Scholar-Journalist of the Week: ‘Football transformed my summer holidays’

Meet Aarav Kumar, an exceptional student hailing from the corridors of Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector-15. With an unwavering passion for football, Aarav’s heart beats to the rhythm of the game. Beyond the green field, he finds solace in the world of words, immersing himself in books and crafting his thoughts onto paper with a fervour that is both remarkable and inspiring.

His writing prowess is a testament to his confidence and his ability to articulate his ideas passionately. As he treads the path of academics, Aarav envisions a future harmonising his two loves – sports and literature, with a distinct aspiration to carve a niche in the realm of football. Within the school’s bustling halls, Mathematics, Science and English stand out as his favored subjects, a reflection of his analytical acumen and his penchant for effective communication. Aarav finds his true joy not only in classroom discussions but also in the camaraderie of his friends on the field, showcasing his holistic approach to life.

Read on to know more about him. Edited excerpts from the interview.

Tell us more about yourself.

I am a class VI student. Besides football, chess is another sport that piques my interest.

What is the favourite time of the school for you?

Spending time in the classrooms brings me joy. I get to learn something new every day; it is exciting!

You wrote about learning football during the summer holidays as part of Scholar-Journalist. Elaborate.

My father encouraged me to learn the sport. So, when I tried it out on the field during the summer vacations, I found it to be something I love. Eventually, I started practicing regularly and that improved my performance at the sport. Presently, I have undertaken a formal training at an academy near to my residence in Faridabad. It is a mix of strength building and playing football. I devote about two hours, six days a week, to it. I have even made new friends there!

Do you plan to take up the sport as a career?

Yes. I dream of becoming a football player in the future. I am inspired by Portuguese’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Are you an avid reader?

Yes. I like to read as well as write.

Do mention some of your favourite books.

Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Little Women – novel by Louisa May Alcott.

A book you read and recommend to others? Your take away from it?

The Ice Monster- book by David Walliams. The narrative teaches one about the crucial virtue – kindness. 

Please share some writing tips for your classmates.

Focus on your interests, what you like to read and then try to write about it. Explore different genres too.