Top of the MYP E-Assessment and ten years at the Academy

Eleven years ago, Aashna joined the Academy as a new Grade 1 student.  She recently scored 55/56 in the MYP E-Assessment, making her the highest scorer in her class. While she doesn’t remember much about her first week at the Academy back in 2011, she does remember going to school with two ponytails – ready to take on the world! She also remembers lunch boxes at the Academy were supplied by Sky Chef in those days, which made her feel like she was on a flight. As an ice breaker activity on her first day at school, she remembers lying down on a huge piece of paper and her partner having to draw an outline of her!  

What were your subject choices in the MYP?

I chose Biology, Chemistry, Design, English, Math, PHE, Hindi, and Individuals and Societies. 

What are your subject choices in the DP?

I have picked English Language and Literature, Biology, and Chemistry at Higher Level. At the Standard Level my subjects are Math Analysis and Approaches, Hindi A, and Global politics. 

One teacher, that has influenced your time at the Academy?

Being a part of the Academy for this long, I have interacted with many teachers. One teacher that has especially influenced my time here is Ms.Himani. She was an I&S teacher during the 3 years that she was here. Since she joined when I had started the MYP, she helped me understand myself better and supported me to make the best use of my time. There isn’t just one teacher who has influenced my time here though. Others who have influenced me are Ms.Arpita and Mr.Prasad. In the past few years, they have helped me develop my communication skills to such an extent that it has impacted the way I interact with people.

What have you been involved in outside of academics?

Apart from academics, I have been involved in Trinity exams for violin, which I have been doing for a few years now. Moreover, I have been working with the social media team with the Bindu organization over the last few months. I joined yoga classes 6 months ago because of the pandemic. I also enjoy cooking and trying new cuisines, I learned how to bake bread during the lockdowns. Lastly, I have really enjoyed swimming since grade 1 and I have taken it up as a hobby. The school has allowed me to participate in a number of competitions since grade 3, which is incredible.

What are the main qualities the Academy has given you?

In one word, leadership. This is the first thing that comes to my mind. The Academy has given me great leadership opportunities right from when I was in Junior School. From being the grade representative in Junior School, the captain of the swim team, leading and participating in service activities, being grade representative in Senior School and so much more. Other qualities are resilience and self-confidence. The teachers have taught me to bounce back from difficulties. My experiences at the Academy have enabled me to believe in myself and my abilities.

How much have you developed as a person?

I am 16 years old and I joined the Academy at the age of 6. I have spent almost three quarters of my life here. I believe the person I am today is the result of my Academy education. I felt like a blank slate when I arrived as a 6-year old, and now I feel very proud of what I have accomplished and who I am becoming.   This has been a constant process. The challenges, opportunities and interactions have all contributed to this. When I look back, I can confidently say that 6-year-old me would be proud of the person I am today!