Sarah Sinthiya Alam: If someone ever asks me about the most memorable phase of my life, I would always say my school years. When I was in school, I was desperate to get out, but if only I had known how much I would miss it, I would have never wished to leave. Throughout my school life, I attended three different schools, but none could compare to Silver Bells Kindergarten & Girls School. I will always be thankful to this school for creating such amazing memories that I will never forget.
Even though I was one of the most mischievous students in class, my classmates and teachers adored me the most. My best friend and I were labeled the “Pranksters” of our class. Sometimes, we would end up in the same section with a group of friends, making that year the most fun-filled for all of us. I still remember in grade 8 when my best friends and I were separated into different sections. That day, I prayed so hard to either be reunited with them the next year or to be taken out of the school. I guess Allah heard me but chose the second option, and my parents moved me to Dhaka.
I was in shock; no one can truly understand how I felt that day. It felt like I was being taken away from my home, which was SBK. My teachers, friends, and even classmates I barely talked to, requested my parents to bring me back, but nothing worked. Again, I had another school life to enjoy in Dhaka. As much as I missed SBK, I enjoyed my time at Khilgaon Girls School & College just as much. Being an extrovert helped me make new friends and connect with amazing teachers.
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to experience both schools in different districts and meet such great personalities. I had so much fun that remembering those memories brings tears to my eyes and makes me wish I could go back and relive those moments once more.
I really miss those moments with my friends when we would talk and argue over our imaginary crushes, chat throughout the class until the teacher punished us, and continue talking even after being sent out. We ate in class, shared food with friends, and roamed the entire school with the excuse of going to the washroom. We played during tiffin breaks, shared a single Coca-Cola among all of us, and ran away when we saw teachers coming our way. We hit each other for no reason, helped each other with studies and activities, had small chit-chats on the way home, and enjoyed Fuchka and cold drinks after school. Surprisingly, all my classmates and friends were in the same coaching classes, and we would plan what we would do in the next day’s class, these memories will always be fresh in my mind.
As I grow older, I realize that I was doing much better in school without any worries. The only concern I had was whether my friends and I would be in the same section the next year.
I wish I could go back to my school, sit in my assigned seat with my friends around me, and talk about the things we used to discuss. Whether being punished or motivated by teachers, those moments were precious. Even though I graduated from school just two years ago, it still feels like it was yesterday. The more you grow up, the more you realize that no one will be as dear to you as your school friends.
Live your present to the fullest; you might regret not making the most of those moments. Studying is as important as having fun when you are still young. Cherish them because they will be some of the most important memories of your life, always bringing a smile to your face. Even now, whenever I talk with a school friend, we reminisce about all the silly things we did, and there are so many memories that we could probably write a novel (just kidding).
These memories, etched in my heart, remind me of the simple joys of my school days. I will always be that mischievous girl to my teachers and my friends even if I grow older. They taught me the value of friendship, the thrill of innocent mischief, and the comfort of belonging. As life moves forward, I hold onto these cherished moments, knowing they shaped who I am today. Whenever I look back, I smile, grateful for the laughter, the lessons, and the friends who made my school life unforgettable. I am always thankful to my teachers especially Bilkis Mam, Aklima Mam, Monir Sir, Wazed Sir, Mayera Mam for seeing potential in me and to my friends and family for being with me in my worst even when I hurt them. And so, I embrace the future with a heart full of nostalgia and gratitude, always ready to create new memories while treasuring the old.
Writer: Sarah Sinthiya Alam is a student of Shidheswari Girl’s College
