Back to School

Nelson Mandela once said “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have changed”.

I know I speak for many when I say that one’s school is one such a place!

Witnessing the high school graduation of my child few months ago brought back memories of my own high school days decades ago.

Came flooding were memories of wonderful teachers and administrators that contributed richly to making me who I am today. I was particularly reminded of our much loved and revered principal, whom I will address as "Father A" here (Fr. A for short).

I attended a private high school which was a close knit community of students, teachers, administrators, and, of course, our principal Fr. A (lots more on him below!). Everyone knew everyone by their first name. It was not just difficult, but impossible to be invisible!

High school days were filled with fun and excitement. The friendships we lived for, the music we listened to, the classes we skipped and, the tests we failed (oh yes, there were those!)--they are all still crystal-clear in my mind so many years later.

We dreaded our principal, Fr. A, back then. He was a strict disciplinarian who never bent rules for any of us, EVER. He held us to the highest possible standards in everything we did. He seemed heartless and ruthless then. But today, I, and all his students, remember him with not just the utmost respect but with a LOT of love and gratitude for giving us the values that he did.

My life today has changed much from the school days that once were. I have traded my school uniform for work clothes, my carefree school days for a restrained life, and shed some of those teenage inhibitions for confidence. However, what has not changed over the years are the friendships that I built and the bonds that I made.

After going through different phases of life, I realize today what an extraordinary education I got at my school. Education was not just limited to academic teaching but was extended to inculcating core values that are my guide, and my inspiration to date.

School taught me many of the traits that are considered as the cornerstone of success in today’s world. Below are a few of those valuable teachings that have stayed with me.

1. Timeliness - The importance of keeping time and valuing other person’s time was taught to me at school. It was not just taught, but was emphasized to us every single day. Our day at school started with a morning assembly where all students would gather in our school rotunda. If you showed up late for the assembly, the extreme embarrassment you would have to face at the hands of Fr. A was a painful memory you’d remember for years! Although the embarrassment seemed harsh back then, I know that this important trait of timeliness, and, valuing another person's time, comes to me naturally only because it was instilled in me at school.

2. Integrity, Time management and Discipline – Fr. A was very innovative when it came to disciplining his students! He would come up with novel ideas to tighten the noose around his students’ neck! :-)

One of his most dreaded initiative was a “personal schedule” that each student had to submit to him. A personal schedule was the student’s after school at-home schedule for each semester. There were no set rules nor expectations. All you had to do was simply put down time-slots of when you’d be studying/doing your homework, your play time, entertainment time etc., and submit this schedule to the principal's office.

Fr. A would then make random surprise visits to our home (yes he did!!!!), to check if we were indeed following what we had listed in our schedule! Needless to say, it was every parent’s desire that Fr. A visit their home because it meant that parents no longer had to nag their child to finish their work on time. :-) Fr. A took it upon himself to make this happen!

I remember Fr. A’s first surprise visit to my home. I was caught red-handed watching a show on TV when in fact my schedule said “doing homework”. I also remember the big smile on my Mom’s face because she knew that her job was done!! All Fr. A said to me at the time was, “Looks like you submitted the wrong schedule to me. Can you please submit the correct one tomorrow?” That was enough to teach me for life, what it meant to have integrity - doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It taught me that I must honor my commitments and keep my word.

It also taught me that if I was disciplined, and if I managed my time well, I would not only be able to do the things I am supposed to do, but would also be able find time to enjoy the things I like to do. I use these skills every single day till date to be able to enjoy life to the fullest.

3. All-round development - Today, there are numerous scientific studies on the important role music, sports, or any form of extra-curricular activity play in not only enhancing academic success, but also in promoting physical and mental well-being. Back when I was in high school, none of these studies were out there.

However, Fr. A was way ahead of the times!

He encouraged us to pursue our talents outside of academics, be it sports, music, performing arts--anything that we liked. He not only encouraged us but also supported our endeavors by taking personal interest in our growth and progress, and, by being a sounding board whenever we needed one. He ensured that we had ample opportunities to display and hone our talents. He made himself available for any help we needed. He even volunteered to be a chaperone, driving us to events if our parents couldn’t. I remember him driving me to a singing event two hours away from home, being there for me throughout the event, and bringing me back home!

4. Love thy neighbor as yourself - This was not just my school motto but it is what I actually experienced at school. The feeling that we are all one family was prevalent throughout my high school years. Differences were never highlighted. Instead, focus was on what we all had in common, and moving forward together holding on to this commonality between us.

This habit of focusing on the common thread that runs through us all has helped me assimilate easily in cultures and environment that are different than mine. This learning has not only made my work relationships hugely rewarding and collaborative, but it has also percolated into my personal and social relationships, making them richer than what they would’ve otherwise been.

When I look back at those years, I am filled with gratitude towards Fr. A and towards my school for giving me a solid foundation to build upon.

I continue to look up to Fr. A with not only the deepest respect; I am in complete awe of him. At the age of 76, he is still passionate about providing the best education that his students can have, is a great motivator through his thoughts and actions, and, continues to provide unconditional parental love and guidance to his students.

I believe that educators don't simply provide education to students; they shape generations to come!