Coverage of Apeejay School, Kharghar alumnus in Blogger

She belongs to the 2019-2020 batch at Apeejay School, Kharghar. At present, she is in the final year of her MBBS. Throughout these years, she has developed a passion for photography and filmography. “I am a complete geek about it. Although I don’t get much time, whenever I do, I love clicking photographs. I also enjoy watching films and observing the direction and cinematography,” Gargi Pandey shared, who was also part of the music choir.

In a candid interview, she shares her school memories, among other things.

With such creative interests, what drew you to MBBS?

Photography and filmography came into my life later, around Classes XI and XII. However, my interest in medicine began in Class VII. My grandfather had an operation after being diagnosed with a cardiovascular issue. That was my first real exposure to hospitals and the medical field. It sparked my curiosity and inspired me to consider becoming a doctor.

Tell us a little about your school days.

I joined the school in Class VII. Most of the teachers who taught us back then are now retired. I was on the prefectorial board, and I actively participated in co-curricular activities, Olympiads, competitions, and, of course, annual functions. Those experiences made school life very memorable.

The school motto is Soaring High is My Nature. Has it influenced your journey?

Definitely. We saw the motto everywhere during school functions. MBBS is not easy; there are many low points. But the discipline and motivation I received in school remain deeply rooted in me. Whenever I feel low, I remind myself of what I achieved in school, and that helps me move forward with confidence.

What would you say is the toughest part of MBBS?

The toughest part is adjusting to completely new subjects. Every year brings something different, and at first, it’s overwhelming. There’s a lot of hard work and memorisation, especially since you need to pass exams at the end. Over time, I’ve learnt how to manage this workload. Seniors’ guidance also helps a lot. Now I know how to approach the difficult parts and handle the grind.

What advice would you give to Apeejay students preparing for NEET?

The first thing is to stay calm. The calmer you are, the better your results will be. I had to take a drop year after Class XII, because handling Boards along with NEET preparation was difficult. It’s important to be patient and disciplined. Make a timetable, follow a to-do list, and give equal importance to mock tests.

Teachers who inspired you towards medicine.

In Class VII, I met my Biology teacher, who later became my class teacher. She was a big influence. I first interacted with her through Olympiad activities and then during a Young Scientist Programme where I built a robotic arm with friends. She always encouraged me in science-related discussions and inspired my love for the subject. That early guidance played a big role in my eventual decision to pursue MBBS.

For more such interviews, visit: www.apeejay.news