3T: Kindly introduce yourself and tell us how it was like growing up.
Kechegi: Thank you Tetso and the Spotlight team for this opportunity.
Hello, my name is Kechegi Khing. I am an Asst. Professor, Department of English at Tetso College, Dimapur. I have completed my MPhil (English) at Nagaland University, Meriema Campus. I am the only daughter of my parents and have two amazing brothers.
Before we relocated to Dimapur permanently, I was born and brought up in Kohima. I remember fetching water down the hills of Hospital colony and helping mom in the kitchen before getting ready for school. Taking the bus to and from school for an hour or more (pfff- Kohima traffic) gave me plenty of time to talk with my friends and sometimes sleep until we arrived at our destination. Growing up was not easy and yes life is and has been difficult, but I’ve always been grateful for the experiences and, most importantly, God’s manifold blessings.
3T: What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
Kechegi: Well, a lot!
Breaking out of my introverted shell and creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory is one that still surprises me. I entered the Ms. Fresher contest during my first year of B.Sc. for sheer fun and to entertain my friends, and unexpectedly, I won. And, because it was my first time wearing heels, my roommates and guides insisted on my practicing ‘the walk’ for more than a month.
One life lesson learned- excellence/ success comes from hard work, persistence, and one’s perspective. Make pleasant memories and challenge yourself because life is too short.
3T: What is a typical day like in your life?
Kechegi: A typical day in my life would be to wake up, say a prayer, have some quiet time and then wash up. Then run for breakfast and prepare my tiffin for College, cause what better way to treat yourself than home-cooked food shared with colleagues. Then leave for college, take classes, and interact with my students and colleagues over coffee or snacks. When I get home, I do my housework and study for my classes, and if I’m not too exhausted, I read, write and watch movies including anime. And I do occasionally bring some color to my otherwise monotonous drab routine.
3T: Is ‘online education’ the future of the educational system of the world?
Kechegi: I cannot say, however it entirely depends on our perception and the community in which we live.
Considering our young Nagas, I believe we should continue to use the conventional form of learning for a few more decades while introducing Online education only for a few short-term courses or certain units/sections would be a nice place to start experimenting and analyzing the pedagogy.
Discipline is required in online education and honesty becomes a big concern. In addition, good Connectivity and quality technological tools and devices are also factors to consider, as online education will limit many people’s options. When it comes to education, perhaps we should never dismiss human teachers in favor of “robots”.
3T: What is the best and worst part about your job?
Kechegi: The best part of my job is to meet my colleagues and students to learn and create memories little by little every day. Also sipping warm coffee or cold lemon tea while working.
The most difficult aspect of my job is questioning whether I am teaching and working effectively; additionally, the thought of influencing the lives of those around me stands crucial as it lingers around my every movement.
3T: Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Kechegi: The Bible is what I live my life by. Though Imperfect and I am constantly seeking to improve, it has and will always be my living guidance.
3T: How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Kechegi: For me, it’s not possible. (Perhaps not the response you were hoping for, but I’m evolving, so this is off the table for me… hehe)
3T: Do you think that the educational institutions in Nagaland are putting in enough effort to cater the needs of students? What advice would you give to students planning to pursue further studies out of Nagaland?
Kechegi: My answer to the first question is a Yes and no. Through the progression of time, we cannot deny that the educational institutions in Nagaland are indeed putting in enough effort to cater the needs of students. We do, however, need to address some loopholes in the system internally and/or externally.
If a student plans to pursue further studies out of Nagaland, consider why and how you might give back to the community and family that helped you achieve your goals. Rather than be blinded by the obscurity of fantasy, perceive the reality ahead, and make your study outside worthwhile. Consider your financial positions and look for scholarship options if required; be brave and explore the world, make rational choices and engage in conversations with new people while keeping in mind that you remain rooted in your life’s principles to prevent getting lost or swayed on the way.
3T: What book are you reading at the moment?
Kechegi: I just started reading My Mother’s Daughter by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o. Published in 2019 and also won the 2nd Gordon Graham Prize for Naga Literature 2019 (fiction).
3T: Can you tell us your hobbies?
Kechegi: As mentioned earlier, I do occasionally bring some color to my otherwise tedious drab routine and those are my hobbies which include sketching, painting, doodle art, and crafts. I also like to experiment with new cuisines and tickle my nerves by playing musical instruments and also listening to music.
3T: Would you rather go back in the past to undo an action you regret or go to the future to see what the future holds?
Kechegi: It has been my childhood fantasy to travel across time- the concept of a time machine/ time travel fascinated me. But I have no desire to undo the past because my experiences have created who I am now, and the unknown future intrigues me enough to continue on the route I have chosen for the best.
3T: Who inspires you the most and why?
Kechegi: I consider myself extremely blessed to have my parents as my greatest sources of inspiration. As a woman of little words, it is practically impossible for me to articulate why they inspire me. They have done everything they can to help me grow physically, spiritually, mentally, and culturally and that is my greatest blessing and inspiration- To love and respect.
3T: What’s the one thing people do not know about you?
Kechegi: I procrastinate, but not at the expense of my progress. Also, I do listen to heavy metal music to get myself hyped occasionally to rid procrastination- weirdly surprising huh!
3T: According to you, what is the most beautiful thing about life?
Kechegi: The most beautiful thing in life is the ability to breathe and having to experience the thorns in life making us treasure or appreciate the roses which we sometimes take for granted.
3T: Among the people you’ve worked with, who do you admire and why?
Kechegi: This is a difficult question for me to respond to.
People I’ve worked with have both attributes I admire and dislike; nonetheless, I make every effort to focus on the positive aspects and gather the best in order to improve myself.