R J Linza worked as a cleaner at Iqbal Higher Secondary School for twelve years. Through perseverance, she earned her degrees and eventually became a high school English teacher at the same school. Here's her inspiring story.
For twelve long years, Linza entered the classrooms of Iqbal School not with textbooks, but with a broom. Life's challenges had interrupted her education. Today, she walks into those same classrooms with an attendance book and English textbooks, a testament to years of hard work and dedication. R J Linza, once a last-grade employee at Iqbal Higher Secondary School in Kanhangad, Kasaragod district, is now a high school English teacher at the same institution.
Linza's Background
Her father Rajan's unexpected death 24 years ago turned Linza's life upside down. She was a final-year BA English student then, with her younger brother in ninth grade. With the family's income gone, Linza had to find work. Iqbal Higher Secondary School offered her a temporary position as a last-grade servant. Thus, at 21, Linza entered the school with a broom in hand.
For the next six years, Linza continued as a cleaning staff member. During this time, she completed her BA English and later her postgraduate degree. She then enrolled in a BEd programme. In 2006, the permanent employee returned, and Linza lost her temporary job. However, she continued her BEd. and secured a teaching position at a private school in Kanhangad. This marked her entry into the teaching profession. After six years, she received a call from Iqbal School.
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Becoming a Teacher
In 2012, Linza was appointed to a vacant last-grade servant position, joining in 2013. The then-principal, M V Praveena, inspired her to pursue teaching again. Linza began preparing for the Teachers Eligibility Test. By then, she was married with a six-year-old son and an infant daughter. Praveena, who had also become a teacher after marriage and motherhood, encouraged Linza. After a six-year wait, a high school English teacher position opened up at Iqbal School in 2018, and Linza was appointed.
An Experience Like No Other
On May 31st, Linza was working as a last-grade employee. The very next day, she walked into the same classroom holding an attendance book, an experience she describes as beyond words. The students were stunned to see her in a new role. She was first appointed as a UP school teacher and later promoted to high school. Along the way, she also served as a Guides captain. Although her career progressed, she still carries the sadness of not fulfilling her father's dream of seeing her become a doctor.
