Shawn reminisces on his time at BSS

A Framework for Life: How BSS Shaped the Person I Am Today

Hi, as I begin this reflection, stepping back into the BSS community, even virtually, brings a flood of fond memories. It will soon be a decade since I graduated in 2016, and I’m genuinely excited to share how my time at BSS truly shaped not just my career path, but the person I am today.

BSS was, in my opinion, the place that helped me break out of my shell. Coming from a mainstream school environment, it was a night-and-day contrast, a place that allowed you to be free, be a child, and, most importantly, enjoy those precious years we so often look back on.

The school encouraged me to explore myself without the external pressures of exams and rigid expectations. Through creative learning methods like arts and crafts, swimming, woodworking, and gardening, I discovered new facets of my personality. The various plays and drama productions revealed a side even my parents didn’t know, a confident young boy speaking freely. BSS was truly a space that didn’t just teach students, but helped parents discover their child’s hidden talents.

I still remember my 5th-grade Math workbook. I had drawn a complex BODMAS diagram in a very graphical, expressive way on the cover. My parents were called to school, and I was terrified I was going to be scolded. Instead, I was praised, and my little piece of work was genuinely appreciated. That moment filled me with confidence and pride. Looking back, I believe that’s the day I began my journey toward becoming who I am today; a confident, strong person who isn’t shy to take centre stage; in fact, I thrive with all the lights pointing toward me.

The self-confidence and courage of conviction I built at BSS continue to serve me every day in my personal and professional life.

When it came to global perspectives, I don’t remember them being taught as a typical academic subject. In many ways, the school shielded us from the outside political and social “madness” at such a young age, allowing us to focus on being kids.

However, BSS instilled strong ethics and a sense of community responsibility through small, consistent lessons. I remember being taught the importance of caring for our planet not through lectures, but by tending to our garden plots and learning from history. These activities instilled a deep sense of stewardship, ensuring we followed basic, crucial ethical practices that many overlook in today’s world.

BSS allowed me to express myself freely and fully. In doing so, I was able to identify from a very early age that architecture was my future. I understood that I had a gift for envisioning spaces not just as shelter, but as expressions of character for individuals and communities in a way to tell stories, preserve heritage, and evoke emotion. That gift ultimately shaped my final-year thesis as an architecture student.

My understanding of architecture has since evolved to reflect its critical role in shaping society, influencing culture, and responding to the environment. My journey has taught me to balance creativity with responsibility while developing a strong foundation in design and construction while constantly questioning how spaces impact the way people live and interact.

The diversity of my schooling experiences, particularly the freedom to explore at BSS, played a major role in shaping this worldview, which in turn influences my architectural approach today.

BSS also played an important role in shaping my social attitudes and relationships. The school taught me the importance of listening first, offering a helping hand to those the world often overlooks, and staying true to myself, even if that means not everyone will understand me. It shaped me into someone who values kindness in an unforgiving world and never judges others on baseless claims.

This foundation allows me to approach people with humility and respect. It also taught me the resilience to let go of past misfortunes, allowing me to grow and become a better person while keeping my core identity intact.

Looking back, not a day goes by that I don’t miss my time at BSS. It was a time free from adult responsibilities, a time that passed far too quickly. BSS will always be a place I call home, an essential part of both my career’s foundation and the person I’m still becoming.

There are so many things I miss, especially the amazing teachers. The relationships I still maintain with them are rare and precious; they’re always ready to listen and offer valuable advice. I also miss all the tents we used to build around campus, and the woodworking classes, which were my favourite. Most of all, I miss the way subjects were taught in a truly unique method that stays with you for life. Lessons I learned in fourth grade, I still remember to this day.

If I have one regret, it’s not being able to complete my 8th to 12th grades at BSS, as the school wasn’t yet prepared at the time. However, thanks to the confidence BSS instilled, I learned to adapt to new environments and thrive in them.

Thank you, BSS, for the unforgettable foundation and for shaping not just my future, but the person I continue to become.

By: Shawn Joseph Pushparaj, Class of Grade 7, 2016