Star Performers: ‘There were no shortcuts to our success’

Academic success rarely happens by chance. It grows out of steady effort, thoughtful planning, and the kind of guidance that keeps a student on track even when things feel difficult. Just as important is the student’s own discipline, the willingness to ask for help, and the habit of showing up every day ready to learn and improve. Meet four such students from Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri: Sanaya, Riyanshi Goyal, Manil Sherawat, and Vivaan Bansal.

In an impromptu interview, these academic achievers for 2025-26 share that it is important to study throughout the year.

Sanaya, who enjoys crafts, reading, and playing, shared that her secret mantra was simple. “I stayed focused on my studies. In the class, I would listen to what the teachers were saying; at home, my mother supported me a lot. Just before the exams, I was guided to stay disciplined, focus on my studies, and also balance it with playing with friends,” she stated, and added that she used to study for about two hours daily, and as exams drew nearer, she adjusted her time accordingly.

Riyanshi, who loves to explore different dance forms, attributes her success to the teachers. “They helped me a lot. Whenever I had doubts, they explained things clearly and patiently every time I asked. At home, my mother supported me and helped me stay on track,” she said.

Her study strategy was simple. She tried to complete my work on time and revise regularly, and whenever she had a question, she would think about it and then discuss it with her mother. “In school, we are always told not to just memorise but to understand concepts first. In subjects like Science, teachers explained everything slowly with examples that we could relate to. That made learning much easier and quicker,” she shared and added that Math is her favourite subject.

Manil, who stayed consistent with his studies, shared that his teachers were of great support. “Sometimes, when I would not understand a topic, they would help clarify my doubts. At home, I managed my studies with regular effort. There was no subject that was tough or easy; however, Computer is my favourite subject,” he shared and added that he loves playing football and video games.

Vivaan shared that his strategy was simple. “I read all the chapters carefully and then went through the questions and answers to make sure I understood everything. My teachers supported me a lot. They explained things clearly, and I was able to understand topics well because of their help. In the beginning, I found Science a bit tough, but with my teachers’ support, it became much easier whenever I got stuck,” this conga player said and added that he used to study for about two hours regularly, and during exams, he increased it to around three to four hours.