‘I’m a simple writer with a zest of finding creativity in every corner’

This bright lady’s name is synonymous with undying zeal and having a never give up attitude in life. Meet Vrinda Sehgal, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Pitampura who passed out in 2015. At present, employed as a copywriter with an advertising firm, Vrinda takes us on a journey filled with pure sweet nostalgia of her wonderful school days in a candid interview. 

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Creative Copy Lead with an advertising agency called Social Panga. Working with brands like Lava Mobiles, Mama Earth, Naukri to name a few. I’ve completed my bachelors in English Hons from Amity University and my Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications from the Delhi School Of Communication. I’ve been working for over six years now and have been a part of multiple brand campaigns ranging from Honor Smartphones to Slurrpfarm, Orient, Lava and many more. Making my passion, my profession, I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living out of finding creativity in every product story.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day involves waking up almost like school hours since my office is in Gurugram and it’s a daily trip. Then we go on to traveling every day, listening and observing conversations around me as I reach my office. The office hours start by planning the day for me and my juniors. I attend client calls, plan my client work and then assign tasks according to my team’s plan and their expertise. We work, brainstorm, write, eat and mostly have fun conversations that allow us to have an open energy on the floor. The day ends with another tedious trip back to home and a quiet dinner with my family and we repeat the cycle all over again.

Tell us about your school life.

My school life in a nutshell was a rollercoaster. From finding my space between my peers to making myself stand out as a Prefect in class XI, I pretty much experienced every emotion one could. I had a lovely social group where we danced our hearts out in a dance club. I was even a part of the school choir, book debates and house competitions as well. I was academically a bit weak and had it not been for a few amazing teachers, I wouldn’t have been where I am today.

Share a few nostalgic memories from school days.

I specifically remember the Annual Appreciation Day practices, spoiling ourselves, having fun with each performance and staying back after hours. I remember my friends and I sitting in the basement with a guitar and singing old songs as we spent time during a stay back. I remember rushing to my elder sister’s class every time my younger brother came to me. My moments at Apeejay have really given me a well-rounded experience that I cherish till date.

How were the teachers at Apeejay?

I loved all my teachers who nurtured me like second mothers in school. I remember the English teachers who gave my talent the first spark and helped me bring that to light.

What is your dream and goal in life?

I’ve always wanted to write a book and have my words as a published piece of work and I have come close to achieving it since I am also a published poet in many collections of poetry books.

Any message for the students of the school.

While academics really do shape our future, they do not define it. Our passions and what we choose to do with it defines our life and our path ahead. Be sure to never neglect that one talent that keeps you alive in the chase of numbers on a report card.

Your comments on the brain drain trend.

Before the brain drain trend was the trend of chasing the American Dream. Having the best of life in a developed country so we can live a life without struggles. What we fail to realise is that the American Dream turned out to be smoke and mirrors for many. To those who did achieve it now long for the culture and sentiment that roots them back to their land. Humans by their very nature have a tendency to come back home and they also have a tendency to chase what’s shinier. Once the shine wears off and the rust remains, every individual, no matter how talented, comes back home looking for the peace they should have built here instead. So while people do deserve what they think is the best skill set for them, I believe that any trend, no matter how big or small changes with a wave that no one sees coming and the same is bound to happen to this one.

How did Apeejay help you hone your skills?

Apeejay gave me a few selected teachers who understood that there’s more to a kid than his/her marksheet. From our Principal back then, to excellent teachers, these educators showed me that my talent is worth something. The teachers also showed me that they can be both strict and nurturing to want what’s best for you. Apeejay gave me a chance to make literature relevant as a conversation just as much as sports or any other competition.