Is Introspection the Mirror We Forget to Look Into? 

When was the last time you truly “met” yourself? 

 

This morning, I came across a quote that made me pause: “Talk to yourself daily, otherwise you may miss meeting a wonderful person.” 

For a moment, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. 

Was it self-praise? Sarcasm? Or something deeper? A little reflection clarified it for me. 

“Talk to yourself” is simply an invitation to introspect. 

“A wonderful person” is the self you often forget to meet. 

And “daily” because change begins with consistent self-awareness. 

 

I often tell my students to introspect. 

*Recall the day. 

*Replay moments. 

*Write them down if possible. 

Ask: 

   👉What went well today and why? 

   👉What didn’t and what triggered it? 

   👉What were the exact words used? 

   👉Was the tone defensive, dismissive, hurtful or carrying a hint of hurt? 

 

Then comes the real work: taking corrective action. 

A sincere apology. A brief explanation. Or a conscious promise not to repeat the same mistake. 

And that’s when you “meet” the wonderful person within you. 

 

Because every time we correct ourselves, mentally, emotionally, behaviourally, we evolve. 

We discover our qualities, our humility, and most importantly, our capacity to change. 

No wonder Swami Vivekananda reminded us: “Talk to yourself, otherwise you may miss meeting someone truly wonderful.” 

 

A reminder worth revisiting every single day. 

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💥 Ipsita Choudhury, School Leader 

💥 I write about School Leadership, Learners & My Journeys. 

💥 I post every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 9 AM IST (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipsita-choudhury/)

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DRESS LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO RECEIVE AN AWARD 

Dressing is far more than choosing what to wear. 

For young people, it is often the first meaningful form of self-expression, an early step in discovering identity, confidence, and personal voice. 

Long before we speak, our appearance communicates our mindset:

 *Am I prepared? 

*Do I value myself? 

*Am I ready for the day? 

You don’t need luxury brands or overflowing wardrobes to make a strong impression. 

What truly matters is intention. 

Colours that energize you, outfits that make you stand upright, and styles that feel authentic can shift your confidence in powerful ways. 

Good dressing is a subtle form of self-care. 

It builds self-esteem, encourages participation, supports positive body language, and quietly shapes a young person's growing identity. 

 

As students step into the larger world, college, internships, interviews, their appearance becomes their first introduction. 

Dressing thoughtfully isn’t vanity; it’s awareness. 

It signals respect for oneself, for the opportunity ahead, and for the people one is about to meet. 

Dressing well is never about being fancy. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself. 

 

How can educators help? 

   *Educators can guide students 

   *By framing dressing sense as a life skill rather than a rule. 

   *Encouraging healthy self-expression 

   *Discuss appropriateness for different settings, and

   *Emphasize self-respect over comparison 

Many schools in India have started grooming classes; it can help young people build a style that is confident, responsible, and uniquely their own. 

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💥 Ipsita Choudhury, School Leader 

💥 I write about School Leadership, Learners & My Journeys 

💥 I post every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 9 AM IST on LinkedIn(www.linkedin.com/in/ipsita-choudhury-4494873b) 

🔔 Connect & follow to stay updated

🌱 The Happiness of New Things First Times are Miracles Disguised as Moments. 

Ever wondered how it feels to hold a win in your hands for the very first time? 

 Remember the first poem you read out in the class? 

The first debate you wrested from your opponent? The first time your name was announced from the podium and you walked proudly to the stage? 

That glow after the win, the warm, fuzzy feeling that lingers the next morning and stays for days, can’t quite be compared to anything else. 

 

We never forget that moment. It becomes a prized memory. 

 

In my early years as a young teacher, my father would often say, “Every student should be rewarded. Give every child five points- just for facing the class, for reciting a table, for simply coming forward and standing there.” 

I’d laugh and say, “Dad, that’s not how it’s done.” In retrospect, I understand what he meant. 

There was deep psychology behind those words. 

Every child should be rewarded — because rewards are powerful extrinsic motivators. 

 

Here’s what they do to a child’s psyche: 

⭐ Build confidence 

⭐ Reinforce positive behaviour 

⭐ Increase the likelihood of success 

⭐ Tap into a student’s intrinsic desire to do well 

⭐ Make them aware of their own growth 

⭐ Strengthen their sense of competence 

⭐ Help them see success as achievable 

 

Each new achievement — no matter how small — is a spark. 

That spark is The Happiness of New Things. 

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💥 Hello, I’m Ipsita Choudhury, School Leader 

💥 I write about School Leadership, Learners & My Journeys 

💥 I post every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 9 a.m. IST (LinkedIn)

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 THE DAY WHEN MY SCHOOL LEARNT WHAT INCLUSION REALLY MEANS

What happens to a School when 20 students from an impoverished background is suddenly admitted to a school?

 

In year 2010, 20 students were admitted under a Rajasthan Govt sponsored scheme to our school, all hailing from the Sansi community. Parents were either into scavenging work, some without jobs, while some were into illegal activities.

 

After the initial “shock” to the parents,students and teacher community, things settled down. The initial challenges were about hygiene- these students didn’t know about the concept of daily baths, brushing, combing or plaiting hair. Many had no shoes,came in chappals. They all came to school on an as-is basis. The Govt did not provide for shoes,stationary and like. In any case, what they provided as reimbursement of fees, books,etc was not enough. 

Teachers and myself, all chipped in. We got shoes from an NGO, I bought tiffin boxes and stationary boxes. School provided notebooks. We allotted a support staff for helping the children with brushing hair, polishing shoes,etc.

The next challenge was acceptance and integration with other students; parents were adamant, demanding creation of separate section while we were determined to integrate them with others. Claims of abusive language, pilfering, stealing of school items were rampant, some true while some were fictitious.

Another challenge was bridging the gap between what school was expecting and what was actually the reality. The struggle was uphill and quite difficult. Some teachers were gung-ho with the extra work while others claimed it was difficult to work.  One teacher who till today is in my conscience was an aged otherwise mature lady, who point blank refused, claiming that she could not work with these students as they “smelled”. That was the day when I actually felt deep anger, made me more determined to prove everyone wrong. My resolve to prove that these children mattered became harder and stronger.

 What happened next?

Life happened. Over the years; these kids found their passion and became excellent sports persons, public speakers, singers. Every event, function, trip was their calling card. Their persona changed, self esteem grew. They became their own person.

 

This batch of students passed out their AISSE in year 2023. The lowest percentage within the group was 60% while the highest was 86%.

 

Of all the 39 years I worked as Principal, this batch will remain in my heart forever.

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 💥 Ipsita Choudhury, School Leader
💥 I write about School Leadership, Learners & My Journeys
💥 I post every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 9 AM IST

 

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