Student Testimonials
Click here for sample of anonymous student evaluations from the Boston Conservatory
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Kate Rooney (The Boston Conservatory)
So many of the classes I took in college were totally forgettable--but eight years after graduation, the course I took from Sujay sticks out in my mind. In what must have been an incredibly challenging environment (teaching an academic liberal arts course to single-minded theater kids), Sujay was all at once demanding, thoughtful, and endlessly patient. He explained difficult concepts and dense or confusing subjects in a graceful and creative manner to keep us interested and learning at the same time. The classroom environment was always an open forum for candid discussion, blending a lighthearted atmosphere with real focused study. But what I always appreciated most was that Sujay had very high expectations for us, and was incredibly supportive when it came to ensuring that we met or exceeded them. Sujay continued to provide academic support for me as I pursued higher education, something I know he's done for several other former students as well. That's just not the kind of the teacher you find every day. Janeiro Ferreira (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Professor Sood--It has been a great experience knowing you, and having you as a professor in high school. I just wanted to come by to let you know that I appreciate everything you have done for us. As of this week I am entering my Junior year with a 3.86 GPA at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. As far as going to college, I also wanted to let you know that you were one of the people that influenced me the most. One way this was done was by helping me keep my life on track through your knowledge. Honestly, if I had the chance to have you as a professor again I definitely will. I am very glad you are still teaching (you are one of the professor I always felt will have a huge positive impact on students). Once again Sood, Thank You! Fantasia Brown (Bayard Rustin H.S)
I can honestly say that Dr. Sood was one of my favorite teachers in high school. He wasn't strict and he wasn't lenient. He was the perfect teacher. He's good at what he does which is teaching English, and if you need him to talk to he's there. When I was his student, he had a great teaching style. I had English with him and when we had vocabulary tests, he made it easier for us to learn the words because he went over them with his class and the majority of us passed. Even today I still think he is the best teacher. Krizia Tamares ((Bayard Rustin H.S)
I can only say positive things when it comes to Dr.Sood. He was an amazing English professor and I highly enjoyed taking his cinematography class. He always motivated his students and gave good advice. He was my favorite teacher in high school and I always felt comfortable coming to him if I ever had any trouble. When I entered college, I felt prepared for any English class that came my way because of Dr.Sood. Looking back, I wouldn't have traded him for any other English teacher. Khadim Niang (Museum School of NYC)
Words cannot describe how happy I am to have met him. Dr. Sood will forever be one of the greatest teachers that I have ever had in my life. He was a friend, mentor and a father figure to me during my years in high school. It is really hard to find a teacher nowadays who is loved by his students so much that they want to keep in touch with him forever. Dr. Sood challenged me to work hard and strive for the best. He always told me to be strong and never let others put me down. His teaching methods both inside and outside of the classrooms were both inspirational and effective in establishing relationships with his students. I had the pleasure of taking a Theatre Arts class with Dr. Sood and I am happy to say that he introduced me to a new interest that I had never been aware of. My love for Theatre was all due to the teachings of Dr.Sood when it came to acting and stage productions. One thing that I liked about Dr.Sood was the commonality he had with his students. I was happy to have a teacher that I could talk to when it came to politics, music and social aspects. He increased my knowledge of the world and my surroundings through the interactions we had inside and outside the classroom. I really do not know how I would have survived my senior year in high school if I had not met him in high school. He always lifted me up when I was feeling down and made me into a better person by believing and having confidence in myself. As I am entering my second year in college, Dr Sood continues to play a major role in life just as he did in high school. I will always remember the conversations we had together and how it helped me become a better person and student. I wish only the best for Dr.Sood and I hope that he continues play a positive role for his students. Sarah Anozier (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Dr. Sood will always be one of my favorite teachers. He related so well to his students and offered what he could as often as he could in regards to academic problems students may