In Gratitude - S1 : Paying my homage through years of my life - My Alma Mater || By Anupama Vaidya

Series Part 1… Towards my big milestone - 2021 - Golden Celebrations. Published on Facebook: 15-Oct-2021

As a countdown to my big milestone, I owe my being what I am to all of you who have been a part and parcel of my life and have helped me shape my life….

As I stand and look back to rejoice and smile at the wonderful gift of life, In first of this series, I cherish every memory of my alma mater ! My three Institutes, its principals, teachers, professors and all my dear friends, my classmates, batchmates, seniors and juniors…. Across the years who have played a vital role in my formative years.

You shaped me and my future, in my formative years, prepared me for my career, taught me that education is beyond just going to school and getting grades or degrees; it is building your life, values, discipline, commitment, dedication, and future life… its about Immersing & Learning…

You taught me to “Be a Student for Life”.

Today I dedicate this column to my first Alma Mater St. Ursula's High School (#suexsa)

As I began schooling, I still remember my nursery days with Ms. Fatima! And yes my buddies, Jaskaran, Hemant, Prashant, Anagha, Momita, Shilpa, Vineeta and many others….some came and joined in due course, Anuprita, our dear Late Pralhad…

Then came Ms. Rosy… what a wonderful teacher, I still remember her so well even if I was just in junior KG. Loving and caring…

Ms. Jacintha taught in 1st std and where I learnt what actual studies really meant… and
then we had Our lovely lovely Ms. Magaret in 2nd, I still remember her lovely classes. So fresh in mind.

3rd Std brought in Mrs. Freida! Oh again an amazing teacher and that year was interesting since it was the year where mom came and choreographed a wonderful dance for Annual Concert – Ding ding dingi! Everyone was thrilled and I was really lucky to have had this opportunity to have mom choreograph such a wonderful show!!

Mrs. Sobti of 4th Std., yeah, a smart military discipline background teacher, and so full of life…. It was her belief to give me such a wonderful role of Ms. Mable Jenkins in the play “Around the world” I changed 3 dresses, mom got such a beautiful gown stitched, thinking back I feel that was so amazing on her part… ! Thanks Mrs. Sobti, it was a delightful play!

And a special mention to my principal then – Sr. Theresa !! Oh a big hug to her for being such a wonderful, amazing, disciplined principal. Really Loved her ways and learnt a lot of leadership lessons from her.

Come 5th std. and I wished we had a 5 day week, till then school was 5 ½ days, and I used to tease my sister that see when I come to 5th, we will have 5 days ! and bang on… Wishes were fulfilled.
By 4th, mom had also joined school, all three of us – Mom, Didi and Me – in same school !!!
5th to 10th, were super years with once again an amazing Principal in Sr.Rekha! Another role model for leadership, loving yet assertive, approachable yet you knew you cannot take her for granted! She has been always a person whom we all have looked up to!

Mrs.Oberoi, Mrs. Anita Trehan, Late Mrs. Prema, Mrs. Joseph, Late Mr. Gajbhiv, Mrs. Anruradha, Mrs. Chakraborty, Mrs. Ranjana Ashtekar, Mrs. Geeta Kolhe (who also was our Green House Main Teacher), Late Sir Thapa, Mrs. Sadhana Agarwal, Late Mrs. Kumtha, Mrs. Nikam, Sr. Nirmala, Sr. Judith, Sr.Lucy, Late Sr. Puspa, Late Shobhadidi, Mrs. Kamala, …. And many more… so many of them who taught me and also even if they did not directly teach me, influenced being in school.

School gave me wonderful friendships, some of which I still cherish ! And yes, a big thank you to all of you my dear friends Jaskaran, Anuprita, Anagha, Hemant, Pankaj, Shilpa Kadam, Vineeta, Prashant Naik, Sameer, Laveena, Joseline, Poornima, Puneet, Vishu, Grajo, Reema, Sunita (2), Kavita, Manoj, Atul, …. And many more….My classmates and batchmates … we surely had funfilled time as we passed our Xth with flying colours….

School gave me wonderful opportunities to shape as an all-rounder and made the most of it – studies, sports, dance, dramatics, social studies, work experience, drawing stitching and A mix of many activities… those wonderful 12 years… prepared me for my life’s with a strong foundation; while one thing I missed in school of wanting to be a Vice Prefect, no repentances, since it only taught me that even I deserved something and wanted something so much, there are others who too are similarly capable and only one gets it ! I think it only strengthened my determination in the longer run and prepared me for accepting life’s decisions… whether positive or not in favor of me! For sure helped me accept failures too and keep on striving for better… So at the end all worked out well.
I really thank my parents, for choosing such a wonderful school and providing me a platform in St. Ursula’s to shape my

5 D’s – Determination, Dedication, Drive, Discipline, Devotion !!!

And enabled me to be what I am today !!!

In gratitude to may alma mater St.Ursula’s High School and all my principals, teachers, friends and all those who have been a part of my schooling life !!!

As I stand at this juncture, I would have loved to meet each one of you and personally express my deep appreciation… … …In Gratitude always!!!