At Apeejay School, Saket, excellence is not just encouraged, it is celebrated. As the session 2024–25 begins, two outstanding students from the current Class 9 – Shinjini Roy and Khushmita Rao – have proven that hard work, dedication, and a love for learning are the perfect recipe for success. In a recent conversation, both students shared their journeys, study strategies, and dreams for the future.
Scoring an impressive 86.5% in Class 8, Shinjini Roy was overjoyed when she saw her report card. “The first thing I did was calculate my percentage,” she said with a laugh. Her favorite subjects, Hindi and English, are close to her heart, and she attributes much of her success to a strong focus on grammar. “Grammar is where most marks come from. Even if literature isn’t very strong, you can frame your own answers by reading the chapters thoroughly,” she advised junior students.
Apart from academics, Shinjini shines in extracurriculars too – she is an active participant in school narrations, dances, and inter-school competitions. She credits her teachers for her success, especially her English teacher and class teacher for always being approachable and supportive. “Our teachers always ensure we are comfortable with their teaching methods, which makes a huge difference,” she shared. Now in Class 9, although separated from some friends, Shinjini is excited about new teachers and upcoming activities.
Meanwhile, Khushmita Rao, who scored a close 86.3% in Class 8, revealed that consistency and finding joy in studies were her secrets to success. “I started teaching my younger sister on a board, like a teacher, to make studying more interesting,” she explained. Cutting down on distractions like television helped her focus better. For Khushmita, teachers and parents have been her biggest pillars of support. “Teachers repeat concepts patiently until we understand them completely,” she said.
Passionate about subjects like Maths and Social Studies, Khushmita enjoys the challenge of tricky problems and the rich stories of history and civics. With aspirations to join the civil services, she has already begun carving her path by taking Humanities. Recently appointed as the Gender Ambassador of the school’s Prefectorial Board and having represented the school in zonal volleyball matches, Khushmita is determined to balance academics with leadership and sports.