The Challenges of Living with Roommates: A Boarding Life Perspective By: Ayana Suri (11 C)

Living in a boarding school is an adventure unlike any other. It’s a chance to grow, learn, and build lifelong friendships. But let’s face it: sharing your space with a roommate isn’t always smooth sailing. While the experience can be incredibly rewarding, it comes with its fair share of bumps along the way. Here’s a closer look at some common challenges of living with roommates and how to navigate them.

First, we have clashing personalities. Roommates often come from all walks of life, bringing different habits, cultures, and quirks to the mix. One might be a night owl who thrives on late-night study sessions, while the other is an early bird who treasures their quiet mornings. These differences can be tricky to handle, but with patience and understanding, you can find a way to coexist.

Next, we have limited privacy. Sharing a room means your personal space suddenly becomes a shared zone. Whether you’re trying to unwind or focus on homework, it can feel like you’re always in someone’s company. Setting clear boundaries and respecting each other’s need for alone time can help make things more manageable.

Many people also differ in their standards of cleanliness. Not everyone defines "clean" the same way. One of you might be all about neatness and organisation, while the other takes a more laid-back approach to tidiness. This mismatch can lead to frustration. Creating a simple cleaning schedule or dividing chores can help keep the peace.

The hardest part of living with roommates is the disagreements that are bound to happen—whether it’s over shared responsibilities, personal items, or differing opinions on room decor. The key is to address issues calmly and respectfully before they escalate. Open communication is your best tool here.

Moreover, every roommate brings their own habits and routines to the table—some you’ll appreciate, and others might drive you a little crazy. Maybe they play music while studying, or perhaps they’re fans of midnight snacking. Instead of letting these habits get under your skin, try to adapt and find common ground. A little compromise goes a long way.

Despite the hurdles, living with a roommate is an opportunity to learn and grow. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Keep communication open. Talk about any issues early on and don’t let small annoyances build up. Addressing concerns honestly and regularly can prevent misunderstandings and create a more harmonious living environment.
• Establish ground rules. From cleanliness to noise levels, setting expectations early can prevent misunderstandings. Agreeing on shared responsibilities and respecting each other’s needs will lay the groundwork for a successful roommate relationship.
• Embrace diversity. Remember, diversity is a strength. Embrace your roommate’s unique perspective and try to learn from them. Appreciating these differences can broaden your own outlook and enrich your experience.

Living with a roommate is a big part of the boarding school experience. It’s not always easy, but the challenges teach you valuable skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving. And who knows? That roommate you clashed with over laundry might just become one of your closest friends. So embrace the journey—it’s all part of growing up and making memories that last a lifetime!

The Benefits of Co-curricular Activities: From Leadership to Life Skills

 

I was always someone who preferred spending time alone, and I found it hard to step out of my comfort zone. I became more dependent on my parents and was less interested in socialising or exploring new activities. It wasn’t until my parents decided to send me to a boarding school that I realised how important it was to push myself beyond my limits. They believed that being in a new environment with new challenges would help me become more independent and develop essential life skills. After some consideration, I agreed to go, thinking this would be a turning point in my personal growth.

The transition to The Mann School was initially overwhelming. At first, I struggled to make friends and felt isolated, missing the comfort of home and my parents. It was hard for me to open up to others, and I felt out of place. However, as I started engaging in different activities, I began to connect with my roommates, Stanzin Mentok and Vridhi, who became my close friends. Through their support and the encouragement of others around me, I gradually overcame my shyness and started embracing new opportunities. The experience of living away from home and engaging in co-curricular activities allowed me to develop essential skills like independence, communication, and teamwork.

To help myself grow, I decided to get involved in a variety of co-curricular activities. I started playing sports like basketball, football, and badminton, and I also tried swimming and horse riding. These activities helped me develop physical strength, endurance, and the ability to work as part of a team. I also discovered a love for public speaking and music, which became two of my biggest passions. I participated in basketball tournaments at the inter-house, zonal, and All-India IPSC levels. I also got involved in music activities, like singing at school celebrations and playing guitar for Young Mozart. These experiences built my confidence, made me more outgoing, and helped me become more self-reliant.

