‘A sense of pride fills me when I see this school’

This family’s journey and association began when their elder daughter, Ashmita, and then Nysa and Myra took admission at Apeejay School, Pitampura. “In an interview with the then Principal asked why we wanted this school for our daughters. Our answer was simple. It is one of the most well-known schools in the area, and for us, getting admission here is like a dream fulfilled,” Poonam Mehra, who works with the World Health Organization, managing a demanding role as an HR Specialist and Operations Officer based in Jakarta, said.

Here’s what she had to say about her daughters’ journey at the school.

How has the school shaped your daughters over the years?

My elder daughter passed exams in 2019 and topped the Commerce section. Today, she is working with Deloitte. Now my twins (Nysa and Myra) are now in Class XII. When I look back, I feel the school has played a very important role in their academic and personal growth. I have been connected with this school for more than 22 years now. Even today, when I pass by the school or walk onto the campus, I feel a sense of pride. There is a certain nostalgia attached to it. It is a place that has shaped my daughters.

How do you manage a demanding professional role and your children’s education?

I would call it jugglery. You are managing work, home, and children preparing for boards all at once. For me, it comes down to mindset. If I think it is too much, it becomes overwhelming. But when I enjoy both roles, things feel manageable. I have learned to consciously separate spaces. At work, I focus only on work. At home, I switch off. There is no perfect situation. Every choice has its own challenges, and you have to make a deliberate effort to make it work.

What changes have you seen in Nysa after she became Head Girl?

I have seen a very clear transformation in her. She has become more confident, more responsible, and much more disciplined. The role has helped her grow into a mature and composed young adult. She manages her time better now and handles challenges with a certain calm. What I value even more is her empathy and her commitment to setting a positive example for others. I feel this role has made her more balanced and resilient.

As a parent, what makes you feel most proud of her?

For me, it is not about big achievements alone. Of course, becoming Head Girl was special, but what really stays with me are the smaller choices she makes. When I see her choosing integrity over convenience, kindness over popularity, and hard work over shortcuts, those are the moments that make me feel proud.

Is there a moment that stands out for you?

Yes, there is one incident I often think about. One night, around 10 pm, she saw an injured dog in our society. The dog was bleeding badly. I told her we could wait until morning and call for help, but she did not want to wait. She searched online, found the contact of an animal rescue organisation, and called them herself. Within half an hour, someone came, and they managed to give it treatment. That moment stayed with me. It showed me her instinctive kindness, especially towards something that could not even ask for help.

How do you see the role of teachers in your daughters’ journey?

I believe teachers play a very important role in shaping children. Teachers are not only responsible for academics. They build discipline and give exposure, and most importantly, they trust students with responsibility. In Nysa’s case, that trust, giving her the role of Head Girl, helped her grow into it.

What are your thoughts on today’s generation and the role of educators?

This generation is very different. It requires a different approach. That is why I have a lot of respect for teachers today. They are doing a lot more than we often acknowledge. For me, teachers are like second parents, and they truly deserve more recognition for the work they do.