中文 , Español , Française >> Translate

Interview by Leora

This week CTO features MUM student Olivia Lopez, who returned to campus a month ago after teaching TM at a David Lynch Foundation school project in San Francisco.  Helping to start up a brand new teaching project at a public high school, Olivia had the opportunity to put practice skills she is gaining from her Green MBA at MUM as well as the chance to serve and help others.  Teaching at a DLF school project is a great way for MUM students who have experienced the benefits of Consciousness-Based Education to implement positive change in the world.  We were lucky enough to sit down with Olivia recently and find out more about her recent teaching experience.

Q. Where are you from originally?

A. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, lived in Germany from age 6-16, and then moved to Fairfield where I have lived for the past eight years.

Q. What is your major and when will you graduate?

A. I’ve received my BA in Business and now I’m about to complete my Green MBA this June.

Q. You recently graduated from TTC.  What inspired you to become a TM teacher?

A. I had reached a point in my life where I wanted to give to others what helps me so much. With all the suffering in the world I didn’t want to sit around anymore, I wanted to get up and do something. During my MBA I took a break and went on TTC for five months.

Q. Do you feel any difference after going on TTC?  In what way?

A. Yes, I feel that I know myself better and I have gained even more respect for the TM movement and for Maharishi’s knowledge. We can’t forget the people who started this movement and who are still tirelessly working for its continuation. It’s our responsibility as the next generation to learn from them and carry the torch, so that all of us can live in a better world.

(Olivia Lopez, San Francisco)

Q. You recently spent eight months teaching TM at a school in San Francisco with the David Lynch Foundation.  How was that experience?

A. Apart from TTC, this was the second best experience in my life. It was the first time I was living on my own in another city outside of Fairfield. San Francisco is such a beautiful city, and with the fabulous climate aloud me to spend more time outdoors and be closer to nature. Also, I had this great support group of young TM teachers and meditators, with whom I was working and spending time.

When I arrived in San Francisco, I was able to be part of an amazing team that was implementing the TM/Quiet Time program in a new high school when I arrived. It was a great experience creating something from nothing. It was a lot of hard work with very long days, but so rewarding and fulfilling seeing the transformation in the students and teachers.

Q. What was one of the most meaningful moments you had while working for the DLF?

A. It was so fulfilling seeing the growth of the students and their openness to the TM/Quiet Time Program. This is a tool for them to be successful and give them hope for a better, less stressful future. One of the sophomore students said: “TM is salvation. Meditate, meditate, meditate. It can change your life”. Hearing that was so beautiful, and observing the change in her of calmness and clarity once she learned TM was so sweet.

Others said they felt so much more relaxed, happy, and less stressed than they did before they learned TM. The bonds that I created with these students are also something very meaningful to me. It was wonderful to be a positive role model and to know that I gave them one of the most powerful tools for their life.

Q. What would you tell a student thinking about becoming a TM teacher?

A. I would say that if you want to give something to society, then TM is the tool that helps everyone in the exact same way. We often forget how precious and amazing TM is for stress release and the growth of higher states of consciousness. By giving it to others, you gain so much fulfillment and help every single person you teach to evolve.

Regardless what you are passionate about, being a teacher only enhances your existing goals. Since completing TTC, in less than a year I’ve had opportunities to do what I love and teach TM simultaneously.

Q. What are your future goals and plans?

A. Right now I’m trying to live in the moment and focus on school. Some of my goals include offering TM to women professionals and creating a wellness program for businesses.  I am also interested in educating people and spreading information on the dangers of GMO Foods and conventional cosmetics, and also all the possibilities of a sustainable world. Always, I want to be a teacher of TM and spread this knowledge to as many people and give them the gift that I am so blessed to have. No matter what else I may choose to do in my life, I will always be a TM teacher first. I want to teach TM and spread this knowledge to as many people as possible, and give them the gift that I am so blessed to have.