Alumni Speak
‘Lessons taught by my school teachers still matter today’
This alumna from Apeejay School, Kharghar, had her analytical and thinking skills shaped here
She is touted as the next big legal eagle in the corporate legal set-up helping MNCs manage their financial matters. Meet Rashmi Birmole of the 2017 batch
from Apeejay School, Kharghar. In a candid interview, she gets nostalgic about her bonding with teachers and students at her alma mater.
What are you pursuing now and what’s your ambition?
I completed my integrated BA LLB Degree from ILS Law College, Pune in 2022. I presently work as a corporate lawyer with a boutique financial sector law firm
based in Mumbai. My areas of specialisation are financial and market regulations, as well as investment laws. I enjoy analysing complex concepts, solving problems and understanding the foundations of financial sector
regulation.
How were the teachers at Apeejay School?
I took a keen interest in English during my time at Apeejay School. Looking back, I believe it built a strong foundation for the writing and analytical skills that have proven invaluable in my legal career so far. I look back fondly on English lectures, which encouraged us to discuss and develop our perspectives on every story and play that was taught in class. While I ultimately pivoted to law, I was also fascinated with physics and how it shapes our understanding of the world around us. I credit this to my physics teacher, who simplified difficult concepts with such clarity, making them easier for the students to grasp. I found my math, chemistry and biology classes also quite engaging. All in all, the teaching style at Apeejay School reflected every teacher’s passion for their subjects and a genuine commitment to the progress and challenges of every student.
Share your favourite memories from school.
I was actively involved in competitive sports growing up. I had the privilege of representing Apeejay School at some athletic events and handball and football tournaments. The time spent training for these events with my teammates, strategising together, celebrating every victory and accepting every defeat as a team, are certainly my favourite memories from school. These experiences helped forge deep, long-lasting friendships that I continue to treasure to this day.
Which extracurricular activities did you enjoy at school?
I was fortunate to be exposed to a diverse range of experiences during my schooling. I enjoyed the time spent on the field. I was a part of the Under-19 team that represented the Mumbai division in the DSO state-level handball championship in 2016. We also secured first place for handball at the Sports For All (SFA) Tournament held in Mumbai in 2016. I captained the girls’ football team, which won the district title for two consecutive years. My coaches played an instrumental role in these achievements. I found oratory competitions equally enjoyable. I represented Apeejay at several model UNs, debates and declamation competitions, and hosted the annual function in 2016. I was truly honoured when I was called back to school in 2018 to receive the President’s Silver Medal for best overall performance in class XII.
Message for the present school students.
My only message to present students is to seize every opportunity that comes your way. There’s no secret sauce to success – curiosity, grit and hard work will carry you far. Learning doesn’t end with school or college, so buckle up and enjoy the journey. And don’t forget to make some good friends along the way!
