This week’s personal spotlight is on “Mr. Kumar”. His full name is Jegadeesh Kumar Kesavan, but many of you may know him by “Mr. Kumar”. That is how I know him. He taught two of my children at CCHS in more than one math class. Even though they may have struggled in some parts of the class, they loved Mr. Kumar. I told them if they are having trouble to ask Mr. Kumar, and he will help you. So, they did, and he did. I was so impressed with him that when a rumor arose he may not return during my daughter’s high school math classes, I told her to tell Mr. Kumar that he must return. He can do whatever he wants after she got through math, but until then he must teach at Colleton County High School. She told him and he stayed, so I like to think I had something to do with that.
Mr. Kumar’s journey to the United States started in India; you know just a couple of oceans and one or two continents away. He was born in Coimbatore, Tamil nadu, India. As a young boy he didn’t necessarily want to be an educator. One of the things he wanted to be was a scientist. However, one dream that stuck with him was wanting to become a writer. Realizing that becoming a writer might not be financially viable he did decide on teaching a bit later in his younger life. That career choice was not without its own set of difficulties. Mr. Kumar comments it’s a very competitive field in India, it is difficult to find a good teaching job; a government job that pays well. This was why he didn’t want to become a teacher, but he wanted to teach. When he finished one of his master’s degrees he went to work at a textile company as a quality control officer. He still found himself tutoring about 30-40 kids at a tutorial center helping them with math and science. Even though his basic degree is in science/chemistry math is ancillary subject and he tutored in both subjects. He comments, “even though it was not by big dream to become a teacher, but I always admired the respect the teachers received in India.” He has always endeavored to be the type of teacher that imparts knowledge. He does not want to lord his knowledge over the students and make it difficult for them. He never wants to demean his students. His approach is to respect his students and share with them what he knows. He describes his way of connecting with his students as “this is what I know, and I want to share this exciting news with you.” He acknowledges these students are growing adults and are going to be the ones going into society and eventually making the decisions for the city, county, and beyond. He wants to engage and educate his students to prepare them for their future.
His next steps toward the United States was in Maldives. Maldives is a tiny island nation close to India. Jegadeesh and his wife, Anusha, both had an opportunity to teach in Maldives, and they were there for 10 years teaching and were actually considering retiring back in India. The goal was to live simply, earn a little money, and peacefully savor life. Then someone mentioned to him about teaching in the United States. Jegadeesh and Anusha thought, “why not.” It was a dream so they decided to cross those couple of oceans and one or two continents and make the trip. In 2014 Ms. Lynn Strobel, the math coach at the time, interviewed him, and chose him for the teaching spot and Mr. Cliff Warren was the principal at the time. He recalls everyone being so supportive and he was able to acclimatize himself into the system. He also remembers that it was not a big cultural shock about students here in the United States. He laughs when he reflects that students here in the States are not that dissimilar to students in Maldives. Even so, living and teaching here was difficult the first year. His second year he considered leaving and maybe going back home. However, he found support in his colleagues and now he loves it here. He compares Walterboro to an island itself. Now he gets a “hey Mr. Kumar” when he goes to Walmart from his students and their parents.
When asked what the toughest thing for him was when moving to America, Jegadeesh says, rather emphatically, the red tape. The amount of paperwork that has to be done to do much of anything is tricky and confusing. I didn’t have the heart to tell him it really doesn’t get a whole lot better.
As far as any language barrier, there isn’t any. Mr. Kumar has been speaking English since he was 26. He wanted to learn the language because living in India respect was to be found in speaking English. Jegadeesh wished to have that respect so he learned English. He learned by watching cricket. He would listen to the English speaking commentators call the game, and that is how he learned. He also played cricket for his college when he was a student himself. He then graduated to reading English books. He found it easier to read aloud so he would find an empty room and continue to read English aloud. Coupled with the medium of instruction in Maldives was English even though the native language is Dhivehi, students and teachers in the Maldives were able to communicate with one another in English and through all these methods, that is how Jagadeesh became fluent in English.
As far as continuing his teaching career, Jegadeesh would eventually maybe teach at the college level, but he is reluctant to leave his island of Walterboro. Currently he is attending The Citadel on a Learn to Lead scholarship for $50,000 and with complete the program with a master’s degree in STEM education.
Mr. Kumar’s passion though is writing. His dream is to be published, and he has accomplished some of that. He has translated at least 17 books that have been published; 5 poetry collections published, and 7 pieces of fiction. He loves to write in Tamil, his native language, and English.
Jegadeesh and Anusha are celebrating a milestone of 20 years of marriage. They have done many things together such as teaching in Maldives and journeying through life together. They have been on a continuous journey of personal enlightenment to answer at least one of those age old questions of “what is the meaning of life?” Congratulations on your 20 years of marriage.
Mr. Kumar is dedicated to his students and he wants to share what he knows with them. He is accomplished in many things personally and educationally. The students in Colleton County are fortunate to have a teacher who is so dedicated to his students and is an example of what can be accomplished in life. Thank you, Mr. Kumar.
