Shikha Sharma
Rajasthan, India native Shikha Sharma was inspired by her 8th grade English teacher, who played a pivotal role in her life. Earning a degree in biotechnology at the University of Rajasthan led her to start her teaching career.
Initially, she wanted to be a doctor, but in India, there is a Caste Reservation System where 60% of the population in colleges is for the unprivileged and it’s really competitive to be a doctor.
“There were only 180 seats, and I couldn’t be a doctor so I decided to pursue my career in teaching AP biology.”
Sharma had already taught many years at a college in India before moving to the United States around 2015.
Over this quarantine, she spent many hours with her family, and she passed all the exams for her teaching credential.
“I had time to explore nature, and some of my favorite hikes were at Alum Rock Park and Ed R. Levin County Park,” Sharma said.