By Sarah Lechman

This year, Hastings College welcomes a new addition to the Finance Department—Mr. Saha, a teacher with a diverse background and a passion for helping students succeed. Before joining Hastings, Mr. Saha worked as an engineer, but his curiosity for business and problem-solving inspired him to pursue a different path. He went on to earn his graduate degree in finance from Arizona State University, where he discovered a love for teaching and mentoring others.

After completing his studies, Mr. Saha decided to make the United States his permanent home. “I fell in love with the culture here and the way people are always looking for opportunities to learn and grow,” he said. That same enthusiasm brought him to Hastings, where the small, close-knit community immediately felt like the perfect fit.

“What I enjoy most about Hastings is how easy it is to connect with students,” he shared. “It’s not just about teaching numbers or formulas—it’s about helping students see how finance applies to real life.” Mr. Saha says he values the friendly atmosphere on campus, where both staff and students are quick to offer a smile or lend a hand.

He also appreciates Hastings’ strong athletic culture, noting that about 80% of the student body participates in sports. “It takes me back to my own school days,” he said with a laugh. “There’s something special about the teamwork and discipline that comes from athletics—it translates directly into the classroom.”

When it comes to teaching, Mr. Saha believes in encouraging students to think critically and approach challenges from multiple angles. “I like to take a big problem and break it down with my students,” he explained. “We work together to understand not just the answer, but why the answer matters.” He finds that the smaller class sizes at Hastings make this kind of hands-on learning possible and help him get to know each student on a personal level.

Outside of class, Mr. Saha enjoys exploring the Hastings community and attending campus events. He says it’s rewarding to see his students involved in different activities, whether they’re competing on the field or leading a club. “It really shows the spirit of this school,” he said. “Everyone supports one another—it feels like a family.”

As he settles into his new role, Mr. Saha is excited about the future. He hopes that the lessons and skills he teaches in the classroom will help guide his students beyond graduation. “If my students can leave here feeling confident and prepared for their first job, that’s the best reward I could ask for,” he said.

With his enthusiasm, experience, and dedication, Mr. Saha is already making a positive impact in the Finance Department—and the Hastings community is glad to have him on board.

Stay tuned—next month, we’ll be featuring stories from the Music department!