A Question That Made Me Reflect
Not long ago, someone casually asked me why I spend time with students. They had seen me at college sessions, local meetups, and even working with interns, and were curious about what drives me to do it. To me, the answer felt simple: I enjoy it. I genuinely love interacting with students and sharing what I know. But as I thought more about the question, I realized there is a deeper reason behind this habit of mine, something that connects with who I have always been and what truly makes me happy.
The Energy of Young Minds
Every interaction with students feels different from conversations in professional settings. There is a freshness in their curiosity, a rawness in their questions, and a genuine hunger to learn. Often, they ask questions that may sound simple, even naïve, but they cut straight to the heart of the subject in a way that seasoned professionals sometimes forget to do. These interactions remind me that the true power of knowledge lies not in making things sound complicated, but in simplifying them so that anyone can understand. When I explain a concept and see that moment of clarity on a student’s face, when their eyes light up because they suddenly “get it,” I feel a joy that cannot be compared to anything else. It is not about slides, lectures, or formal teaching. It is about human connection, about sharing ideas, and about igniting sparks that may grow into something much bigger in the future.
Beyond the Classroom
One of the reasons I find these interactions so valuable is because they give students exposure to things they might never encounter in their academic journey. Our education system often focuses on theory, on teaching subjects in a structured but rigid way. While that has its place, it does not always prepare students for the realities of the industry. In my sessions and conversations, I try to bring in experiences from the real world: building with WordPress, contributing to open source, experimenting with technology, and learning skills that are actually used in professional projects. These are things that rarely make their way into a textbook, yet they can make all the difference when a student is trying to step into their career. In this sense, I see my role as building a bridge between academics and industry. By sharing what I have learned in practice, I can help students see how their knowledge connects to opportunities that lie ahead of them.
A Passion That Started Long Ago
My connection with teaching did not begin recently. Even during my college days, I used to take on teaching assignments during vacations. While my friends were busy enjoying their breaks, I found myself in classrooms, guiding juniors through subjects they struggled with. It was never about building a career as a teacher. It was simply something I enjoyed doing. The process of breaking down a tough concept into simple steps, watching someone go from confusion to understanding, and knowing that I had played a role in that transformation gave me immense satisfaction. At the time, I thought it was just a passing activity. But looking back now, I realize it was the early sign of a passion that would stay with me for life. Today, through WordPress meetups, internships, and student-focused initiatives, I have rediscovered that joy and given it a new direction.
Why It Matters to Me and Why It Should Matter to Others
The impact of these interactions is often more powerful than it appears on the surface. I have seen students come in with little idea of what to expect, and leave with fresh curiosity, new skills to explore, or even the confidence to try something they had never imagined before. Sometimes, they discover strengths they did not know they had. Sometimes, they realize that learning can happen outside classrooms too. For many, it becomes their first real step into connecting theory with practice, and that one step can shape their entire journey ahead.
This is why I believe more professionals should consider sharing their knowledge with students. You do not need to be a formal teacher to make a difference. Even small interactions, sharing your story, talking about the challenges you faced, or showing how you solve real-world problems can inspire a student to think differently. For us, it may feel like a small gesture. For them, it can be the spark that changes the way they look at their future.
Closing Thoughts
For me, teaching is not a profession. It is a passion that has found its way back into my life in a way I never expected. Every time I interact with students, whether in a college session, a community meetup, or through an internship program, I feel a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond any professional achievement. It reminds me of my own early days, full of questions and possibilities, and it keeps me grounded in the joy of learning. Most importantly, it gives me the chance to contribute something meaningful to the next generation. That is why I do it. Not because it is required, not because it is part of my job, but because it brings happiness, purpose, and impact. And I believe that if more professionals choose to share their knowledge with students, together we can create a culture where learning is not confined to classrooms, but becomes a lifelong exchange between generations.
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