“The school laid the foundation for who I am today”

For Mr Rohail James, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Faridabad (Batch of 2010), school was not just a phase – it was the foundation that quietly shaped his professional journey. Currently working as Manager – Marketing & Events at HT Media, Mr James looks back at his school years with deep gratitude, vivid memories, and clear examples of how classroom learning and the playground prepared him for the real world.

Read edited excerpts:

What is your earliest and most cherished memory of Apeejay School, Faridabad?
The sports ground, without a doubt. Most of my zero periods and free time were spent there, playing football and cricket. Those moments on the field are some of the happiest memories of my school life. Even years later, the ground instantly takes me back to that carefree time.

You’ve returned to the school as an alumnus for cricket matches. What was that experience like?
Yes, I’ve played a few times with the Apeejay School Faridabad Alumni Cricket League (ASFACL) in the past. Meeting friends after years, juniors, seniors, batchmates, was special. It wasn’t just about the match, but also about spending time together before and after the game. Those conversations and laughs made it truly memorable.

How would you describe your overall school life in a few words?
Unforgettable. Apeejay School laid the foundation for who I am today. The lessons, the fun, the challenges, everything stayed with me. School life is a phase you never really experience again in the same way.

Are there specific learnings from school that helped you professionally?
Absolutely. I work in marketing, where presentations and data handling are part of everyday work. At Apeejay, we were taught Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel early on. That gave me a huge advantage when I started my career. Many people learn these tools much later, but I already had a strong base.

Which activities played a major role in shaping your personality?
Sports played a huge role. I was part of the school football team and participated in CBSE tournaments. I also played cricket, inter-house and inter-club matches, and continued playing at district level during college. Our then coach sir trained us in both football and cricket, and his guidance left a lasting impact.

Is there a school moment that still inspires you today?
Yes. When our football team secured third position at the CBSE tournament during my Class 10, it was a big moment. We were celebrated in the school assembly, called on stage, and awarded medals. That recognition in front of the entire school gave me immense confidence.

How did Apeejay help build confidence and communication skills?
Our teachers constantly encouraged us to step forward, be it on stage, in activities, or in class. English, Maths, Accounts, every teacher pushed us to express ourselves and come out of our shell. That confidence stays with me even today.

In what ways did school prepare you for higher education and work life?
I studied Commerce with Maths, and the teaching went beyond textbooks. Our teachers focused on practical understanding rather than rote learning. That approach helped me pursue B.Com (Hons.) from Delhi University with clarity and confidence. Discipline, whether in uniform, behaviour, or routine was another crucial lesson from Apeejay that continues to guide my professional life.