Hello Stranger

Hello stranger,

Is that pain that I see in your eyes,

Are you broken from within?

Your silence says a lot,

Unspoken words are trying to break the barrier,

Your unwept tears awaiting freedom,

Just like your thoughts, oh so many thoughts,

In search of emancipation,

I can’t say this to you stranger,

But let go, try to let go,

Let go before there’s nothing to let go of.

Unapologetically unambitious

The tension, questions, feedback and clatter around nursery admissions in Delhi has left me at the edge of confusion, self-doubt and concern. Confusion since each one has a certain opinion about every school, self-doubt since I don’t aspire my kids to go to a school of which I can brag about in my non-existent circle and concern since the kids didn’t make it to many schools.

 

If I was to answer the kind of school that I aspire for Shreya and Shivansh (irrespective of its history or brand), I will say it must have:

• Sturdy security standards
• Patient and compassionate teachers who can excite them about the whole world of knowledge that awaits them
• Good infrastructure (that somehow translates in air-conditioned classes that are not important for me)
• Large playground
• Focus on sports and extracurricular activities
• A place that can fuel their imagination and teach them how to express
• Importance of respecting all, being grateful for everything, humility and generosity
• Give them exposure to a lot of things

What can a school assure?

I know a large part of all the above is my responsibility (and so it should be) but I wonder what can a school assure? 

Are all successful professionals from the best of schools? 

Do all generous and philanthropic people study in extravagant schools? 

Some of the toppers from my batch are not necessarily achievers and the ordinary are doing impressively well. I'm not trying to undermine the role of the school or teachers but I want to reinforce the worthlessness of the nursery admissions marathon. Both school and teachers are critical to shape the being that ultimately becomes.

It will be great if either Shreya or Shivansh (or both) can make it to IIT or Stanford, but it will be equally great if they wish to be a chef or play basketball.

Does it mean I’m unapologetically unambitious for the kids’ future? Perhaps. Perhaps not.  

I’ll find comfort as long as they can discover their passion and truly find lasting happiness in what they do.