My name is Jaspreet Kaur, and I have a first-class bachelor's degree in electronic and communication engineering from Punjab Technical University in Punjab, India. I pursued my MSc in electrical and electronics engineering at Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University in Ankara, Turkey, where I achieved a distinction. I was fortunate to receive full funding for my MSc through the Tubitak and Turkiye Burslari programs. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in electronics and electrical engineering at the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom with funding from EIT Digital. My research focuses on exploiting location information for adaptive beamforming in transport systems. I am also a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Glasgow and a student member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
Working as a tutor for Paper Airplanes has been a truly rewarding experience. I've had the honor of meeting students from various backgrounds and cultures, and it's been incredibly fulfilling to witness their growth and progress as they learn English. Being able to contribute to their educational journey and provide support in their language development has reinforced my passion for teaching.
I have had many positive experiences with Paper Airplanes. Firstly, developing meaningful relationships with the students has been extremely rewarding. Witnessing their enthusiasm and dedication to learning has been inspiring. Secondly, the cross-cultural exchange has broadened my understanding of different perspectives and cultures, enabling me to develop a more inclusive and global mindset. Lastly, the flexibility of Paper Airplanes’ volunteer program has allowed me to make a significant impact while still fulfilling my academic obligations.
However, during my volunteer experience with Paper Airplanes, I encountered some challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of teaching was adapting my approach to cater to each student's unique needs and learning styles. This required flexibility and creativity to tailor the lessons effectively. Additionally, coordinating schedules across different time zones and managing unforeseen circumstances posed logistical challenges.
Despite the challenges, I have had many memorable moments with my students. One example that stands out is a student who initially struggled with speaking English but eventually gained enough confidence to deliver an entire presentation in English. Witnessing their progress and increased self-assurance was truly rewarding, highlighting the positive impact that language learning can have on an individual's confidence and skills.
My experience with Paper Airplanes has been transformative, both for me as a teacher and for the students I've had the privilege to work with. It has reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the students' learning journey and to be part of an organization that values diversity and educational empowerment.