Sasha Aghabala

Details

My background

*Pro Bono Accepted*
Hello, my name is Sasha Aghabala and I am currently studying at SOAS (School of Oriental & African Studies) in London, undertaking a batchelors degree in Middle Eastern & Religious Studies.
I get asked often why I chose these specific courses as they are not really subjects you often hear about when talking to those who undergo higher education, and this I am full aware of. I would argue that my interest in the Humanities started from as early as I can remember, and has obviously shaped the passionate person I have grown to become today. From a very early age I frequently visited Iran (my family's country of origin), experiencing a world completely abstract to the one I was familair with in the UK. I perosnally believe that one of the upper eschalons of understanding comes from first hand experience; with these lifelong and ongoing expericnes of Iran doing exactly that. I was surrounded by family members who relished in teaching me of this country's rich historical and cultural traditions, who re-affirmed in me a part of my identity that I am eternally grateful for. The other great benefit that my experience of my country of origin gave me is the spark. By this I mean the spark which lit the match to guide me and what I would soon discover is a never ending, and always bountiful world of knowledge that our earth contains. Whether it was history encyclopedia's repalcing xbox's at Christmas, History channel documentaries from the age of eight or my now free time exploration of the univerisity library's vastly stacked shelves, I have always had a deep burning passion for the acquisiton of knowledge and I believe will so until the day I die.
I developed a more profound interest in world religions and cultural studies of the Middle East as my Iranian identity began to develop more and more in contrast to the environment around me, that being a Southern English state school. I personally would describe myself as agnostic but I do not believe this should hold one back from understanding the various meta-narratives and ideologies that we as a species subscribe to, they deserve our respect and understadning if we are to ever live in a world of prgoress and harmonious development.
However I haven't always been a super nerd in disguise; I have also had a life long sporting career from the age of six. I started palying rugby which I did so up until fourteen, I then began practicing various martial arts such as Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA at the age of 12 and I now consider strength and conditioning to be my physical discpline, with sports being one of the many discplines we should incorporate into our daily habits to live a long, happy and healthy life.
I would describe myself as not a perfect person, but one who always pushes and drives for improvement in everything I do. I believe I have proven to myself that I am dedicated, hard working, passionate and discplined when it comes to many of the aspects in my life, with teaching and learning being no exception.

For anyone who needs help with educational exam's, work subscribed courses or those who just want to expand their knowledge on these areas of academia, I believe I can offer you a modern and unique approach that will benfit you greatly, and I look forward to working together soon!

Experience

I have experience teaching in a number of roles throughout my life:

- My first would have been coaching youth members of my martial arts club from the age of 14-16. I coached roughly twice a week in multiple disciplines with students as young as six, all the way up to my own age at the time. We went through basic drills and techniques together, monitored sparring sessions and led general fitness routines. I feel that this specific teaching role gave me a much needed practical approach, as well an undoubtedly beneficial discipline.
- I then at the age of 19 set out volunteering in Palestine as an English Foreign Language Teacher. This was defnitely my most challenging and beneficial experience. The majority of students I taught were under the age of 16, with many of them having severe learning or emotional difficulties due to conflict trauma. Roughly half of my placement was in numerous refugee camps such as Balaata, desrcibed as one of the most impoverished camps on earth, to which I can strongly attest, as well numerous rural villages with children who could barely read or write their native language of Arabic. This experience was not only one of the most humbling and eye opening stages of my life, it also showed me first hand the drastic importance of education and just how much for granted we take it so in the developed world.
- I currently work for an English foreign language teaching company who teach French students of all ages from 10-60. We are provided with learning resources , which we then go through with the student in one hour lessons. This has greatly enhanced my ability to be able to work and think on my feet, as well as developing my explanation and comprehensive teaching abilities. I greatly enjoy teaching English as a foreign language and it is extremely rewarding to see a student's development and progress over time.

Qualifications

- BA Degree in Middle Eastern & Religious Studies (currently undertaking last year)
- 12 GCSE'S C- A*
- A Levels:
Modern World History
Sociology
Journalism
- Extended Project Qualification in Religous Sociology
- AS Levels in Psychology & Physical Education

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