WHAT I’VE LEARNT FROM SISHYA

Two years ago, it was the start of something marvelous. Something I had never seen before – a great, big, loud, exciting “something” that was to change many lives forever. That “something” was our batch – the batch of 2009.

What are we? We’re a class of extremes. We’re tall, we’re short, we’re loud, we’re quiet. We sing (off-key, maybe, but we sing nevertheless!). We dance (maybe not all of us, but a vast majority). We laugh when we’re happy (read: most of the time), and we cry as rarely as possible. We eat and talk and scream and shout, we argue and bicker and compete in inter-house events, and in the middle of all the noise and fun we somehow find the time to study (we do, really!).

Where do I fit into this picture? I was a “new kid” – a nervous, confused, slightly lost girl who joined school in Class Eleven. To my surprise, it took me less than an hour to make friends and less than a day to feet as if I’d been in the school forever. Over the next two years, this school has taught me more than I ever dreamed of learning in so short a span of time.

Here’s what I’ve learnt from Sishya………..

I’ve learnt about the beauty of teamwork. “Teamwork works” is a popular saying, but the truth is that it isn’t exactly easy to make a set of individuals feel as if they are part of one big group. Bu the first inter-house events, however, I was proud to be screaming for my house from the sidelines! Whether it’s cheering for Sishya at inter-school matches or the thrill that runs through the assembly hall when winners of inter-house events are announced, the feeling of belonging is always present.

I’ve learnt about the importance of participation, too. Truly, life isn’t just about winning or losing. There’s a certain joy of running an 800 metres race just to say you did it, or playing football with a team of girls who’ve never played the sport in their lives! I have never been the type to play sports – I have no hand-eye coordination – but I can proudly say that after many, many slightly terrifying Games periods, I now volunteer to play throwball on occasion!

I’ve learnt that any contribution you can make is important, however small it may seem. Inter-house events in Sishya were a complete eye-opener for me. I’d never really understood all the factors that go into creating a play, dance sequence or debate speech. Now I can see the importance of the “backstage” elements in all productions – the people in charge of props, costumes, music, script and lights really are as important as the performers!

I’ve learnt about the importance and, yes the excitement of responsibility. Over these two years, we’ve all had many chances at leadership – looking after the junior classes on Sports Day, being on hymn-book and assembly duty, and eventually becoming prefects. Having more responsibilities can feel like a burden sometimes, but in reality it’s a wonderful and truly enjoyable opportunity.

I’ve learnt that textbooks don’t make the subject – the joy of learning comes from asking your own questions, giving your own opinions and having your own discussions. When speaking in class, I’ve learnt to say what I think without worrying about whether what I say is right or wrong, because most often, there is no right or wrong.

I’ve learnt that you can make friendships in two years that are just as deep as the ones you make in ten years. I’ve learnt that you can learn more from a school in two years than you ever imagined. Most importantly, I’ve learnt that leaving school doesn’t change anything. I think we, as a class, all realize that our schooling life may be over in no time at all – but there will never be a time when we’re not a part of Sishya.