‘My biggest takeaway from this school is great knowledge’

Meet Ragina Singh, a full-time administrator in the school she runs in the US now. Singh planned on getting into the field of education much before when she learnt education is such a noble deed that can help society progress and people grow. In a candid interview, she shared her favourite memories that make for the sweetest nostalgia ever.

How was your journey at Apeejay?

I was in a convent school till class IX and then I moved to Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector 15 for my X and XII. My batch is the first ever batch (1980) that passed out of this school. My class strength was 18 at that time, out of which we were two girls and 16 boys. I remember that we, the girls, were very pampered and looked after well by the boys in the class.

How has this school changed over the years?

During 1979-80 there existed a small building with just one block and a small window for a canteen. Even the playground wasn’t this huge. And now whenever I visit India and to my alma mater I feel so proud to see this school. So much has changed since then for the good.

Tell me about your professional journey.

I am permanently settled in the US now. I run a Montessori school located in Michigan and we have 450 students from infants (6 weeks) to class VIII. I look after the classrooms that require delegated responsibilities. At present, I am in India for a business trip regarding a property settlement.

What does your regular day look like?

I start my work at 9 in the morning and let me tell you it’s very exhausting since I am on my feet the whole day but it is very rewarding at the same time. I come back home every day thinking I spent my day with such well-behaved beautiful kids and had such a wonderful day. All my staff and teachers are amazing and extremely professional.

What is your message for the future students?

All I am going to say is to dream big and never give up! Dreams are always fulfilled once you follow your path diligently and no one can stop you.

What is your opinion on social media trends?

You know when we were younger we used to play outdoor games like hide and seek, pitthu, kho-kho, and stapu and had so much fun. But these days children only indulge in social media and don’t bother to play outdoors, which is a healthy lifestyle. Now children as young as three years old are wearing spectacles which is a sad sight. There is so much filth on the internet today which if not monitored can harm a child.

Share some good memories from your school life.

The most obvious one is that our batch is the first batch that completed plus two from here. Our time at the canteen gorging on bread pakoras with imli chutney during break time. My school house was called Nanak and we had such great fun during sports day and other activities. My two years in Apeejay make for bigger nostalgia than my earlier school.

Any memories with the teachers here?

There has not been a single bad memory with any teacher here. From my Biology teacher to my Math teacher to my Physics teacher, to my English teacher — all were super amazing.