Rachel

Vidyodaya Girls Higher Secondary School

T.Nagar ,Chennai

I was in Vidyodaya just for one year in 1966 when I completed my 10 year SSLC and my family moved from Trivandrum to Madras City. Ms. Appasamy was the Headmistress. She resisted from giving me admission, as she was afraid I will lower the standard of Vidyodaya. I was able to prove her wrong - by doing very good after getting ready for with course work from 9 to 11 to enter for my second SSLC exam. I had support from all my teachers and even many of my classmates who were amused by this very short person in their class. It is too many years from that time but I still remember the morning talks, the many beautiful songs we sung, home economics class under the mango tree, music classes, joy of being part of the Gandhi house, the excellent teachers who pushed me hard and above all Ms. Appasamy reminding me the challenge I had to face to excel being in a new school not to mention the extra preparation I had to do as I entered the school in the last year. I went on to WCC, Pachayappas College and then came abroad with a teaching assignment to do my doctorate. I have had a successful career and happy family life. But any time I had a challenge I always thought of Vidyodaya and how I was prepared for life because of what Vidyodaya gave me. I hope the school has maintained itself over the years. I took my husband and two children to visit the school 20 years ago and heard good things. As a student remember that your brain in shaped by the tools your teachers give you. Use the tools wisely and you will succeed in life.