have had. Out of all the teachers at Bayard Rustin, he did the best job at preparing us for college. Being a student of his was a wonderful experience and privelege I will never forget. Thanks Sood! Desiree Perez (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Dr. Sood was and still is one of the professors I go to when I need help in something. During high school, he pushed everyone to be better than what they were expected to be. Unlike other teachers, he set aside extra time in helping his students excel in their SAT exams and college applications. Although this wasn't required of him he still did it. Even now that I'm in my third year of college, he remains a helpful professor. Without his advice and knowledge I honestly don't think I'd be where I am now which I'm so proud of. If it wasn't for him I'd be conforming to a mediocre education. But he encouraged me and told me that to get where I wanted I needed to work hard and study a lot and not be lazy. I'm very grateful for him helping me and advising me on how to make a successful future for myself. Sure, he may be straightforward and honest but he's just telling the truth and he knows what he's talking about. He makes sure his students strive for the best even when he's no longer their professor. This shows his dedication and love for his profession. He's not working to just make a living, he's doing it because he wants to. Not only is he smart and honest but he truly does care for his students. Thanks Dr. Sood- the only professor that unconditionally cared for his students. |
Joe Wensink, (The Boston Conservatory)
I went to The Boston Conservatory to become a professional musician. 10 years later I find myself with a Ph.D. in English literature--oh Sujay how you derailed my best laid plans! Sujay's college seminars on Modernism and Postmodernism introduced me to the rigors (and joys!) of fierce intellectual engagement. Despite teaching in a school for performing arts, where academic subjects often took a backseat to rehearsals and the practice room, Sujay pulled no punches. He set the bar high for us, and he worked tirelessly to make sure we met the challenge. As a teacher he explained difficult concepts with clarity and grace, and his rapport in the classroom struck a very difficult-to-achieve balance. His approachable demeanor and friendly encouragement generated lively classroom discussions, yet at the same time he made it clear how he expected us to treat the material with all the serious engagement it deserved. I like to think that by and large we rose to the challenge. Thanks to his example I continue to model much of my own teaching on what I observed as a student in his classes. I eventually developed a life-long friendship with Sujay--nurtured during our extra-curricular pool hall outings--and soon after graduation, with a music degree to my name and few gigs on the horizon, he planted the idea of a Ph.D. in my head. I'd like to say that his confidence in my abilities and his encouragement in my chosen path has been unwavering ever since. Unfortunately not. He thinks the entire premise of my dissertation is B.S. But I dont begrudge him for that--just because he's a fantastic teacher doesn't mean he can't be utterly wrong about some very basic things :) Mariela Reyes (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Where can I begin? It was an honor and a great blessing to have Dr.Sood as my English teacher during my High school Junior year. Dr.Sood was an incredible educator, with the ability to create a positive and conducive learning environment. As a struggling student with potential, I found that Dr.Sood made English fun and approachable. His readings were rich with culture and he exposed us to great literary authors. Because of him, I became an excellent writer, achieving nearly a perfect score on my English NY state Regents. Dr.Sood provided me with invaluable academic resources, which have propelled me through my college career. Looking back now as a senior applying to Grad school, much of what he has taught still resonates with me. More than an educator, Dr.Sood was a mentor, and most of all, a friend. Roszella Turner (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Dr.Sood was my English teacher for high school. When I first saw Dr. Sood, I thought he was going to be a boring teacher. He turned out to be the best teacher I had because he was genuine and non judgmental. He knows how to challenge his students in every way possible. He loves being silly with us in the classroom--just to show us that he understands us and that he can be cool too. Dr.Sood is a teacher that cares about you, only if you care enough for your education. Without Dr. Sood’s skills and teaching techniques, I wouldn’t be prepared for college, and I will always thank him for pushing me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Christopher J. Showalter (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Sood was one of the coolest teachers I've had in high school because he understood self-expression. Most teachers I've had had a set format but I was able to approach Sood with an open outlook while still grasping his techniques in the art of English Writing. I was well prepared when writing in college and I've excelled over the period from freshman to now junior year, and I couldn't have done it without him. Angelina Maldonado (Bayard Rustin H.S)
