Scholar-Journalist of the Week: Highlights of my back-to-school experience

A class 9 student at the school, Jasneek Kaur is a confident public speaker and an active member of the school’s Rotary Club. The 14-year-old loves to write articles and participate in inter-school competitions. In an interview, Jasneek shares how her perspective towards her schooling changed after the pandemic. Read On:

What are your interests?

I like to write articles on pertinent topics. I have also participated in several Model United Nations (MUN) conferences at the school level. As part of the Rotary Club in my school, I engage with social drives and campaigns to help bring a change in our society. I also sing and dance in my free time.

Your thought behind the article – Highlights of my back-to-school experience?

Like peers and other students, I too thought that going to school every day was mundane. But this was before Covid-19 hit India. After the pandemic, I realised so many things about my school that I took for granted. Without physical schooling, meeting my friends and teachers every day was tough. My life at home became so empty. And so, after my return to the school in April this year, I began to notice and be grateful for every little thing that I have.

What are the new things in your school after Covid-19?

We have a new auditorium with beautiful aesthetics. Our Principal Ma’am, Dr. Parul Singh Tyagi, mentioned in one of her addresses that our science laboratories too are under renovation. The school library has increased its capacity, and these changes are very exciting on the campus, at present.

Few things you absolutely love about the school?

Firstly, our school has the best teachers. And second, I feel that there is no other institution like Apeejay School, Faridabad, in the area that offers so many co-curricular opportunities to students.

You mentioned being a delegate at Model United Nations. How was that experience?

These kinds of simulation activities really help in boosting one’s ability to read, research, analyse, work in teams and put forward logical arguments. I have participated in about five such conferences as a school delegate. I vividly recall the last one that I attended, where I learnt about the situation of women in Afghanistan. The country has imposed so many restrictions on women for which  they have to fight a battle each day – that includes even basic rights such as attaining education. Due to this, they are not able to come forward and attain important socio-political positions. So, these conferences enlightened and encouraged me to do better in academics as well as extracurriculars.  

Are you an avid reader?

Yes, I like to read fantasy and fiction books.

Which is the last book you read?

Enid Blyton’s collection of Christmas stories. It was an exciting read!

Your upcoming writing piece would be about?

I will try to write science fiction.