‘I didn’t need coaching because the teachers were so effective and supportive’

Sunaira Gupta, an alumna of Apeejay School, Noida, has taken a year off to prepare for engineering entrance exams with the goal of joining one of India’s prestigious institutes. In a conversation, she shared her experiences and insights from her time at the school, highlighting how the nurturing environment and supportive teachers here played a crucial role in her academic and personal growth.

Below, Sunaira reflects on her memorable school experiences, her passion for engineering, and the lessons she carries forward. 

How did your time at the school influence your academic achievements?

My time at Apeejay School was incredibly formative. The teachers were deeply involved and genuinely cared about each student’s progress. I remember acing English with a perfect score, and it was entirely due to the dedicated support of my teacher. I didn’t need extra coaching or tuition because the teaching staff was so effective and supportive. This kind of personalised attention was a hallmark of my experience at the school.

Memorable experiences here.

There were many memorable moments, but a few stand out. On Teachers’ Day, we had a special event that was different from previous years — more engaging and enjoyable. Another highlight was the combined Diwali and Children’s Day celebration. We dressed up in ethnic attire and took lots of pictures. These events were not just fun but also fostered a strong sense of community among us students.

How did your interest in engineering develop? What areas are you excited about?

My interest in engineering, particularly aeronautics, developed in class XII. It was a mix of personal fascination and encouragement from my family. I’ve always been intrigued by space and aviation. I hope to specialise in aeronautics and possibly work on innovative projects related to space exploration.

Share your involvement in extracurricular activities and how they shaped you?

I was actively involved in various extracurriculars, including dance, football, throwball, and swimming. These activities taught me teamwork and discipline. For instance, participating in football and swimming matches helped me develop a competitive spirit and a sense of camaraderie. These experiences were as integral to my development as academics.

What are your aspirations? How do you plan to achieve them?

My immediate goal is to clear the JEE Advance and secure a spot in a reputed institute like IIT-Delhi. I’m aiming for excellence in engineering, and I believe that with focused preparation and leveraging the skills I’ve honed, particularly in drawing which complements my engineering ambitions, I can achieve this goal.

What are you most grateful for from your school years?

I’m immensely grateful for the entire journey from nursery to class XII. Every year brought new challenges and experiences, from making new friends to learning new sports. These experiences taught me resilience and adaptability. The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to never give up, no matter the hurdles. This mindset is something I’ll carry forward into all my future endeavours.