One of the coolest teachers a student can have...and a great friend!!! Inty Ramirez (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Mr. Sood was the kind of teacher whom a student could rely on for academic advice. He was very insightful and knowledgeable. Mr. Sood taught my senior English class. I liked that Mr. Sood was very easy going and professional. The thing I most enjoyed about his class was the assignments because they were engaging and interesting. Reminiscing about his class brings back good memories. Zuri Fonseca (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Dr. Sood was THE best teacher of all my senior teachers in H.S. He taught Film and English. I believe his humor and patience were the best traits about him. I really enjoyed the way he taught and explained the assignments and class work. He has made me a better student and writer. Looking back, I will never forget him or his class. It was my steppingstone to passing ENG101! haha :] April Kochendorfer (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Dr Sood was my favorite teacher in high school. He was always calm, thoughtful and funny. He actually made learning fun; I looked forward to his class all day. He knew I liked to read and gave me books he thought I'd enjoy (which I did). Today I look back and feel lucky to have been a student of such a fantastic man. Malcolm Watson (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Sood. He was truly one of the best teachers a student could have. I try not to remember the failing grade he gave me, but I do acknowledge how much of a wake up call that was. Sood's sense of humor is one thing that stands out most about him. His style of teaching was very unique and because of that many of us looked forward to his class each day. I'm sure every one of his students can agree that Dr. Sood made us all feel as if we had more of a friendship with him than just a student-teacher relationship. Zsuzsanna Szegedi (Massachusetts College of Art)
I’ve known Sujay since 1999. He was my English tutor at Massachusetts College of Art where I transferred from Hungary. He was more like a professor and advisor to me than a tutor. His agenda wasn’t just to improve my school papers but to improve my critical thinking as an artist. The one-on-one sessions he facilitated were analytical discussions that over the years shaped my understanding of American culture and literature. This was an invaluable benefit to me as a student new to this country. Although Sujay's approach was fun and encouraging, he didn’t let me settle for anything less than perfect. Sujay is an educator who provides critical feedback that is honest, however painful or challenging it might be. He also trusts the students to able to handle it and as a result strengthen their willpower. Thanks Sujay! Since the school years, we’ve become good friends and I continue to enjoy his passionate attitude towards life and art. Sujay is a friend who really listens and pays close attention to people and his character radiates knowledge. |
Aulty Gentle (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Dr. Sood was a very kindhearted, patient, hardworking teacher. College English was the course he taught when I was a participant. What I LOVED best about Dr. Sood was that he never gave up on anyone. He was always there to help in and outside of the school environment. I believe he improved many students in their writing and even personality skills by having some of us act out our own plays and making us overcome stage fright. What I like best about his class was that not only was it challenging but it was a learning experience as well. It indeed prepared me for the college world and the same kind of hard work that was put in Dr. Sood's class. His teaching skills were firm, and if one made the effort he would make the same effort as well to make sure a student is getting the materials. Looking back Dr. Sood has helped me in so many ways, especially the college application process and personal issues as well. He helped me open-heartedly and I thank him to this day. Besides he's the reason my punctuation in this letter is placed correctly. Well, at least I hope they are. Thankyou Dr.Sood. :) Timothy Quick (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Dr. Sood was an inspiration and his classes were always so informative. I think his teaching technique was a little different from other teachers in my school; while he was strict and on point, he also offered something like a confidant when you needed someone to talk to. I enjoyed his classes for the most part, even though he was kinda a jerk at times. lol Christine Padilla (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Dr. Sood was an awesome teacher. He was always willing to take the time out to help his students. He never rushed things with his students. He took the time to understand each and every one of us individually. When his students were struggling, he