Hi,

As I write this, I feel nostalgic and get misty eyed because it has been more than 11 years since I graduated from high school. However, this is what my life was about in Samaritan Residential Schools.

I was introduced to the school by friends of my family... but then the real reason why I had joined Samaritans was different. Coming from CSI Ewarts, a reputed institution from Chennai, I didn't want to leave school because of the plenty of friends I made over so many years. I thought I might miss them and probably miss home the most. I even thought adjustment would also be a problem, especially when I happened to be the youngest and the most pampered child...

My mom was insistent that I join Samaritans for one main reason - EDUCATION because I was not studying any more, I used to play and waste time at home and my grades were really low, last minute studying and many distractions like TV were among the many reasons...

So my mom thought boarding school was the ideal choice. I enrolled in Samaritans for the education, for I have never been away from home before. But Samaritans was definitely "Home away from Home". I made plenty of friends from faraway lands and many of whom I am in touch with, even today .... When I joined, so did my cousin, who was from Kuwait. Then there were these kids from Bangkok, whom we introduced.

Samaritan school was fun with activities like campfires, camping, trekking, nature walks etc community dinners ( just imagine, you get to taste Naga food from Nagaland one Sunday and a Mizo dinner from Mizoram the next, Manipuri food from Manipur, not to forget South Indian cuisine and of course, Nepali dishes from Nepal and Thai food from Thailand. It was all there from spiciest to bland we sampled everything from everyone's culture. There is a sense of adjustment you learn to live with members of different communities, with food and sharing the same dorms. Sometimes our discussions would go late into the nights, knowing fully well that we had a heavy day the next day, and many more fun filled times. The school took us on educational tours which helped me broaden my vision and perceptions in life and helped me see more places in life that what I my family could take me out on Trips , The School helped me in the areas of discipline which has helped me go a long way. It has shaped and moulded me into the Young Independent Woman that I am today and for that reason alone I am doing extremely well in life .

But for my teachers in Samaritans, I might not have graduated from High School. My Board exams in Class 10 were a challenge and my teachers worked hard and helped me make it through. I am grateful for my life experience in Samaritans, where I have been disciplined like any other student, and yet been praised when I have accomplished my goals and won accolades for my achievements. Though I studied there for only 2 years, numerous responsibilities was given to me. I was chosen vice captain of my house, William Carey, consecutively for two years, and a Hostel Prefect in my final year. I was additionally responsible as the Health Minister and was an active member of the Student Council.

In 1996, I also had the honour of representing my school with my Principal and my classmates in the YMCA Hi-Y! meet for young people in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It was a memorable event in my life to be a part of that gathering. I participated in various oratorical competitions and won several accolades for my school. I had even taken part in sports and won individual prizes in several track and field events. The Mini-Marathon races held on Independence Day and on other important occasions were a whole lot of fun. We had opportunities to interact with our peers from neighbouring schools in Elagiri Hills.

The most cherished part of my fun activities was singing. This was where the best of my talents was brought out. I loved being part of the choir and being a choir leader helped me to sing for God's Glory! I have won the first place for the school singing competition between houses - Scudder, Muller, Carmichael and Carey. But it was not all about prizes or competitions, there were Christmas programs and parties and Carol rounds by the Choir .. and with just 6 girls and 6 boys out in the cold of December singing our lungs out, I had the most wonderful time even on those cold nights. I had so much fun. Saturday evenings at were special times of prayer and sharing and all my friends would join in to pray for family, studies and things close to our hearts.

All those experiences have paid of in more ways than I could have imagined. Even today, I sing with many leading singing groups in my home city of Madras.

Since my days in Samaritans, I have topped my 12th board Exams in French, been nominated for being a School Pupil Leader, and graduated from Stella Maris College in BA Sociology. I have also graduated from the acclaimed Loyola Institute for Business Administration in Human Resources Development. I have also become an entrepreneur by going into business with another Samaritan alumnus and also work for a Public Relations firm in Madras. I still continue with my passion for music, theatre and dance and have participated in several musical and theatrical productions for charitable causes including Prathyasha home for HIV affected children. My heart is filled with thanks and gratitude for all that Samaritans has done for me. I thank God for Samaritan Schools, for they have truly transformed me not just academically but physically, mentally and spiritually into the person I am today. May God continue to use Samaritans to bless many others to be touched as transformed as it did for me.

If you would like to know more about me or my time in Samaritans, please write to the Alumni Association for my email and contact information.

A Samaritan, Now and Always!

Sheela Kurian