Looking back, my school journey feels like a long story filled with new beginnings, changes, and memories that slowly shaped who I am today. It all began in Montessori, shortly after my family moved to Tamil Nadu. Everything felt new, and not knowing Tamil made those first few months quite challenging. But thanks to the kindness and support of my classmates, I slowly learnt the language, settled into school life, and started enjoying the years that followed.
One of my favourite memories from those early years was the freedom of learning without carrying heavy books back home. It made school feel less like a routine and more like a place filled with discovery, friendships, and joyful experiences that I looked forward to every day. We had class tests from time to time, but did not have any major examinations until Grade 6, which made school life feel much more relaxed. Yet, amidst all the fun, a question kept growing in my mind- what would happen when we reached Grade 6? We kept hearing about how Grade 6 would mean more studying, more work, and, of course, the much talked about examinations.
Just before that, COVID-19 had set in and everything changed. For almost two years, school was more of a computer screen where teachers appeared and talked all day long and we sat in one place taking notes. We were quite used to staying at home and enjoying the comfort of home. Then came the turning point when we had to return to our good old school days. It felt strange. Waking up early, packing bags and sitting in classrooms felt strange. But soon this became our new normal.
As the grades went by, the syllabus became complicated and the expectations grew. However, school was never just about studies. Then came a whirlwind of activities and experiences. Annual day celebrations, Sports day, Pacefest, HUBs, Lifeskills, MUNs, etc….the list seemed endless. Each event brought something new to look forward to, keeping us constantly on our toes and filling our school days with excitement. I was also fortunate to represent my school in sports, an experience that I will always cherish.
After Grade 10, many of my classmates left to join different schools and pursue career paths that interested them. It felt different seeing new faces in the classrooms, but I was glad that some familiar faces were still around. And very soon we found ourselves in Grade 11.
Grade 11 was the most enjoyable year of my school life. Becoming seniors brought a different kind of excitement, and every day had something new for us to experience. Whether it was rushing to the playground during PT periods, making the most of our free periods, or simply walking around the corridors with one person or another. There was never a dull moment. One teacher in
particular always managed to catch us at the right moment and remind us to behave. Looking back now, those random walks, laughter, and everyday incidents made Grade 11 one of the most memorable years of
school. And in blink, Grade 11 came to an end. Now I am in Grade 12, with only half a year of school life left. It is surprising how quickly the years have passed. From being new to Tamil Nadu and learning a new language to becoming one of the seniors in school, it has been quite a journey. With only a few months left before school comes to an end, I hope to make the most of every remaining day.
