behind the creation of Queen’s Educational Resources – a platform designed for educators to access a wide range of materials that address the contemporary challenges faced by teenagers. These resources encompass topics like peer pressure, self-esteem issues, identity and self-discovery, bullying, social media issues, mental health challenges, sexuality and gender identity, financial literacy, time management and prioritization, and numerous other internal struggles. My resources focus on encouraging students to apply what they learn to their own lives. In a classroom environment where teenagers often wrestle with their inner thoughts, it’s crucial to acknowledge and engage with what occupies their minds instead of avoiding it. This is why my business is dedicated to nurturing the emotional and social development of young individuals navigating the complexities of modern society.

I firmly believe in delivering high-quality resources to those who purchase from me, with a strong commitment to handling sensitive topics in a responsible and thoughtful manner. As a high school assistant principal, a significant portion of my day is dedicated to interacting with young people. Every day I spend with students at my school, I gain deeper insights into their lives and their world. It’s my aspiration that each resource I offer mirrors this understanding. As my skillset and creativity evolve, I strive for these advancements to be distinctly reflected in all my products as well.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The fundamental skill that was most impactful in my journey was lesson planning. Any teacher will know that lesson planning is an integral part of providing high-quality teaching. Witnessing students actively engage with the lessons I crafted was one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching. During my time as a teacher, my goal was to leave enduring impressions on my students through my lessons, inspiring discussions about broader topics and empowering them to take charge of their own learning. As I honed my lesson planning proficiency, I recognized the need to extend my skills to reach students beyond the confines of my classroom.

In addition to lesson planning, my commitment to actively listen to, understand, and connect with young people has profoundly influenced my journey. It’s important to acknowledge that as adults, we can never fully step into the shoes of today’s youth. However, by actively addressing and resolving numerous teenage conflicts and issues, I have gained valuable insights into their lives. This understanding is fundamental to the quality of my resources.

Furthermore, I attribute a significant portion of my business’s success to my resilience. I am consistently engaged in learning, expanding my skill set, and putting in hard work. Building any business is a challenging endeavor, but through unwavering dedication, I have created something of which I am genuinely proud.

For those who are at the outset of their journey, I offer this advice: Begin by prioritizing your education. Listen attentively to those in your circles, remain receptive to fresh perspectives, and seize every chance for personal growth. When faced with challenges—and you undoubtedly will—keep your motivation in focus. Remember the individuals who will reap the rewards of your dedication, and reflect on how each late night and difficult day can make a positive impact, even if it’s on just one student’s world.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The primary challenge I am presently confronting is time. There is an inherent limitation to it, and my life requires more of it than I possess. Within my business, I wear multiple hats, serving as not only the creator but also the proofreader, marketing manager, researcher, and more. I simultaneously revise old resources while developing new ones, manage my store, attend to customer inquiries, and oversee my website. Moreover, I hold a full-time position as a high school assistant principal, where I must carefully balance my time with family commitments. I juggle the hours carefully, determined to approach each aspect of my life with the attention and care it deserves.

My primary approach to time management is through careful scheduling. However, as I often advise my students, creating a schedule is only the initial step; maintaining discipline to adhere to it is equally vital. Personally, I allocate dedicated time slots for topic research, product creation, marketing and advertising, product updates, family and friends, and other aspects of my life. Nevertheless, separating these areas can pose a challenge, as my thoughts frequently wander in various directions.

To tackle this, I employ a simple technique: whenever a relevant idea for a product I’m presently developing comes to mind, I send a text message to myself regarding it. This allows me to save the idea for later, ensuring I won’t forget it in my busy schedule. This method not only helps me remember ideas but also helps me be more efficient and use them in my products quickly, saving time.

Most importantly, I need time for myself. My resources emphasize self-care, self-love, and a healthy lifestyle. By practicing what I preach, I can both support students and foster the growth of my business.

Hi Kathy, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s end with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my mother, Laila. Throughout her life, she confronted hardships that were truly exceptional. Despite the enormity of the challenges she encountered, she never resorted to making excuses for what she couldn’t accomplish. When faced with adversity, she leaned on her faith in GOD for guidance and support. Without exception, God remained a steadfast source of strength for her, and her unwavering faith never wavered. My mother taught me a valuable lesson: regardless of life’s trials, there is always hope, always a solution, and always a positive force to keep pushing forward.

My mother has taught me that not everything comes easily. There will be struggles and adversity to face, but that doesn’t signify the end. With the right mindset and support from GOD, challenges can be overcome.

She instilled in me the values of perseverance and the belief that hard work ultimately yields rewards. Growing up with this mindset has guided me in facing my own trials in life. I reflect on my mother’s experiences and strive to embody her resilience and determination, aspiring to achieve my own success.

I’ve been fortunate to learn the true meaning of resilience from the one person in the world I can wholeheartedly say is my pride and joy – my mother, Laila.

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