Meet Our Instructors: Ridika Ridi

Major: History of Science, Medicine & Technology

Year: Junior

What is your favorite lesson you’ve taught? Why? 

My favorite lesson is “The Nose Knows” from the Elementary Curriculum. In this lesson, we have a few covered cups- each filled with a different scented item- and students have to describe what they smell and what sort of memories they associate with the scent. After having a chance to smell all the cups, students choose a scent to write about without giving away their chosen scent. The entire group has a lot of fun guessing what scent someone wrote their story about. 

I think this activity is not only really interactive, but very helpful to understand why sensory details are so important to storytelling. 

Can you describe a favorite moment from teaching? 

In my previous writing group, we had a student who was a little reserved and reluctant to share. There was this one day where he came into the session not having a good day and feeling frustrated. During one of our writing activities, he had a lot of great ideas, but felt unsure about how to put them on paper. After working one-on-one with the student, he was able to start writing his story, and then he just excelled from there. By the end of the session he came up to me with a completed story that he wanted to publish. I was very impressed by how the student was able to channel his frustration into writing and took the initiative to choose a piece of his writing to share with others.

What is something you’re proud of? 

I am proud of the fact that I am consistent with going to the gym and taking care of myself physically and mentally. Fitness wasn’t something stressed to me when I was younger, so I am grateful to be able to take care of my health as a young adult. 

What is something you love doing even though you’re not very good at it? 

I love to sing, mostly in the shower, even though I am not good by any means. I think singing is very relaxing and always makes me feel better after a stressful day.