My Unconventional Educational Journey (Part 2)

A Journey of Transformation: From Medicine to Education, Management, and Beyond

Life's journey often takes unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never imagined. For me, the transition from medicine to education has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of following one's passions. Through the highs and lows of my journey, I have discovered new horizons and embraced opportunities for growth and fulfilment.

Bachelor of Education: A New Beginning

The seeds of my educational journey were planted amidst the chaos of early motherhood. With two young children to care for, I found myself deeply immersed in the world of Montessori education, embracing my role as a devoted parent. It was during this time that fate intervened, as the school's principal approached me with an unexpected proposition: to step into the role of principal upon her retirement. Fuelled by excitement and determination, I embarked on the path towards obtaining a Bachelor of Education degree, eager to fulfil my newfound aspirations.

However, despite my qualifications and dedication, my dreams were dashed when I was deemed 'too young' to assume the role of principal. Though the rejection stung, it only served to ignite a fire within me, propelling me forward in search of new opportunities and challenges.

Master of Education: A Journey of Discovery

Undeterred by setbacks, I found solace and inspiration in a new opportunity: teaching and teacher training at another prestigious institution. This experience reignited my passion for learning and development, leading me to pursue a double Master of Education degree. Along the way, I was honoured with a director's award by the university, a testament to my unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence.

Despite the option to pursue a PhD, I chose to focus on practical application, eager to make a tangible impact in the field of education. As I completed my studies, life, once again, took an unexpected turn, leading me down a path of freelance work as a trainer and visiting faculty at a prestigious business university. It was during this time that I recognised the potential to merge my expertise in education with the world of business, leading me to pursue an Executive MBA in Human Resource Management (HRM).

Doctor of Philosophy: Exploring New Frontiers

Over the years, I gained experience as a Learning and Development Specialist and Management Consultant, eventually becoming an entrepreneur. During my consultancy work, I encountered numerous issues related to diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) within organisations. This prompted me to pursue a PhD on spirituality as a concept and its potential to address DEI issues within organisations. My proposal was accepted by the faculty of education, and I embarked on a challenging journey to explore spirituality's place in higher education, focusing on business and teacher education academics as participants who were secular, religious and atheist.

This research proved to be the most challenging endeavour I had ever undertaken. Spirituality, as a concept, is complex and deeply personal, yet it also intersects with communal aspects, whether religious or secular. The data gathered from this study has enabled me to connect theory to practice, revealing that all participating academics agreed that teaching spirituality as a holistic concept would benefit graduates as professionals, particularly in their roles as individuals, leaders, and managers. This journey challenged my own understanding of spirituality, stemming from my background in the Baha'i Faith, and ultimately strengthened my belief in something that is greater than ourselves and is meant for the greater good.

Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

My journey from medicine to education, management, and beyond has been a testament to resilience, perseverance, and transformation. Despite the setbacks and challenges, it has ultimately guided me toward a career path that aligns with my passions and values. As I look to the future, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped me into the educator and management professional I am today. Although the road ahead may be uncertain, I am confident in my ability to navigate it with courage, determination, and a steadfast belief in the power of resilience.