Sometimes it’s not what’s on our CVs or our academic qualifications that gives us that certain X Factor which propels us to success. Often it’s simply the ability to adapt, grow and have the confidence to challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones.
Tyndall’s goal is to attract and nurture people with diverse talents and excellent skills, enabling all to reach their full potential.
In celebration of the many talents that make up Tyndall, we are showcasing Saif Wakeel, PhD Student in IPIC’s Photonic Packaging team. Saif’s special talent lies in the education and support of children who are orphaned or living in poverty.
What is your hidden talent?
I love to teach and help students who do not get equal opportunities, particularly poor or orphaned children, so my hidden talent relates to teaching in orphanages and schools in underdeveloped/underprivileged villages.
I started this back in 2017, when I first visited an orphanage in a city called Aligarh, India. Since then, I have taught a variety of small schools in different villages and cities of India. In terms of help, I provide career guidance for students, while also contacting professors and professionals for financial help to pay fees for students in need.
Recently, I went to a Middle School situated in a very small village named Ilicalar in Bingol, Turkey. I taught STEM and played sports with the children there. My supervisor (Peter O’Brien), was generous enough to provide 25 children with new shoes.
What sparked your interest?
I am inspired by my Mom. She used to do what I am doing now and gave me this advice: “if you are capable enough in the future in any form, never forget to use your capability to help poor people, especially kids”.
I now feel capable enough to educate those kids and teaching them gives me an inner happiness which is hard to express. These reasons led to my interest in undertaking social work.
What is your current role?
I am a PhD student in Peter O’Brien’s group with my research focused on photonic packaging. My research is “surface assembled wafer level photonic packaging”.
The application of my research is to develop transceivers for fiber optic telecommunications, which can result in increasing the speed of the internet, making computer data transfers extremely fast and much more.
How has your hidden talent complemented your role?
Teaching kids and hearing their interesting questions about science has taught me that there is a lot that needs to be done in the area of science, to improve the life of human beings. This motivates me to dig deep and to study more in my area of research.
Apart from research, my voluntary work has increased the bond I have with my supervisor, Peter. Once I told him about the social work I’ve been undertaking for the last 6 years, he wanted to help and generously supported the children in a financial capacity.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to try your hidden talent?
There is a saying “I would not let my younger one’s pass through the same difficult situation that I faced in my life”.
Therefore, I would like to raise awareness about the many children who are displaced from their home or have many hidden talents, but don’t have the opportunities to pursue them.
If you would like to participate or assist, please contact me via email.