It is often said that reminiscence of the past should be done as long as it gives pleasure and happiness. And this is exactly what ensues every single time I remember my Alma Mater…. Dayawati Modi Academy …. my nurturer, my haven, a place I called my own for 14 glorious years of my formative life, and keep connecting myself to it today even after almost 2 decades of concluding my student life in its premises.
The school has the most significant role to play in modeling one’s personality. As far as I am concerned I can very humbly say, I am what I am mostly because of my schooling at DMA. I am very grateful to my parents for having chosen this school, which even after decades of its existence still stands rock-solid to its motto, ‘Dedication. Motivation. Aspiration. My heart is filled with immense pride, fondness, gratitude-coupled with nostalgia and longing as to how those wonderful years flew by.
What a marvelous journey it was transforming me from a tiny tot to an inquisitive child to a gregarious teen and finally graduating to being a professional.
Every minute detail is still vividly sketched in my memory. At a very young age, qualities of responsibility, discipline, punctuality, truthfulness, and healthy competition were instilled in us. When it comes to friends and relationships, I must admit that some of them have most certainly stood the test of time. These friends came into my life without prejudice and expecting nothing in return. Over the years they have changed roles from being my partner in crime to my well-wisher and confidante, and even my soul-mate!!!
I was privileged to be taught by some of the most wonderful teachers, who very effortlessly yet meticulously taught life lessons through languages and simple mathematics, complex trigonometry, biology, economics, politics, social sciences, value education, art and craft. These teachers allowed us to excel in whatever skill set we had, helped us to overcome fears and shortcomings. Many years later too, even after I left school, some of them continues to be my counselors, coaches, mentors and Gurus.
Something I have learnt at DMA is the ability to look forward. The school taught me that sometimes the best surprises in life are…well, surprises. Some opportunities can’t be planned. So thank you for giving me the courage to be bold and take those opportunities when they arose. Thank you for not letting me hold myself back for the fear of failure and making me understand that failure is not something to be ashamed of, but should be celebrated because that means I tried, and I know how to improve for next time. Thank you for teaching me how to be a leader and a follower (both very important roles). Thank you for the memories you have given me and the ones I have made because of you. Thank you for the people, a wonderful community you offered to help me grow. Thank you for instilling empathy in me by making me accountable for my actions and creating the desire to want to make a difference. Thank you for believing in my creativity through the teachers, who set exceptional standards, and affirmed that focusing on my individuality would lead us to successes.
Lastly, thank you for teaching us that the world is full of possibilities and the key is to believe in ourselves at all times. I’ve learned over the years that no one besides you can make you do anything, including attaining success. I am where I am, and who I am because the school encouraged me to go forth and explore, to be fearless and unapologetic of myself.
