Adhya Datla, a BSS alumni, was with the school from 2013 - 2023.
She beautifully recounts her decade-long journey at BSS in this rendezvous style write-up.
Adhya went on to pursue History, Business, Design and Tech after finishing school.
From an early age, we were taught that each of us was unique, possessing our own distinct strengths. Our teachers expertly leveraged our individual strengths when delegating tasks, which reinforced belief and confidence in our abilities. We learned not to compare ourselves to one another and to revel in our differences instead. For instance, in the third grade, our class collectively embarked on an ambitious project: to construct the best tent in the school’s longstanding history of using the fallen twigs from the neem and mango trees, the large coconut tree leaves, mud, sand and the leftover cement from previous constructions. We dedicated our fruit breaks, lunch breaks and any spare moments after rapidly finishing classwork to work on the tent. For weeks, we toiled away, carefully laying bricks and mortar, creating contraptions of twig and mud, and patching up a roof with the coconut leaves. Finally, the day of completion arrived. To celebrate, we fashioned a tire throne for our teacher and gathered around as she read us a story. I can confidently say that BSS profoundly influenced my self-perception and continues to shape my outlook today. By emphasizing our unique strengths and encouraging teamwork, BSS fostered an environment where I learned not only to appreciate my own abilities but also to respect and collaborate with others effectively. This foundation has proven invaluable, both during my time at school and beyond, as it taught me the importance of individuality, teamwork, and self-confidence in forming and asserting my opinions and capabilities.
The education I received at BSS, rooted in Waldorf philosophy, shaped my worldview in a way that is both enriching and, at times, challenging. The Waldorf philosophy emphasizes holistic education, focusing on creativity, self-expression, and the development of moral and ethical values. I was taught to view the world through a lens of interconnectedness, where human actions and decisions impact not only ourselves but also the environment and society as a whole. This fostered a strong sense of social responsibility, encouraging me to think critically about the broader implication of my choices. However, when I graduated from school and stepped into the wider world, I was suddenly immersed in an environment filled with strong, often polarized opinions, especially about politics. The sheltered nature of school had shielded me from the intensity of these debates and conversations transpiring around me, leaving me somewhat unprepared to engage in such things. Additionally, the lack of emphasis on competition and standardized testing in school, while nurturing in many ways, meant that I found myself at a disadvantage when confronted with the competitive demands of higher education. The-real world importance of these aspects became apparent as I had to quickly adapt to environments that valued measurable achievements and direct engagement with complex issues. Ultimately, the Waldorf approach instilled in me a balanced worldview, instilling a strong sense of ethical responsibility and empathy—but also necessitated a period of adjustment as I learned to engage more critically and directly with the political and real-world issues that were not fully explored during my time at school.
Attending BSS' nature filled campuses, I was taught to appreciate the natural world not just as a resource, but as a living, breathing entity, deserving of respect and care. The connection with nature was woven into our daily lives, not just through the beautiful surroundings but also through the hands-on projects that emphasized giving back to our community. Our woodwork and gardening projects were more than just activities; they were opportunities to contribute to the school. Whether we were building sandpits, planting trees, or growing corn, these tasks were done with the understanding that we were giving something meaningful back to the place that gave us so much. The skills and values we developed through these projects—respect for nature, a sense of responsibility, and the joy of creating something with our hands—are lessons that stay with me to this day.
There were aspects of my personality and behavior that were positively addressed during my time at school. A key factor in this growth was having the same teacher for eight years, who became like a second mother to me and my classmates alike. Her understanding of my individual needs and characteristics allowed her to offer tailored support and guidance. This consistent, nurturing presence was instrumental in helping me refine my interpersonal skills and manage my emotions more effectively. Similar to this, the deep understanding of most of our teachers about each one of us facilitated a supportive environment that significantly contributed to my personal development and behavioral improvements.
During my time at school, I developed strong leadership qualities. The emphasis on collaborative projects, creative problem-solving, and community involvement fostered a sense of responsibility and initiative. I learned to understand and manage group dynamics effectively which helped me build confidence and the skills necessary to lead with empathy and integrity.
My time at BSS greatly influenced my social attitudes and relationships by instilling a strong sense of empathy, effective communication, and an appreciation for differing perspectives. The school’s focus on collaboration and emotional intelligence provided me with valuable skills for building meaningful and respectful connections with others. These experiences have shaped how I interact in both personal and professional settings, enabling me to approach relationships with greater sensitivity and understanding. I went on to a boarding school, where everything that I had learnt about establishing long-standing connections helped me immensely in forming good relationships with my peers, and I was given the opportunity to take on important leadership roles based on my ability to interact with people and present myself, neither of which I could have done without what I had learnt in BSS.
Having been in BSS from 2013 to 2023 school became like a second family, with a strong sense of community and belonging that is hard to find elsewhere. The teachers were more than educators; they were mentors and guiding figures who played a significant role in my personal growth, and often their support and wisdom extended beyond the classroom. I miss the morning circles, and the little but large giggles we shared during it. Music, too, was a cherished part of my daily life at BSS. It was woven into every aspect of school life. From singing in the morning circles to performing in school events, music brought a unique sense of joy and cohesion to our daily routine. I miss spending time with my peers outdoors and almost always being late to class because we would refuse to climb down the treehouse. I miss our long lunch breaks, where we would sit in class together and complain about the food that we all crave for now. Like Dr. Suess said, sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
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