To My Dear Students: Until We Meet Again

Dear Students,

Today marked the end of an unforgettable journey. It was my last day at the center, where I was placed for the Fellowship project, which involved mentoring all of you. It was a day loaded with emotions and tears. Many of you came up to me and shared what you loved about our time together and how much you were going to miss me. We spent the day laughing and crying over the memories, playing games, and capturing some more in photographs. The culmination of the day was a farewell speech, something that made the already emotional day even more poignant. You had prepared some fun questions for me, and amidst the laughter, one question that Alisha asked me stood out and made me pause: “What is the one major thing that you will miss the most?”

I had so many significant moments flash through my mind, but as I reflected deeply, I realized that what I would miss the most were not the grand events but the small, every day, almost mundane things that had become a part of my routine.

I will miss how, as soon as I reached the center, Asif would greet me at the door and always ask, “Appi, aap aa gaye?” (Appi, you came?) Over time it had become a sort of joke among the rest of you, but I loved it. On days when he was absent, I would feel the absence of that familiar greeting which had begun to feel like a warm welcome.

I will miss how each day, upon arriving at the center, I would chat with Kirti Ma’am, Kamla Ma’am, and Naseem Ma’am about their day, their previous evening, the food they cooked, and the work plan for the day. These simple conversations gave me glimpses into their lives outside the center. We would exchange stories about families, funny dinner anecdotes, and memories from the past. On some days, the conversations would take a deeper turn as we unraveled our frustrations, our fears, and our hopes for the future. These conversations would leave me in awe as I would think about how, at the very core of our being, we all are fundamentally similar, regardless of our identities.

I will miss how you all started adopting my words and mimicking some of my habits. The way you said “Hi guys” at the beginning of our sessions, just like I did. How you learned to “shush” to manage the growing energy in the room, ensuring we didn’t disturb other activities at the center. You would even mimic my “Bye kids” as I left each day. These small imitations were endearing and reflected the bond we had developed.

I will miss the deeper connection I formed with all of you, where you felt safe enough to not only have fun with each other but also with me. You have teased me, pulled my leg, and made fun of me in the most affectionate ways. These everyday interactions meant so much more to me than any major event or accomplishment. They were the essence of my experience, the heartbeat of my daily life at the center.

As I pen down my thoughts, I am overwhelmed by the realization of how much you and the teachers at the center have become a part of my life. These moments had become my routine, my comfort, and my joy over the last ten months. The familiar greetings, the shared stories, the echoes of my words in your voices, and the playful teasing – these are the things that made my time at the center so special.

As I bid farewell to the center, I know that this has been a transformative experience that has touched me deeply. As I prepare for a new chapter, I know that I will carry a part of this with me always—in the small, everyday moments that have become a part of who I am.

So, my dear students, as I leave today, know that I will carry you in my heart for a long long time to come. I have learned so much from each of you, and I owe you all so much for making me laugh, for making me think, and for pushing me to do better because how could I not strive for excellence when you all were so amazing? Thank you for asking me the most random questions and making sure I gave you answers. Thank you for showing me what it means to be beautiful, intelligent, and kind. Thank you for opening your hearts and welcoming me into your lives with so much love. I have learned far more from you than I could ever teach you.

As I leave this project, I know in my heart that, if given the chance, you will soar to the highest skies, swim in the deepest oceans, and emerge victorious. I am so proud of you and will always be cheering you on.

With all my love,

Arbeena Appi

Author

Arbeena Jan

Arbeena Jan currently serves as an American India Foundation Banyan Impact Fellow, partnering with Aim for the Awareness of Society (AAS) in Indore. Her Fellowship project entails the design of capacity-building modules for training purposes, which will also be shared with external stakeholders focusing on child, adolescent, and women development. Arbeena will incorporate field case studies to enhance the visibility of AAs' work through social media channels. Originally hailing from Srinagar, Kashmir, Arbeena's journey started when she was awarded an academic scholarship from the Foundation during her sixth-grade education. This scholarship allowed her to attend Sahyadri School, a boarding school in Pune. Her deep-seated passion for politics and international affairs ultimately led her to pursue a B.A. in International Relations and Governance Studies. The concept of identity and the disparities it brings along have always intrigued Arbeena. Consequently, during her undergraduate years, she undertook a thesis project aiming to comprehend the nuanced identity of Kashmiri women and the unique challenges they face. Throughout her academic journey, Arbeena actively engaged in volunteer work. During her school summer breaks, she volunteered with the NGO Help Foundation in Srinagar, contributing to fieldwork verifications and school workshops. In 2018, she dedicated her time as a full-time volunteer with Friends of Camphill in Bengaluru, where she played a pivotal role in managing day-to-day operations and ensuring the organization's seamless functioning. Arbeena further enriched her experiences by interning with various organizations. She interned with Childline India, Srinagar, between 2017 and 2019, where she conducted orientation sessions on casework, counselling, and child rights. These sessions aimed to raise awareness among community members and school students, empowering them with knowledge and strategies for ensuring child protection.

During her undergraduate years, Arbeena also interned with the Marketing and Admissions Department at Shiv Nadar University. In this role as a Student Coordinator, she provided valuable assistance to prospective students, addressing inquiries and doubts regarding the admission process, thus ensuring a smooth and informed experience. She also offered support and guidance to help students make well-informed decisions regarding their course selections and career pathways. In 2021, Arbeena interned with Grant Thornton Bharat, where she conducted research on organizations seeking funding from the EdelGive Foundation. Her responsibilities included evaluating these organizations' social impact and sustainability practices, as well as providing administrative support, organizing events, and delivering outstanding customer support. Her time with Grant Thornton showcased her organizational and multitasking abilities. During her leisure hours, she takes pleasure in immersing herself in books, savouring the beauty of nature during tranquil walks, and indulging in the soothing melodies of the music.

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