“My aqeedah (faith) is my anchor and my home in this foreign land.”
Amatullah Chinwala
Amatullah Chinwala’s journey is one of growth, resilience and a deep commitment to helping others discover their potential. It all began at Humber Polytechnic, where her love for writing was nurtured and eventually led her to a fulfilling career in teaching.
The experiences and lessons learned at Humber have been crucial in shaping her path. It’s not just about the knowledge gained but about the community and real-world skills that Humber provided Chinwala, which continue to guide her and other graduates in their careers and lives.
Chinwala’s journey isn’t just about professional success—it’s about staying true to her faith and embracing the ups and downs that life brings. Her path has been shaped by hard work, a love for learning and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
Let’s explore Chinwala’s inspiring journey, from her passion for writing to her path as an educator, and uncover the valuable lessons she’s gained along the way.
Sharpening her skills
For Chinwala, words have always been her thing. From the time she was young, she loved expressing herself through writing, whether in stories, essays or journals.
She realized that passion alone wasn’t enough to thrive in a fast-paced world. So, she enrolled in Humber’s professional writing and communications program to sharpen her skills and stand out.
The program enhanced her skills in creative writing, public relations, editing and proofreading, social media management, marketing communication and more. These skills have been invaluable in her career and personal growth.
“I’ve always been a woman of words,” Chinwala said with a smile. “But Humber taught me how to refine my writing, communicate professionally and organize my ideas to make a real impact.”
She shared that despite having more than three years of professional experience, Humber provided her with valuable international exposure.
Embracing her role in the classroom
While writing was always her first love, Chinwala soon discovered that her path wasn’t limited to being behind the pen.
Growing up, she was surrounded by teachers. Both of her parents and grandmothers worked in education, but for a long time, she didn’t see teaching as her calling.
That all changed when she realized that teaching was a way for her to combine her love for learning and her desire to help others.
Taking a leap of faith, Chinwala decided to become an elementary school teacher at The Giles School in September 2024. She found that her background in literature and writing fit perfectly with the demands of the job.
“Teaching young kids, especially in the realm of literature and language, became my calling. It’s all about patience, creativity and finding new ways to connect with students,” Chinwala said.
Learning every step of the way
Before becoming a teacher, Chinwala had an important life lesson in multitasking at Harvey’s.
She worked at the fast-food restaurant while pursuing her degree and, while many people might see fast food work as just a job, she saw it as a crucial learning experience.
She began as a burger garnisher, but over time, she advanced to managing store operations, learning valuable skills along the way.
“It was a fast-paced environment that taught me how to juggle multiple tasks at once. Whether it was taking orders, managing a busy shift or solving problems on the spot, I learned how to think on my feet and stay organized,” Chinwala said.
Whether she’s planning lessons, dealing with classroom challenges or balancing multiple jobs, Chinwala credits the skills she developed at Harvey’s as a key part of her success.
Inspiring young writers
One of the most rewarding aspects of Chinwala’s teaching job is bringing her love for writing into the classroom. She works hard to make writing an exciting and creative outlet for her students, encouraging them to explore different forms of self-expression.
“Writing can be fun! It’s not just about grammar and rules—it’s about creativity and finding your voice,” Chinwala said.
Chinwala believes in giving her students the freedom to explore their own thoughts and ideas through writing.
“When they write about something they care about, it’s amazing how quickly they get excited about it.”
In her creative writing club, students have the chance to experiment with different genres and styles, learning to express themselves in a variety of ways.
“Every child has a unique voice. My goal is to help them find that voice and build their confidence as writers. I love watching them grow into their own unique styles and abilities,” Chinwala said.
Balancing it all
While teaching is Chinwala’s passion, it’s not her only role. She also works part-time as a nursery coordinator at All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church.
“I love being able to work with kids both in the classroom and at the church. It’s such a rewarding experience to help kids grow and learn in different ways,” Chinwala said.
Managing two jobs along with everyday life can be a challenge, but she handles it with grace and humour. “When you’re doing what you love, it doesn’t feel like work,” she said.
On top of her teaching and church duties, she also spends time planning lessons, correcting assignments and making sure her personal life stays balanced.
“And, of course, being an adult means there are always chores to take care of. My skincare routine, hanging out with my friends and my shopping addiction help me unwind after a busy day,” Chinwala said with a laugh.
For Chinwala, the future is centred on continuous growth. She wants to embrace new challenges and stay committed to her passion for teaching and writing.
She is excited to transition into a full-time teaching role this year and wants to dedicate all her time and energy to what she loves. Additionally, she has secured a tutoring position at an after-school institute and is eager to explore private tutoring opportunities.
She encourages recent graduates to stay curious, embrace failure and remain open to new possibilities.
Starting with her love for writing and finding her calling in the classroom, Chinwala has learned to approach change with faith, perseverance and a desire to help others.
She emphasizes that life is a journey, not a race, and stresses the importance of being patient with oneself.
Chinwala is just beginning her journey and we look forward to seeing where it leads her next!
Feature image courtesy of Amatullah Chinwala.
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