TalesOfTradition: ‘This is where my roots are & where my daughter is growing today’

She is working as a marketing lead at Pay10 India. Her experience over the last few years has largely been in the fintech space. She brings 14 years of well-rounded experience in consumer and merchant marketing, with expertise across ATL, BTL, and retail marketing strategies. Meet Neha Awasthi, an alumna-parent from Apeejay School, Noida, whose daughter, Araina Reginald, is also studying here. In a candid interview, she shares why she chose this school for her daughter.

What is one memory that immediately comes to mind?

This school holds a very special place in my heart. I still remember the time when the school had initiated a Diwali activity where we could bring diyas and light them at school. I remember going there with my family, lighting them, and seeing how beautiful the school looked.

How would you describe your school journey?

I was a student at the school from nursery until Class XII. When my parents left me at school in nursery on the first day, I cried a lot and kept saying, ‘Please don’t leave me.’ Cut to Class XII, I cried again, but this time because I did not want to leave. That journey came full circle for me.

The years I spent, the friendships I made, and the teachers I met, all of it holds a very special place in my heart. I still meet some of my teachers. Our Principal, the vice-principal back then, and my involvement in sports, swimming, and everything else together made my school years truly memorable.

How did the school shape you as a person?

It shaped me in many ways, and not just through books. It helped me become a confident individual. At a very young age, I got platforms where I could be part of the school assembly and speak on stage. That really helped build my confidence. It also gave me opportunities to explore different talents. I was part of the throwball team, and we won medals for it.

All these experiences gave me a sense of ownership. They gave me the platform to express myself better and helped me become more confident. Of course, this was also because of the support of my teachers and my parents.

Why did you choose APJ for your daughter?

When it came to choosing a school for my daughter, I had no second thoughts. I knew Apeejay School was a great place and that it truly believes in values. It keeps children grounded. I was there when we celebrated the 80th birthday of Dr Stya Paul, and I know the principles the school works on. I wanted the same kind of atmosphere for my daughter.

How has your daughter’s journey been at the school?

My daughter is in Class V. Her journey has been very different because she belongs to the group of children who started school during the COVID-19 period. It began with online learning for them. But the moment they came back to school, they became part of everything. The opportunities, activities, and support from teachers have been wonderful. It is heartwarming to see her build friendships, participate in school life, and grow up in the way I had hoped she would.

What has changed and what has remained the same?

The values, simplicity, and warmth of the school have remained the same. There has always been a focus on extracurricular activities beyond academics, especially sports, and that continues even today. At the same time, the school has stepped up in terms of facilities. There are now air-conditioned buses, and the overall infrastructure has improved.

What makes you proud, both as an alumna and as a parent?

What makes me proud is the fact that the same values and traditions that shaped me from childhood till Class XII continue to be part of the school even today. As a parent, watching my daughter walk the same corridors and create her memories of friendship makes me very proud. This is where my roots are, and this is where I am giving my daughter the same platform to grow.