BeyondBooks: ‘School activities have empowered my mind beyond academic boundaries’

In the vibrant corridors of Apeejay School, Greater Noida, Class X student Anika Samaiyar is quietly crafting a world of her own, one shaped by colour, creativity, and quiet resilience. Deeply drawn to diverse art and craft pursuits, Anika embraces these moments as cathartic escapes that restore her sense of balance and inner strength. Each brushstroke and handmade creation becomes a pathway to clarity, leaving her more determined, focused, and joyful. In this candid conversation, she reflects on how immersing herself in extracurricular activities not only empowers her spirit but also sharpens her academic concentration, proving that creativity and scholarship flourish beautifully together.

Share about your recent achievements.

I participated in the Inter-school Festival 2025-26 and secured second position in performing arts, which was based on the theme Echoes of Sanjeevani-Stories that Heal. I also participated in the kathputli-making competition and secured the first position. In school I also took part in several plays and performed anchoring in numerous programmes.

How did you pick up interest in these activities?

I developed the passion of art from toddlerhood scribbling and kindergarten experiments with sketching and watercolours, which has since evolved into structured techniques due to guidance from my mother, who is into fine arts. Oratory skills, though, were difficult initially for me, but speaking in assembly speeches and reading the autobiographies of several leaders, like Wings of Fire by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, created a sense of confidence in me and led me to step out of my comfort zone.

How did your school support your journey in this?

The school offers workshops, Inter-house competitions (poem recitation and debates), and events like poster-making on important events or public speaking opportunities on numerous occasions. Teachers motivate through guidance, exposure in assemblies, and celebrations of wins. Fostering skills like expression and teamwork also helped me a lot.

How do you balance academics and extracurriculars?

The school emphasises time management via structured schedules, clubs (art, music, debate), and holistic programmes blending studies with activities. Students follow practice alongside classes, with facilities like sports fields aiding discipline. The classes are arranged in a manner that creates a perfect balance of studies with productive and inspirational activities

How have these activities honed your personality?

School activities build confidence, creativity, communication, leadership, and resilience through stage presence, teamwork in competitions, and self-expression. It helps in enhancing aesthetic sense, emotional expression, and real-life skills like decision-making via debates and projects

Would you like to pick a career in any of the activities?

If given the opportunity, I would consider pursuing one of these activities as a career in the future. While I am still exploring my interests, creative arts and communication skills are areas I enjoy and would be open to developing further. I appreciate the encouragement and exposure provided by my school, which has helped me discover and explore these interests.