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Find out more about Mukul

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  I teach Italian, a language known for its beauty and musicality. My interest in Italian began when I traveled to Italy and experienced firsthand how the language enhanced my understanding of its rich culture. The more I explored, the more I realized how essential language is to fully experiencing a place. I was captivated by phrases like "La dolce vita" (the sweet life) and "Vivere è come amare: tutta la ragione è contro, e ogni sano istinto a favore", a quote by the Italian writer Carlo Dossi, meaning "Living is like loving: all reason is against it, and every healthy instinct is for it." These experiences inspired me to teach others the language and help them unlock the same joy.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  The motivation for me comes from seeing how language opens doors-not just to communication, but to understanding culture and history. I'm inspired by the saying, "Imparare un'altra lingua è come diventare un'altra persona" (Learning another language is like becoming another person). My goal is to give my students this experience. The ability to speak Italian allows them to explore the culture more deeply, and watching them grow in confidence motivates me every day.

• How does your work help society?

  Teaching Italian helps foster cultural understanding and global connections. By learning Italian, my students are able to engage with one of the world's most historically rich cultures. As the Italian saying goes, "Chi parla due lingue vive due vite" (He who speaks two languages lives two lives). This perfectly sums up how learning a language expands horizons, helping students not only travel and work abroad but also gain insight into another way of thinking. In a world where cross-cultural communication is key, this work contributes to creating more empathetic and globally-minded individuals.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  One of my role models is Dante Alighieri, often referred to as the "father of the Italian language." His work, particularly "La Divina Commedia", not only revolutionized literature but also shaped the modern Italian language. His words, "L'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle" (The love that moves the sun and the other stars), remind me of the deep emotional and expressive power that language carries. His dedication to preserving the richness of Italian inspires me to do the same through teaching.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  Outside of teaching, I enjoy cooking Italian cuisine-I love making traditional dishes like pasta alla carbonara and tiramisu, as cooking is a way of continuing my connection to Italy's culture. I also love reading, particularly Italian literature, and traveling. As an Italian proverb says, "Chi non viaggia, non conosce il valore degli uomini" (He who doesn't travel doesn't know the value of men). Traveling helps me stay connected with the world and gives me fresh insights that I bring into my lessons.

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  I once had a student who was preparing for a study abroad program in Florence. She was initially very nervous about speaking Italian, especially in real-life situations. After months of practice and dedication, she finally arrived in Italy. When she came back, she told me, "Ho parlato con i fiorentini, ed è stato bellissimo!" (I spoke with the Florentines, and it was beautiful!). She shared how confident she felt ordering food, asking for directions, and even chatting with locals. It was a reminder of how powerful learning a language can be-it not only opens doors but makes experiences like that all the more fulfilling.