‘School gave me the freedom to explore without fear of mistakes’

Apeejay School, Noida has always been known for nurturing young minds with confidence, curiosity, and creativity. One shining example is Shivi Singh, Batch of 2025 alumna and former Student Editor (English), who is now pursuing Economics at Maitreyi College. In this conversation, she reflects on how her school years shaped her love for learning, writing, and personal growth.

Read edited excerpts:

Shivi, what inspired you to pursue Economics as your major?

My interest in Economics really developed in school. As a Humanities student, it was a compulsory subject, but what made me fall in love with it was how my teacher introduced it. His classes were never about rote notes, they were interactive, full of discussions, and he would patiently take all our doubts. That passion made the subject come alive for me.

Today, I find it fascinating because it explains everything, whether it’s the decision to sleep an extra hour, the daily transaction with a shopkeeper, or international trade. It’s like understanding the framework of the entire world!

You were also the Student Editor (English) of the school magazine. How did writing and editing shape your journey?

Writing has always come naturally to me perhaps because my father is a journalist. I’ve been writing essays, poems, and articles since I was very young. Being Student Editor in Class 12, and earlier in Class 11 as part of the English editorial team, gave me first-hand experience of leadership, teamwork, and exposure to diverse perspectives.

When I read the articles submitted by other students, I got to see the world through different viewpoints. That really broadened my own perspective. Plus, writing itself is so liberating, it gives clarity, makes you question your own opinions, and helps you understand the world better. Even now in college, I’m part of societies where I continue writing. It’s something I’ll never quit.

Many students struggle with comparison in today’s social media-driven age. What advice would you share with your juniors?

Yes, comparison is one of the biggest challenges of our generation. We’re constantly looking at someone else’s “chapter 10” while we may only be at our “chapter 2.” My advice is stop comparing yourself. Focus instead on improving yourself each day. Even a 1% improvement daily makes you far better in 100 days.

How did Apeejay School, Noida, shape your personality and interests?

Honestly, I credit the school for so much of who I am today. The best part was the freedom – it was okay to make mistakes, because teachers and mentors always had our back. That made me more confident to take part in debates, plays, singing competitions, recitations, and even anchoring at big events attended by IPS officers or Padma awardees. Those experiences gave me multi-dimensional exposure. I learnt communication, leadership, and above all, the courage to step up without fear. Even the small lessons from teachers like how to offer a toffee politely on birthdays instilled values I’ll cherish forever.