Vineetha's reflection on her BSS journey

Vineetha Banavar, a BSS alumni, was with the school from grades 2 - 7. In this article, she reflects on her years at BSS, on her teachers and the lasting impression they have had on her.

Vineetha went on to pursue Psychology at Ahmedabad University.

Looking back on my years at Bangalore Steiner School, I’m filled with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude. My name is Vineetha V Banavar, and my time at BSS, from Year 2 to Year 7, was so much more than just an educational experience - it was a cocoon of growth that nurtured me in ways I’m only now beginning to fully appreciate. As a Psychology major at Ahmedabad University, I often find myself reflecting on how those formative years have shaped who I am today.

During my early adolescent years, I often felt like an outsider, struggling with a sense of inadequacy. To cope, I compared myself to other children and frequently changed my behaviour to fit in. The small, close-knit classes at BSS created an environment where I felt seen and understood. The teachers recognised my challenges and worked hard to help me change the story I had crafted about myself. I have a vivid memory of a lesson from Year 7 during the Wish, Wonder, and Surprise Block with my class teacher. He encouraged us to write about fearlessness and to recognise what makes us unique, making frequent eye contact to stress the importance of engaging with the session sincerely. All my teachers, who supported me through various stages of my life, offered words of affirmation, motivating me to approach new experiences with an open mind before deciding I couldn’t do them. Their gentle encouragement and thoughtful guidance helped me discover and appreciate my own strengths. After leaving BSS, I felt ready to tackle academic challenges, build deeper friendships, and approach life with optimism and a positive self-view, all thanks to them. When I face tough times, my teachers’ words still echo in my mind; as I grow older, I understand more deeply how they shaped my identity and outlook during those crucial years. I’m deeply grateful for their role in helping me grow. Bangalore Steiner School is a place where everyone - teachers, students, parents, staff, and even the animals - adds a colourful piece to the mosaic of a child’s life and self-concept.

The range of non-academic activities at BSS - from handwork and movement to theatre and gardening - was like a playground where I learned to explore without fear. The idea of embracing new experiences, no matter how daunting, gave me a curiosity and confidence that have carried me through secondary school and into university. This approach taught me that I’m capable of much more than I initially believed, and it’s become a cornerstone of my personal and academic journey. My teachers at BSS made me believe that learning can be a joyful experience. Each day at BSS was filled with new and exciting challenges: from balancing on the highest beam of the treehouse to conducting Physics experiments to testing the pH levels of substances. I never wanted to miss a day of school. Additionally, the block system of learning at BSS ensured that no two days were the same - our main lessons covered a wide range of topics over the years, making learning an enchanting experience. Whether or not my peers or I have clear career paths, I believe that with a Steiner school mindset, we can all thrive in whatever we do. The ways in which we learned at BSS and the depth of immersion helped me excel at anything, as long as I put my heart into it. Bangalore Steiner School laid the foundation for us to become lifelong learners, encouraging us to embrace lessons from every experience.

There are many aspects of my time at BSS that I miss dearly. I long for the morning circles filled with joyful singing, the freedom to climb trees, and learning in the heart of nature. The sense of community, where everyone - from teachers to the campus chickens - felt like family, is a cherished memory. The school-wide celebrations, trips, and encouragement to explore every facet of our potential remain vivid in my mind. I return to these memories whenever I feel lost in life. BSS taught me that living with wonder about the world, delighting in every experience, loving every living person and thing, and being truly authentic are the best gifts we can give to ourselves as adults.

My years at Bangalore Steiner School were more than just an educational phase; they were a time of significant personal growth in a place that preserved the innocence of childhood. The experiences and values I gained during that time have become an integral part of who I am. They have given me the confidence to pursue my passions, the curiosity to explore new ideas, and the resilience to face challenges. For this, I am deeply grateful. BSS remains a cherished chapter in my life, a magical time that continues to inspire and shape me every day.