Looking back, I can see that I have transformed into a much more confident and independent person. The school has played a huge role in my personal growth, helping me develop important life skills that will benefit me in the future. Co-curricular activities taught me how to balance academics with personal development. I no longer saw these activities as a chore or something the school imposed on me; instead, I viewed them as opportunities for growth.

Co-curricular activities are incredibly important for my generation. They aren’t just about academics; they help us develop essential life skills that are needed to succeed in society and in the real world. Through my own experiences, I can see how these activities have positively shaped my life. I learned the value of balancing different interests, making new friends, and building social skills.

From my journey, I can confidently say that co-curricular activities play a significant role in shaping who we are. They help us develop new skills, boost our confidence, and open our minds to new experiences. I highly encourage everyone to get involved in various co-curricular activities because they promote leadership, self-growth, and personal development.

Rudrikaa
XI C
The Mann School

From Comfort to Confidence: Alcina’s Life at Boarding School

Alcina was a girl who lived with her parents and grandparents, who followed the same routine every day: going to school, completing homework, and spending time playing with her friends. All the household chores, such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning, were taken care of by the adults. Alcina never had to worry about at home.

One day, her parents realized that this lifestyle wouldn’t help Alcina develop essential life skills or become independent. With a heavy heart, they decided to send her to a boarding school – The Mann School.

At first, Alcina struggled with homesickness. She didn’t know anyone and felt lonely. However, things began to change when she met Sukriti, who soon became her close friend. With Sukriti’s support, Alcina learned to take care of herself. She started doing things on her own, like ironing her clothes and managing daily chores without help. These tasks were challenging at first, but over time, Alcina adapted to her new environment.

Life in a boarding school followed a structured routine, and Alcina quickly learned the importance of time management. Balancing studies and extracurricular activities became a key part of her daily life. Alcina discovered a passion for sports, especially football. She worked hard, and soon her talent shone through, earning her a spot on the school’s teams.

Through the opportunities provided by The Mann School, Alcina developed a sense of independence and responsibility. She learned how to take care of her health, manage her time, and make the most of the resources available to her. These skills not only helped her succeed at school but also prepared her for the life beyond it.

Alcina’s journey from being a dependent child at home to an independent student at boarding school shaped her character. The experiences she gained at The Mann School transformed her into a confident, capable young woman, ready to face the challenges of the future.

Alcina Biakthantluangi

XI D

Education In The Current Scenario

After reflecting on the difference between literacy and education, it’s clear that while academics form the foundation, a well-rounded education requires practical knowledge and skills to prepare children for real-life challenges. 

In many contexts, the focus tends to be on the development of certain segments of society, often overlooking the basic needs of the majority. When essential needs like food, clean water, and shelter remain unaddressed, aspirations for broader progress can feel unattainable. 

The educational schemes in place often struggle with both implementation and effectiveness. While the aim is to provide education to every child, the quality of that education is often overlooked. Simply placing children in classrooms without engaging them meaningfully does not fulfill educational goals. Many students may view education as secondary to immediate needs, such as food provided by government programs. 

Effective educational initiatives require thoughtful planning and a commitment to quality. It’s crucial to ensure that not only are policies created, but that they are also actively monitored and followed. By focusing on meaningful implementation, we can work towards a more inclusive and impactful educational environment. 

Ritwija Mishra 

Asst. teacher All Subjects

Is Rain for Everyone?

As we enjoy the rainy season, I've got a thought. What happens when you are lying on your bed, which is near the window, and suddenly you hear the pattering sounds of the raindrops, which suddenly changes your mood? Your face will definitely be lit with a smile because you know it is the ‘rain’. You will try planning different activities, either having tasty food, watching the rain through the window or going down and enjoying a rain dance. You automatically will feel happy because of the rain.

