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For some students, the traditional mind-set for the path to success — study hard, earn high grades, get into college and find a good job — works.
But for other students, it’s not the best way to achieve success and can lead to stress and mental health issues, according to first-time author Komal Shah, a 4S Ranch resident.
“The current education system is based on benchmarks … it is the old paradigm of success,” said Shah, who advocates for a different system that moves away from standardized testing and grades. The change could lead to “internal fulfillment in all people and a new love of learning,” she said.
Shah will explain more about her ideas to transform education when she gives a talk about her book, “Raise Your Hand: A Call for Consciousness in Education,” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 in the 4S Ranch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive. She will also have a free guide for parents that details activities they can do with their children to help them be successful.
“It is about how to create a system where students enjoy learning; that there are different pathways to success, paths so as adults they can enjoy what they do,” she said.
Shah, who taught sixth and seventh grade math for five years, says she wants parents and educators to approach their messages to students and teaching methods with a different attitude in order to cultivate students’ passions and let them define their purpose.
“This way (students) can contribute in an impactful way on society versus the only way they have value is by performing well,” she said. “I have seen the repercussions in adulthood, the cost. (Students) feel deeply ostracized, not included if creative and curious.”
According to Shah, the traditional education system “beats down curiosity past elementary school.”
Shah grew up in 4S Ranch, was educated in the Poway Unified School District and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 2009.
“I thought I thrived in the current system,” said Shah, 31. “I did well, got good grades and into UC Irvine. I thought I did well.”
But Shah, with aspirations to become a doctor, says she started to question that during her college years as a biology major. She decided to look at what made her happy, which led to her applying to the Teach for America program after graduation. She was assigned to Richmond, California, an underserved community. For the first two years she taught middle school math at a traditional public school and the last three years at a charter school.
“Looking back, during my K-12 years, why did no one tell me that teaching aligned with my skill sets?” Shah asked. “I thrived as a teacher. I am very highly creative, a leader, enjoy extracurriculars, community and team building.
“School was just about sit, take notes and listen to (the teacher). When you are a child you do not know there can be a different way. Why not cultivate this early?”
After Shah’s Teach for America commitment ended she earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 2020, with a focus on business and education.
She is now an education consultant who speaks at conferences and workshops about the impact of bringing consciousness into education. According to her website thekomalshah.com, living consciously includes intentional reflection and regular spiritual practice.
Writing a book was not something Shah said she intended to do at this point in her life. However, during the pandemic she decided to enroll in the Creator Institute, which has a program to support new authors get published.
“It was a spur of the moment thing,” she said.
Her book not only incorporates her ideas, but those from the many education experts and thought leaders whom she interviewed on how to change the education system.
“The book is very accessible, with a big vision and picture for the future,” Shah said. “I see the mental health crisis, the hustle bustle and grind culture that has led to mental health issues. With a new vision of consciousness we can have more human approaches to educating children.”
“Raise Your Hand: A Call for Consciousness in Education” is listed on Amazon for $27.98 as a hardcover book and $7.99 for a Kindle version. Shah will have signed copies available for purchase on Saturday.
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