TalesOfTradition: ‘The lesson I learnt lives on in my children’

He studied at Apeejay School, Nerul, from nursery to 2003. And today, he is connected to the school as a parent. His two children, Zen and Zoya, are studying in Classes IV and VII, respectively, at this school. The journey for him, as a parent, has been a positive experience. “The teachers are good and supportive. In fact, even my in-laws’ children study in the same school, so there is a strong sense of familiarity and trust with the institute,” Shoeb Shaikh, Founder-Managing Director, Log Homes India Pvt Ltd, said.

In a candid interview, he shared a takeaway he wants his children to carry forward as well.

When you were choosing a school for your children, what drew you back to this school?

To be honest, Apeejay School was quite strict compared to many other schools. As a student, I used to feel that pressure. But now, looking back as a parent, I realise that everything we experienced was worth it. The discipline and structure shape you in ways you only understand later in life.

Is there any particular memory or mindset from your school days that still stays with you?

As a student, I always wanted to do well, but my mindset was more focused on earning money. Over time, I realised that what we learn in school or college is very different from what life actually demands outside. Real life teaches you things that marks alone never can.

Are there any lessons from your student life that still influence your decisions today?

I was a weak student academically. With experience, I understood that marks matter only at one point in life. After that, it is your thinking, adaptability, and confidence that help you survive in the real world. When you face the market and real situations, you realise that self-learning and attitude matter far more.

As you revisit the school as a parent, what feelings does it bring back?

It genuinely takes me back to my school days. There are moments when I look around and think, ‘this is my school’. The emotional connection is very strong.

What would you want your children to discover through their journey at the school?

I want them to understand, in their time, that academics are important, but they are not everything. I don’t pressurise my children to be overly studious. Instead, I encourage them to learn art, software, design, and practical skills from a young age.

How do you see Apeejay School supporting this kind of learning today?

That is something I truly cherish. The exposure and experiences that the school offers today are not something everyone gets. The discipline remains strong, and the overall environment is positive.

One takeaway you would want your children to carry forward.

I want them to be street smart. They should have the strength to deal with different situations, people, and challenges. Instead of getting upset over problems, they should develop the mindset to look for solutions.