The Case of the Changing Lens ...not yet solved!
I came to Birla School, Pilani in Class 8. Back then, I didn’t know how much this place would shape me. At first it looked like just another one of the many schools I'd studied in, but, soon enough(two years later), I realised how much it had to offer to anyone willing to grow. Class 10 was when things started to change. I remember coming across the language of Jim Rohn one spring morning, and something clicked - a desire to change. I had finally stepped out of the fog(Jungian view). I began to understand myself and others. Realisations started to hit. One of many was that real learning is not about marks or praise. It’s about seeing yourself clearly and doing something about it. It was all this curiosity to know myself that refined my thinking with every thought. I created a platter of frameworks to get better every day. The key, I realised, was to never become rigid as a person, in other words, to not associate oneself with any of the themes one may encounter. One must enter a theme, learn from it, eventually get bored from it, then leave it; for one theme couldn't serve the purpose of one’s dream. I won’t go into any details...in some other blog I presume. There are a few BSP moments that stay with me. The NCC camp was a special one. All the parades I did with my comrades, all the shooting, learning to read a map via a magnetic compass were all fun things. The debate club classes, though only 2, made me develop a skill that’ll help me in any endeavours I undertake. The best, however, was the quasquicentennial(a flashy word I learned for 125th) Annual Day. I did a bit of anchoring and karate after 8years. However, the best part was that I was ill and my UCAS application deadline was the same day. To get all this stuff done in the best possible way, I demanded the best out of me and utilised every single second. An even better part was that I learned that I cannot do everything on my own. For this reason, I accepted that I have my friends, on whom I can rely on whenever I need help. All this made it one of my best days ever! Moreover, by the end of day, I also finally finished the gap between who I was in school and who I was at home i.e. I achieved full integration (Jung again). One more such experience was the district tennis matches. Finally winning 2 matches after always losing for 1.5 years made me real happy! The x-factor was just confidence, and I had been planning my days for over a year to develop it. Upon retrospection, what I like most about BSP is the space it gives you. The teachers here know more than the books they teach. They notice when you start changing. They give you quiet pushes just at the right moments. But, without the will to change yourself, this school will probably look the same to you as any other. If this school were a mystery, the biggest clue would be this: it looks dull only until you decide to look deeper. Once you do, you realise everything here has meaning - the people, the classes, and all the normal life challenges. Or maybe... my optimism is deluding me. This delusion will only be solved when YOU will come to me and share your thoughts. Ekaksha Daila, 12 H “I’m going to become the world’s greatest detective.”
My Journey in a New School - From Strangers to Family
When I first stepped into my new school in Class 11, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Everything around me was unfamiliar — the classrooms, the hallways, the playground, and even the faces of students. I had no idea what the journey ahead would hold. But destiny had its own plan, and I was ready to embrace it. On the very first day, I met a boy named Ishan. We shook hands, shared smiles, and exchanged greetings. We talked, laughed, and even shared lunch together. Alongside him was a group of three other boys who, at first, loved to tease me. They made fun of my accent, my uniform, and sometimes even my gestures. I must admit, I felt a little overwhelmed at first. But soon, I realized that behind their jokes were genuinely good hearts. They were not trying to hurt me; they were welcoming me in their own playful way. Over time, they became an important part of my school life and showed me the value of friendship in its truest form. What made my school truly special were the teachers. They were not just instructors; they were mentors who guided us with patience, understanding, and kindness. My class teacher was humble and motivating. He always encouraged students to explore their potential, try new things, and never be afraid of making mistakes. My Headmaster Sir was a visionary leader. His determination, discipline, and guidance inspired everyone to dream big and work tirelessly toward those dreams. Observing him taught me that leadership is not about authority, but about responsibility and service. Over time, I started learning lessons beyond textbooks. I learned how to make genuine friends, how to deal with misunderstandings, and how to accept that not everyone will see the world the same way you do. I also realized that these differences are what make relationships meaningful. One of the most exciting experiences in my new school began when I met a junior girl who introduced me to photography. I had never held a camera properly before, and the world of photography seemed overwhelming. But she was patient and supportive. I still remember the very first lesson she taught me about grid lines and how they can completely transform a picture. Those simple instructions opened a new world for me. I started clicking pictures, experimenting with angles, lighting, and composition. Slowly, my photos started getting noticed by teachers and students. That recognition filled me with confidence and sparked a deep love for my work. Through all these experiences, I learned an invaluable life lesson: happiness does not come from the number of people around you; it comes from the quality of the people who genuinely care about you. Initially, I believed that having a large group of friends meant happiness. But now I understand that true happiness comes from meaningful connections, mutual respect, and shared moments. Looking ahead, my goal is to contribute positively to my school. I want to excel academically, maintain discipline, support my classmates, and take part in extracurricular activities. I aspire to become the Head Boy next year. For me, this role is not just a title — it is an opportunity to serve my school, experience the challenges of leadership, build teamwork, and make a difference. Even if I do not become the Head Boy, I am determined to serve my school in every way I can. Every student has the power to contribute, and I want to make sure that I do my part. This school has given me guidance, friendship, knowledge, and countless memories. It has taught me lessons that I will carry for a lifetime. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey — the friends who made me laugh, the teachers who believed in me, and the mentors who guided me. Most importantly, I want to thank the junior girl who introduced me to photography and opened my eyes to a new passion. She taught a boy who didn’t know how to handle a camera, and because of her, I discovered something I now love deeply. This journey has just begun, and I am excited for the days ahead. With determination, sincerity, and the support of the people around me, I hope to make my school proud and grow into a person who can inspire others — just as I have been inspired. ABDUL RAHMAN Class: XI G
