Experienced English Literature and Language Tutor for UK Curriculum | GCSE- A-level Support | BA (Hons), Delhi University | MA English in Progress

Find out more about Devanshi

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  "I hold a B.A. (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Delhi and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in the same field. For me, studying literature is not just about reading books; it is an entry into international waters. When you dive into a text, you simultaneously study history, political science, geography, psychology, and the fascinating depth of the human psyche. I absolutely love dissecting stories because they offer a window into the minds, cultures, and history of different eras. It is an absolute delight to immerse myself in the same creative 'mud' the writer covered themselves in to produce their masterpiece.
  My interest in this field was cultivated at home. My mother is also a literature teacher, and throughout my school days, she taught me the subject. The way she gave me the intellectual space to form my own opinions made me fall in love with it. Literature became second nature to me—as common, relevant, and vital as eating, sleeping, or breathing. I don’t need a textbook in front of me to think critically or form an opinion, and that is a level of intellectual freedom I want to help my students achieve."

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  "Because I grew up in a beautifully cultivating environment created by my mother and a few exceptional school teachers, I experienced firsthand how transformative great mentorship can be. Conversely, I could also identify teachers who failed to make their subjects engaging. These contrasting experiences inspired me to become the kind of educator who brings a subject to life.
  I believe an English class should never be confined strictly to language mechanics. If you trace the evolution of English, it is an amalgamation of diverse cultures, languages, phonetics, politics, history, wars, and treaties. A language with such a rich, global origin belongs to the entire world, acting as a shared belief system to which intellectuals add every single day. I aspire to be the guiding figure who helps students unlock this vast world, encouraging them to think independently rather than just memorizing lines."

• How does your work help society?

  "While I don't claim to be a philanthropist or a social worker, a simple look at the world shows that a lack of communication, an inability to form independent opinions, and a narrow worldview are what make people intolerant.
  My classes are designed to directly counter this. While I ensure my students' grades improve significantly, it never happens at the cost of common sense or cognitive development. I focus on enhancing a student's ability to process, analyze, and critically evaluate real-world information. By teaching them how to articulate their thoughts clearly and understand diverse perspectives, I aim to foster empathetic, sharp, and independent thinkers who can positively contribute to society."

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  "Instead of looking to famous historical figures, my true role models are my parents. For as long as I can remember, I have watched them work with incredible efficiency, adeptness, and proficiency. Seeing their dedication day in and day out instills the same spirit, work ethic, and resilience in me. They inspire me to show up and improve in what I do every single day, ensuring that I bring the absolute best version of myself to my students."

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  "To keep my energy lively and enthusiastic—especially while constantly challenging myself with competitive exams and new courses—I maintain an active life outside teaching. I have a strong passion for sports; I used to play basketball and handball, and have now transitioned to badminton. I also love hitting the gym to work out and lift weights.
  Music is my ultimate companion and greatest comfort; it is something that grounds me no matter where I am or what I am doing. I also sketch, and I absolutely love to cook. If music is my first love, cooking is a very close second. Cooking completely clears my mind of worries, and it is a true delight for me to host lunches or dinners and cook for my loved ones."

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  "Though I am young and still on the path to achieving my biggest milestones, I live by a profound piece of advice my mother gave me. She taught me: 'It’s important to do whatever we are doing daily. It can be a little, it can be very less, but doing it daily, resisting the pain, and still showing up despite the tiredness and lack of sleep is what makes your work worth it. That is the path that leads to success. It’s as simple as that.'
  In life, we often look for glitter and confetti, assuming that a less-traveled path needs to look extraordinary to be meaningful. But I truly believe it is the simple, consistent, and seemingly mundane discipline of showing up every single day that ultimately makes you a master of your craft. That is the dedication I bring to my own studies, and it is the exact same consistency I instill in my students."