Teaching Philosophy
As a PhD student in the Political Science department at Columbia University with several years of experience as a teacher and mentor, I view the classroom as a dynamic laboratory for both intellectual and personal growth. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should be a process of liberation, equipping students with the tools to navigate a complex world with rigor, resilience, and empathy.
Intellectual Independence
My primary goal is to foster intellectual independence. While course content is the foundation, I believe in the spirit of the proverb that suggests teaching a person to fish is far more valuable than simply giving them a fish. Students may eventually forget specific facts from the curriculum, but the methods of inquiry and critical thinking they master will serve them throughout their lives. I use course material as a vehicle to cultivate these enduring habits. Ultimately, I strive for intellectual liberation, empowering students to critically engage with, and eventually challenge, both the instructor and the established consensus.
Productive Failures
I advocate for a culture of productive failures. Much like a toddler learning to walk, one must stumble to truly master the skill; similarly, I encourage students to take intellectual and social risks. I treat the classroom as the lowest-cost lab for life—the ideal place to “fail early and fail often” to avoid much higher costs later in life. While you are encouraged to make mistakes, whether academic, personal, or professional, the goal is to view them as essential opportunities for growth. I want you to share your opinions freely and pursue the directions that interest you, knowing that I will work alongside you to ensure you learn from every stumble.
Love & Inclusion
Learning thrives in a radically accessible space where every voice is essential to the collective construction of knowledge. I am committed to building an environment of genuine empathy and patience, where individual needs—whether academic, professional, or personal—are met with dedicated support. Every student should feel they truly belong in this collaborative setting. Beyond being your instructor, I aim to be a mentor and friend with whom you can share your joys, frustrations, and even your anger. As a passionate and candid educator, I hope my own spirit and honesty encourage you to bring your full, authentic selves to our work together.