Ms. Priyanka Nirmal, a chemistry teacher at Van Nuys High School, has been teaching for 16 years. Inspired by her father, who was also a chemistry professor, she has always been passionate about her subject. Known for her respectful and caring approach, Ms. Nirmal believes that understanding her students begins with listening to them. She encourages students to stop by during school hours for help or advice and always strives to support them however she can.
How do you balance your personal and work lives?
“It took me years to figure that out and I think I’m still trying to balance it. But I try to do most of my school work at school, and once I’m off my table, I do check my emails and messages that pop up on my phone. It might not be possible for me to respond right away unless it’s urgent. I do communicate with my students to talk to me; come ask for help when I’m here, and you can walk in during lunch or anytime when I’m at school.”
What’s a cause or issue you’re most passionate about?
“I believe in ‘live and let live’ — that’s the motto of my life. I try to put my opinion forward, but at the same time, you always have to respect what others are thinking and empathize with them which would give you another perspective. That’s the cause I would live for — you can try to convince someone to behave a certain way, but you can not impulse them.”
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had?
“There are quite a few. I would say my Europe trip; it was before I had my kids, so it was less responsibility. Now I look forward to going on trips with them.”
What’s a life lesson you’ve learned outside of the classroom?
“Don’t react. Listen and respond instead. When you react, it’s just very impulsive and later you might regret it. But by then, you can’t go back to change, listen, think and then respond. I’ve never had any regrets; I’ve always tried to do my best possible and that’s it.”
If you had to eat at one cuisine what would it be and what is your favorite dish from it?
“It would be Indian food. That’s my comfort food even while I love to try all kinds of cuisines. I love Thai and I love Italian as well. Pretty much anything vegetarian, like lentil soup and rice.”
What inspired you to become a teacher in the first place?
“I come from an education background. I grew up in India and my father retired as a professor in chemistry, which is my subject now. The respect, the peace and calmness in this profession is something I’ve always admired. As a child, I felt amazed. That’s what really got me into it. And of course there are perks of this profession, like getting to spend time with our family.”
