VANITA95

Having already won most of the awards from my 5 year high school graduation, I wanted to try for President's medal. This quest was purely self-motivated. In order to qualify for President's medal, I needed to do an extra subject. The first school I applied to was Hillview. I wanted to leave because I was severely bullied in high school. I thought, maybe boys will be kinder to me than the girls were. They always were. 

In a meeting with the principal, I requested to transfer to Hillview college for this leg of the journey to avoid those high school bullies, but it was evident that she didn't want me to go. She told me not to burn bridges for my younger sister, who was yet to enroll at Lakshmi girls'. My older sister and I attended Lakshmi Girls'...I didn't want to risk jeopardizing a legacy from possibly being formed: Three sisters who all went to Lakshmi girls'. 

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So, I didn't burn the bridge...but I had conditions.

I knew I was as asset; academically I was a straight shooter. I had 2 conditions if I were to consider continuing my studies at Lakshmi girls'...and looking back I can't believe this is what 16 year old me asked for:

1) I get an extra subject- no questions asked, not up for debate (this was an extreme privilege, only extended to myself, and one other student who eventually also insisted when she heard about my request)

2) Guarantee that none of my high school bullies were returning. They had multiple strikes anyways.

I was a surefire scholarship winner; a surefire statistic for the reputation of the school. Lakshmi Girls' Hindu college always brought home the most scholarships in the country. This school is extremely prestigious, still to this day. Hillview college was the same level of status, reputation and achievements as Lakshmi Girls' in my time. I would have been fine in either of my two choices. 

The bullies made my life hell so that was my main concern. The principal pulled out the 4 class lists of students in my year group and a highlighter, "Name your bullies."  As I named them, she crossed them out with a highlighter- one by one.  "They also requested to go to Hillview earlier today, in addition to here. They won't be coming back here. Nowwww will you stay?" I smiled. This day was one of the best days of my life. I felt so...special. lol.​​

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Exactly 10 minutes after I agreed to stay at Lakshmi Girls', I received a phone call from Hillview offering me a spot...within 30 minutes of putting in an application (The schools are close to each other). I had gone to Hillview right before, and needed a form stamped by Lakshmi Girls', which is why I was there in the first place.

"Sorry, I just accepted with Lakshmi."

"We literally called you as soon as we saw your transcript"

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In my first year of lower six CAPE examinations at Lakshmi Girls' Hindu College, I got five straight A profiles (5 distinctions). See? Straight shooter. In my second year, ditto.​ I graduated with 10 distinctions/straight A profiles in CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations), and won a fully paid international mathematics scholarship. I also placed fifth in the Caribbean's regional merit list (top 10 students across all Caribbean islands) for subject Caribbean Studies.

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I was the only student in my school who pulled off grades like this. No one else could match me or challenge me. I didn't win President's medal, but the person who did was my friend on Facebook at the time, and often shared material with me. I have a picture with him, I was so proud to be photographed with the winner. Aim for the moon, land on the stars. To know I was studying along with the smartest student in the country is just as satisfying. I was so close to greatness.

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P.s no idea if Lakshmi Girls' has seen 10 distinctions since me. I keep waiting for someone to reach out and say they matched me. 

P.s.s And my younger sister did go to Lakshmi girls', and the legacy was formed. Love that for my parents. They sacrificed a lot to put us through school. 

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P.s.s.s. I co-founded the astronomy club at Lakshmi Girls' Hindu College, and was the Vice President. The astronomy club still exists today. 

2006-2011: 11-16 years old

Lakshmi Girls' Hindu College

Subjects: Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, French, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography