I sit on this chair with a pen and a sheet of paper in a crude attempt to form a pen-picture. Thirteen years of schooling, ten of them in the same school have not left me untouched. I’ve grown mentally and in my knowledge it was a slow and steady effort on part of my teachers, whom I’ve come to respect greatly, that has brought me to this stage.

I’ve got many friends whom I value, who have shared my problems and have helped me selflessly. These friendships did not happen at once but developed slowly and steadily during my years of schooling.

My school has tried to develop me into a fine person with respectable manners, attitude and knowledge. Yes, my school, Galaxy Public School has provided me with ten years of the best possible schooling and I should say I’m proud being a Galaxian.

But now, those moments of bliss seem short-lived. I feel that I’m at the mouth of a cave. I don’t know what lies within. But I’ve got to make the journey.

One moment, I dream of a cave filled with glitter and gold, with happiness and satisfaction. Next moment, these dreams disappear like a wisp of smoke.

Instead, I have a nightmare where in lieu of happiness and pleasures, I find myself falling deep down into an abyss. There is nothing to hang on to, nothing to slow down, and nothing to stop my descent. I find darkness within me and around me.

Even with these imaginations flocking me all the while, I can’t help but enjoy these last moments of school life. SLC exams are nearing; yet, I find cracking jokes and talking with my friends.

I have some hopes for my future. I hope the camaraderie I’ve entered into with my comrades will last perpetually. I hope all the misgivings I’ve had with my compatriots in the past will be forgiven. I know, of course, many hope but none know the ways of future. Lastly, fare well to all that I have held dear in these 13 years.

— Saugat Kandel, Class X, Galaxy Public School