Sumya Islam

I am currently undertaking my Masters of Teaching and Learning at the University of Waikato. Before this, I completed my Bachelor of Science (Technology) degree majoring in Biotechnology in 2017.

Over the last couple of years, I have been working in a commercial analytical chemistry laboratory and been actively involved in volunteering. Last year I was a volunteer for The Refugee Orientation Trust and helped refugee children and learners of ESOL with their homework after school. I have always actively participated in extracurricular activities and volunteering. Throughout my school years, I was a student librarian, I helped organize and took part in cultural events while in High School, University and in the workplace. I was part of the technology team, enviro team and yearbook committee, also in High School I have fundraised money for SPCA, Blind bowlers, Cerebral Palsy and Breast cancer through bake sales and street appeals. I was class representative at University.

I am from Bangladesh and have lived in New Zealand since 1996. I have been living on Auckland’s North Shore. It was here that I completed secondary school at Westlake Girls. My family and I have been calling Hamilton home since 2015, and the change in location has been refreshing. Although, I do take every chance to visit Auckland, to catch up with friends over good food.

My interests range from travel to volunteering. I am a foodie. I love to try new food and always try to order something I haven’t tried before, on the menu. In my spare time, I love to bake, go for drives, try different food places, socialise over good food, watch a good TV show, enjoy the breath-taking views New Zealand offers, and travel.

For me, the drive to become a teacher was a culmination of experiences, throughout my childhood and learning years. The reciprocal learning through teaching facilitates and drives my passion for lifelong learning and led me to this path of teaching. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to gain experience in a classroom setting and school environment. I look forward to learning from other professionals and students.