Our people: Clovis school teacher: 'Overcome evil with good'

Eastern New Mexico is home to a diverse population - some have been here for generations, some are here on military assignment, some for job opportunities. Rajasekhar Badditi chose to come here in fulfillment of a dream.

Badditi, a new addition to the recently reinstated community advisory panel of the New Mexico Public Education Department, moved to Clovis from his home country of India in 2018.

Originally from Hyderabad, Badditi has about 20 years of teaching experience and now teaches math at Clovis' Yucca Middle School.

When Badditi saw via social media that his former schoolmates were living and working abroad, he knew that was his goal as well. He came to Clovis on the recommendation of a friend who had already moved here, and who spoke highly of the area.

Though Badditi's dream of living abroad has come true, it wasn't easy. For the first three years of his time here, Badditi lived apart from his wife and children, who remained in India - nearly 9,000 miles away.

The COVID-19 pandemic and heightened travel restrictions added further complications to the already existing challenges to moving across continents.

Thankfully for Badditi, he and his family have been happily reunited since September of this year.

Badditi said he feels blessed to live in Clovis, especially because of the kindness of the locals and the unity of the school staff. His favorite part about his job is teaching the students in his classroom.

Q: If your friends had to describe you in one word, what word would they choose?

A: I think it would be, "gentleman."

Q: What has been your experience in moving here from another country? What challenges have you faced or surprises have you encountered?

A: Firstly, I had to cope here in Clovis with the cold and windy weather. And also I had to adjust my food habits. I faced most challenges in my classroom during my first year of teaching at YMS. But thanks to God, who by his grace, equipped me with the skills and wisdom to continue my teaching journey these past four years at YMS.

Q: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved here?

A: I think I was shocked by the lifestyle of Clovis people, as there are significant differences as compared with Hyderabad.

Some of the things that differ from my lifestyle and surprised me are the way people dress and how most of the people here do not cook food.

People here say "awesome," or "great," or "perfect" for things - even if they are not up to expectations.

During Halloween-time people hang skeletons and other scary things on their doors.

Another thing that was surprising is how most of the people attending worship service on Sundays are the old and aged people.

Q: What is something you could never live without?

A: God's Spirit, his love and mercy.

Q: If you could do anything for an entire day, what would you do?

A: Listen to Christian music, work on my professional skills and spend time in God's presence.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?

A: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Q: How would you describe Clovis to your friends and family back in India?

A: In one statement: Awesome, loving, and trustworthy.

Q: If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why?

A: The prime minister of India. His name is Narendra Modi, and he's one of the most efficient prime ministers who've handled all kinds of problems and difficulties during this COVID time.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Chicken biryani

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: I like to collect biographies of famous Christians. My main focus is how they encountered Jesus and how they surrender their lives to Jesus and how their life is after surrendering. Is it filled with difficulties? Problems? If so, how are they overcoming those? I just want to apply all of that to my life.

One famous Christian, Sadhu Sundar Singh, was from India. He was actually from a non-Christian background, and when he converted to Christianity he was rejected by his family members, his friends, society ... everyone. And he was leading an isolated life.

Then, while in the jungle, he was about to die. At that moment Jesus appeared to him and he said that he was going to use him for his service. I like to read such testimonies and witnesses. It is very encouraging.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: The Holy Bible