by Nandita Kanodia

An iron-rimmed gate, crunching gravel underneath my feet, neutral façade encapsulating the azure skies. My eyes darted back and forth across the banal landscape as I stood before the school. Skepticism engulfed every crevice of my mind as I paced towards the entrance, my heart pounding with a perplexing flurry of anxiety, hope and anticipation.

After a maze of corridors, never-ending flights of steps and awkward questions for directions, I approached my class. The first time I would step into the four walls that would be the birthplace of new friendships, forgotten conversations and lifelong lessons. As I entered, a sea of people clad in hues of blue and grey stared at me. I avoided their seemingly cold gaze and stumbled towards an empty chair, followed by unnecessary courtesy introductions and icebreakers, that only seemed to heighten the chilly void between me and my peers. 

Classes flew past, all just a glimpse into what will rapidly pick up pace throughout the academic year. Thoughts raced across my head, a blur of emotions and uncertainty, all questioning whether I should approach someone from class and strike a conversation, or remain in apparent stealth. Surprisingly, I managed to talk to a few people on the first day, words I have now forgotten.
I’ve created lifetime friendships, collaborated with uncountable people, and gained a renewed perspective of goal-setting and always aiming for the sky.

 My first few days in NPSIS were a parenthesis, as if I was stuck in a continuous limbo and drowning in an ocean of confusion, dissociation and a hint of hope. However, I would not change any of it for the world. Those emotions of uncertainty were stepping stones towards the crucial lessons I’ve learnt in my time here- confidence, resilience and a proactive attitude. Along with these crucial values, I now have treasured memories that will remain in the core of my heart- whether it is free periods spent with friends or last minute study sessions. These invaluable instances have shaped my ideologies, personality and mindset in a way that isn’t possible anywhere else.