was very helpful with explaining things to us in detail. Dr. Sood always would encourage us to strive for more when it came to our future. He was an exciting teacher. Looking back, I am so grateful that Dr. Sood taught me everything I needed to know to better understand my future. Arielle Mason (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Dr. Sood was an approachable, enthusiastic, and dedicated teacher towards his class. Sood taught a few different courses such as Film and English. I liked how we were able to interact with classmates and learned in a more fundamental version. Looking back today, I think Dr. Sood gave me that passion to read more. Also, he got me interested in filming and theater. Also, I learned a little pump fake for basketball from a move he showed me. Vahid Hodzic (Bayard Rustin H.S)
Dr Sood was a great teacher that students can actually learn something from. He was able to make you feel that he was your friend but when you needed to handle your stuff, he was just as strict as another teacher. I think the best part of his teaching style is that he made you comfortable with the stuff he was teaching and how he was teaching it. If I can reflect back on my high school years, I can honestly say that Sood was the best teacher in that school, and the best teacher I ever learned something from. The other thing that I liked Sood was because he kept it straight with you—he didn't tell you what you wanted to hear: he told you how it was really going down. Ciaron Amoakohene (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Dr. Sood was the best teacher and still is the best teacher. He was my favorite teacher and I could never and won't ever forget him. He taught me everything there is to know about Film and I am so in love with film because of him--I thank you so much Dr. Sood, you are the greatest. I am in college now and my major is film directing, and every time someone ask me what made you so interested in film? I say my film teacher. Dr. Sood, because of you i can't think of anything else I'd rather be majoring in. THANK YOU, DR.SOOD. Astrid Espaillat (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Dr. Sood was an amazing teacher. I never knew I could grasp and keep so much information if it wasn't for the way he taught us. He was straightforward and patient with all of us. His presence was motivational as well as understanding. English wasn't one of my favorite subjects but with Dr. Sood as a teacher I thought otherwise. Dr. Sood made English enjoyable. He was funny, cool and above all inspiring. Dr. Sood had a different way of teaching. It's amazing how much I can still remember till this day. I can appreciate a colossal amount of words, books, readings, and poetry all thanks to Dr. Sood. I have kept a small printout of a list of words he had given to us in class as well as different writing methods. It has helped me a great deal, especially now in my English and other classes in college, and for that I'm sincerely grateful for everything he has taught me. Thanks Dr. Sood for being who you are and for being one of best the teachers that I will never forget. Amanda Prens (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Not every high school graduate can say they looked forward to going to English class everyday; I can, however. Coming from high school in Florida, I wasn't sure what to expect but I certainly wasn't disappointed. Professor Sood became my favorite teacher almost instantaneously. Combining humor and knowledge is one of his best skills and a very clever one at that. He kept us entertained and educated within the time span of 45 minutes. Sood didn't "just teach", he guided, consulted, and motivated all of us. I'm sure every student of his considers themselves lucky to have been taught by such an inspiring professor. - And I THANK YOU Sood :) Stephanie Jackson (Bayard Rustin H.S.)
Dr. Sood was one of the greatest, inspirational teachers I was blessed to have in my high school years. He was a very approachable person with good vibes and a wonderful personality. Dr. Sood taught two different subjects Video Production and English, and I use everything he has taught me till this day. He taught me about what angles to look for while taking pictures and what lighting to have. To this day, I still love photography, and it has helped me with my major in Physical Therapy for the many projects I have had to create. Dr. Sood always taught from the heart and was also a very dedicated teacher. Every Thusday after school, there would be a group of juinor and senior high school students that he would tutor for the SATs. I felt grateful for him teaching me the fundamentals of the math portion since i struggled in that area the most. Looking back, I feel Dr. Sood was a wonderful teacher and a blessing I had in my life. He has taught me numerous lessons about life and how to cope with the hardships that will be in the future. And there is never a day that passes by that I don’t look back at all the funny moments he shared with us. AND FOR THAT I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART DR.SOOD!!!! |
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