Inspiring Students Through the Art of Narrative

As an educator with over two decades of experience, Maria Bugeja has a deep appreciation for lifelong learning. She lives out her passion for teaching through both her work at the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation at St. Thomas More College, Margaret Mortimer, while also pursuing her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. In concert with her work and degree, she layered in a Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) executive education program to advance her leadership skills even further, Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action.

“I wanted to deepen my understanding of leadership, particularly how to lead with purpose and communicate effectively,” she said. “I was especially interested in learning about narrative as a leadership tool and how it can inspire and mobilize others.” 

Maria has since woven the concept of public narrative into her teaching, utilizing the power of storytelling to both deepen her connection with her students, as well as their understanding of the curriculum. She emphasizes engagement and reflection more than ever before, providing opportunities for her students to learn in a more dynamic way.

Her students are benefiting from Maria’s time in the HKS classroom, and so is her sense of personal achievement and empowerment. She said, “Attending the program has made me more ambitious and confident in my abilities. Studying at Harvard had always felt like a distant dream, but being admitted and participating in the program was truly transformative.” 

She contributes part of what made her experience so successful to the international cohort she attended the program alongside. Learning with and from them allowed Maria to remember how powerful a classroom can be from the perspective of a student. “Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and experiences made me feel part of a global community, and it reignited my passion for learning. I found myself looking forward to every session and wanting to continue growing professionally,” she said.

Maria intends to propel this momentum further, continuing to bring stronger leadership and narrative skills to her classroom and work. “I hope to continue developing my leadership skills, particularly by further practicing and refining the use of public narrative,” she said. “I am interested in exploring how it can be used more widely within education to inspire students and colleagues, and to contribute to positive change within my school community.

As a teacher and Master’s student, Maria is extremely well acquainted with the classroom, and her executive education experience in Public Narrative provided her with a unique learning experience that revamped and revitalized her work and sense of self. “Executive education at HKS is a powerful opportunity for both personal and professional growth. It challenges you to think differently, exposes you to new perspectives, and equips you with practical tools that can be immediately applied in your work It also connects you with a network of inspiring individuals, which is incredibly enriching and motivating.”