Looking Back While Moving Forward: Learnings of the Year that Was
As we wrap up another year on this incredible journey of nurturing bright minds, it's time to reflect, learn, and share the insights that have colored our path. This year has been a mosaic of experiences, challenges, and most importantly, learnings that fuel our excitement for the journey ahead.
One constant question echoed in our conversations: how do we identity a potential scholar, especially in grade 8? What we discovered was that academic brilliance was just one facet; the true gems shone in aspects like willingness, perseverance, discipline, and confidence. A holistic approach to identifying potential has since been our compass, guiding us towards nurturing not just academically inclined minds but well-rounded individuals.
However, even the most brilliant students can stumble on their journey to success. This year also brought forth a poignant concern—why do some of our most promising, brilliant students falter on their journey? Our findings were surprisingly obvious. When families see these young minds as their sole hope, the weight of these expectations can become overwhelming. Yet, through one student's journey, we witnessed the power of unwavering support and guidance. By alleviating the pressure and offering counsel, we witnessed a miraculous turnaround and reaffirmed our commitment to never giving up on our students.
In our relentless pursuit of providing quality education, we encountered obstacles with our English classes and mentorship program. Through trial and error, we learned the importance of adapting and evolving our approaches. Flexibility and listening to the needs of our students emerged as guiding principles, leading us to refine our programs for better efficacy.
We also embarked on a new frontier by onboarding students from the Blind People's Association—a journey filled with uncertainties and hopes. As we navigate this uncharted territory, we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources for their holistic development.
The year also had a momentous side to it. Our Reading Club emerges as one such achievement! Although in its nascent stage, it holds the promise of unlocking the creative realms within our students. A small yet celebratory win came our way when HarperCollins decided to sponsor 20 books every six months for the club, adding an extra layer of excitement to our literary endeavor.
Another pivotal moment arrived with the STEMVERSE training program supported by Amazon’s Future Engineering program. Young Sahil and Yuvraj had never set foot outside of Ahmedabad, let alone travel to another state. But 2023 changed it for them when they got the privilege of participating in this dynamic 20-hour coding event in Mumbai. The event challenged their coding skills, propelling them into a realm of creative thinking and problem-solving. The presence of Amazon's Global and India heads added a layer of inspiration, offering insights into the vast opportunities awaiting them in the ever-evolving field of technology.
As I pen down these reflections, I am fueled with enthusiasm to carry our initiative forward. We are eager to witness our students rise to these challenges, armed not just with academic prowess but with resilience, passion, and a love for learning. Here's to another year of growth, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kunal