‘I wanted to become a doctor but it was lectureship in my destiny’

Currently a homemaker, Shikha Aggarwal was a lecturer of Math and Statistics at the Delhi University. In an interview, the Apeejay Panchsheel Park alumna reminds the students that if one is sincere and attentive in the class, he/she no longer needs tuition. Edited excerpts:

Please tell our readers about your teaching experience?

My teaching experience was really awesome. I taught Math and Statistics. I completed my undergraduation from Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College for Women and post-graduation from Hindu College in Delhi University. Then I qualified for the UGC NET exam and got into a lectureship. That’s how I started teaching. At Hindu College, it was a great experience as a faculty. All the students were very nice to me and I was also a very friendly teacher, so we enjoyed a lot together. I have also taught at LSR College and later, as a guest lecturer at the PGDAV College.

How did Apeejay Panchsheel Park inspire you to get into academia?

When I was in school, I always wanted to become a doctor. I sat for the MBBS exams and even got through a medical college in Pune. But my father was apprehensive about sending me to the hostel. So, I went to LSR for my graduation. I then wanted to be a computer professional and went for MCA coaching classes. I qualified in IP University but due to hostel arrangements, my father again denied me permission. So, you can say that my fate took this route for me. I soon qualified UGC NET exam and got into teaching. Also, I would like to mention that my mother was the backbone in my journey. She constantly supported and encouraged me in every endeavor of mine. I am really grateful to her.

What are your best memories from Apeejay Panchsheel Park?

I can never forget the one rupee aloo chaat which we used to get at the school canteen. It was simply wonderful. Then at school, we used to have a ‘Thought of the Day’ activity daily. I was one of the most active members in that activity. I was pampered by all my teachers at school and I am still connected with most of them on social media. It is really blissful to be connected with one’s teachers and learn from them. I still learn from Anita ma’am, Rita Kale ma’am, Anuradha Sen ma’am and many other teachers. Recently, I also got a compliment from A P Sharma sir, the former principal of the school.

What advice would you like to give students at Apeejay Panchsheel Park?

Just chase your dreams at this age because the school gives you everything else. This is the best phase of your life when you are a school student. You will never get back these moments. At school, you get a lot of pampering from your teachers. I was blessed to have been pampered by my teachers. I was into dancing, dramatics and other activities.

Until class 12, I had no tuition. There is a high-quality education given to each student at school. If you are sincere in studies and attentive in the class, then you don’t need any tuition. The education the school provides is the best. My kids are in class 12 and 9. They never had any tuition and are very happy about that. Both of them are super scholars in their school.

What are your future goals?

I am a good writer, so I am planning to write and get my poetry anthology published.  I recently wrote a poem on the occasion of women’s day. I will recite a few lines:  

“As a child she wants to fly

She wants to reach her goals and touch the sky

When she raises her voice, they all say why

When she is silent and quiet, they all call her shy

Her demands are low but her dreams are high”