However, is it really the same for everyone? No, it is not. Not everybody is fortunate enough to have a cozy bed to lie in when it rains. Not everybody gets to enjoy the comfort of cozy homes during rain. Not everyone gets blissful dreams. For many of them, this rain becomes a nightmare of destruction. I have seen animals seeking shelter under trees and the tin roofs of the small roadside tea stalls.

Passing by people shoo away these animals and try to shrink themselves under the limited space of these shops. The poor animals are left shivering and drenching on the roads. The poor people whose houses were broken by winds and storms find shelter on the railway or other stations. Some get soaked in this heavy rain and some have the luck of admiring the rain and its beauty in their warm and cozy homes. Not everyone perceives rain the same way as we do. For some, it could be the worst time of the year!

By Tamanna Sangwan

9th A

7270

National Education Policy-2020

Education is the backbone of a nation and NEP provides the strength to it. The National Education Policy 2020 is a comprehensive framework that outlines the government's approach to education, covering all levels from early childhood to higher education. It serves as guidance for educational institutions, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders, aiming to address the hindrances in imparting education.

It focuses on:-

1. Holistic Education: It focuses on the holistic development of the students. It encourages a multidisciplinary approach to learning, nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
2. Equitable Access: Access to knowledge must be made easily achievable to all with an inclusive approach.
3. Quality and Excellence: NEP-2020 focuses on imparting quality education to all with continuous professional development and induction of the latest technology.
4. Promotion of Languages: NEP-2020 promotes multilingualism and the preservation of regional languages. A student can learn better in his/her own language. Knowledge knows no medium; it can be attained/imparted in any language.
5. Technology Integration: We must embrace the latest technology to upgrade our teaching and learning strategies.

The National Education Policy represents a visionary roadmap for transforming education, fostering innovation, and equipping students with the skills needed to sustain in a rapidly changing world that needs skilled people in the times to come. We can achieve it by prioritising holistic development, quality enhancement, equitable access, learning of different languages, and integration of technology. It aims to empower the learner/teacher to adopt a better, easier, and more practical approach to learning. NEP-2020 is quite capable of bringing a paradigm shift in the education system. It sets the stage for a brighter future where education serves as the most significant way of national development and individual empowerment. In today’s scenario, NEP-2020 is the need of the hour to empower our teaching and learning communities with the latest technological advancements in the field of education. Hence let us all pledge to embrace NEP-2020 with full enthusiasm and determination.

Dheeraj Kumar

Facing Fears, Finding Comfort

I used to fear a lot of things when I was young. There was a long list in my head which usually had ghosts, strict teachers, and bugs and insects at the top. One night, my elder sister and I decided to sleep in our grandfather's room so that we could stay up late and enjoy ourselves. He used to have a teenie-tiny bulb that used to stay on throughout the night, which reflected enough light to see your surroundings. By the time I was arranging my blanket and pillow all the lights were turned off except the teenie-tiny bulb. Suddenly, a brown thing near my feet caught my attention and my eyes widened with fear as I jerked my head towards it. I for sure knew it was a moth and hated the way it felt on my skin. I jumped around and screamed while my sister laughed at me and the moth flew around. I was sure I would take my revenge later. I was also sure my grandpa wasn't angry but serious when he scolded me about how I was such a big creature as compared to that tiny one and how it could hardly harm me. His words instantly affected me and I calmed down but how was the little me supposed to tell him about the uncomfortable and disgusting feeling? Anyway, I knew I would have lost the debate against him after all so I chose to shut up and nod. Now whenever I see ‘that tiny one’ his words come to my head and make me miss him dearly.

Another day, I was just travelling to the top floor of a building through a lift with few people in it when it suddenly stopped. I had read about how people died when a lift broke down in some articles and got scared. But later I thought about how if I die, at least I won't die alone, and many will go away with me.

And I smiled, I think.

Kaveri (X)