My Practice School Experience: Learning Beyond the Classroom

My Practice School Experience: Learning Beyond the Classroom

My high school experience was mixed, to say the least. While academic challenges may have been a hurdle, the true lessons I learned stemmed from my interactions and relationships beyond the traditional classroom setting. Friendships and fostering independence played a crucial role in shaping my attitude and approach to school.

The Power of Friendship

The motivation to attend school was not driven by academic curiosity but rather by the prospect of seeing my friends. In those formative years, being around friends was the highlight. We often found ourselves engaging in less-than-ideal behavior, like eating during class hours or roaming around during the lunch break. Our focus on friendship was so intense that it sometimes overshadowed the importance of focusing on our studies.

One particular memory stands out vividly. During an internship, we were initially asked to report only on weekends, which was a glaring example of not prioritizing the needs of interns. However, this experience also taught me an important lesson about resilience and sticking to my principles. Despite the initial setback, we eventually managed to make the most of what was available, even if it meant less time in the office.

My Journey as a Co-Founder of My Practice School

I took a significant step by becoming a co-founder of my own practice school station (PS), Hindustan Zinc Limited in Chittorgarh during the summers of 2011. This experience was not just academic but also profoundly personal. My interaction with the PS instructor, a BITS Pilani alumnus, was eye-opening and deeply impactful.

A Troubled Begin

Our instructor was a chain smoker and an alcoholic, who harbored strong animosity towards the BITS administration. On the first day of the boarding arrangements, he surprisingly invited all the interns to a sponsored 'booze session.' This act of defiance against professional norms shocked and intrigued me. Such an experience reinforced my desire to remain true to my academic discipline, mechanical engineering, and instilled in me a determination to excel.

The Burning of a Hostel Room

Another unforgettable event was a campus incident that involved a group of intoxicated students setting fire to a hostel room at BITS Goa. Disappointingly, it was a former intern, X, who was summoned to a disciplinary hearing without any knowledge of the incident. Months of pressure finally led to the truth coming to light, and the students involved were ultimately let off with only a few losing their jobs. This incident highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline and showed me the consequences of irresponsible behavior.

Lessons Learned

Ultimately, these experience taught me invaluable lessons. Firstly, it highlighted the importance of prioritizing one's goals over casual relationships. Secondly, it underscored the necessity of standing up for oneself and one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity. Lastly, it reinforced the value of perseverance and the importance of taking calculated risks, which are essential skills needed for success.

These experiences have left a lasting impact on my approach to school and life, shaping my character and informing my decisions. Whether through friendship, exploration, or personal challenges, the lessons I learned in high school have undoubtedly played a critical role in preparing me for the future.