Urvi Pansari is a Grade 12 student of Ecole Globale International Girls’ School, Dehradun. She also serves as the Head Girl. Having chosen the Commerce stream, she plans to pursue a degree in Economics. Besides academics, she is passionate about swimming, especially competitive swimming, which keeps her motivated. She also enjoys listening to music and playing basketball, which she believes help her maintain a healthy balance and keep her grounded.

EW spoke with Urvi Pansari, Head Girl, Ecole Globale International Girls’ School. Here are some excerpts from the Interview

The Student Council representative is a coveted position. How do you carry out your responsibilities and studies together?

Being a part of the Student Council while preparing for my board exams has been a huge challenge, but École Globale has supported me every step of the way. It was tough in the beginning and continued to be challenging, but I realised that with the right mindset, the work could be fun. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, and breakdowns seemed inevitable, but with the constant support from my teachers and peers, I was able to push through. Their belief in me gave me the strength to keep going, and I learned that managing responsibilities is possible when you focus and remain determined.

Mention the challenges that come alongside this role.

Being in this position was something I had never envisioned, and it turned out to be more demanding than I anticipated. Juggling my studies, sports, and co-curricular activities was overwhelming at times. The pressure to complete everything on time left me feeling confused and stressed. Balancing all these responsibilities was a huge challenge, but I am learning to manage them with each passing day.

Working as a Student Council representative has its own pros and cons. Friends have their umpteen demands on you. How do you manage the same?

Throughout my tenure as the Head Girl, I have faced numerous requests and demands from friends. While I genuinely wished to fulfill them, I understood the importance of adhering to the protocols and treating everyone equally. As a council member, I knew I had to set an example and be impartial, ensuring fairness for all. My principal, Ms. Kanchan Khandke, has often reminded me that leadership can be a lonely path. Despite the challenges, I remained focused on my duties, understanding that my role required me to prioritise the needs of the entire school.

How many hours do you spend on social media daily? Does it help you or distract you?

At school, we have strict guidelines around social media use, so time spent on these platforms is minimal during school hours. However, when I’m at home, I tend to spend about three hours on social media. It serves as an escape and a way to relax, but at times, it can become a distraction, especially when I get caught up in endless scrolling. While it can provide a break, it occasionally affects my productivity.

Have you understood the takeaways of the National Education Policy 2020?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to make education more inclusive, which is long overdue in our country, given the persistent discrimination. The focus on core understanding, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving rather than just rote memorisation for exams, is a significant shift. Additionally, the emphasis on technology will provide students and teachers with valuable teaching resources. The NEP introduces several much-needed reforms, and I believe it will positively impact the education system in India. Changes are already starting to show, and I’m excited to see how they unfold.

Do you think your role as a Student Council representative helps you develop your soft skills and makes you industry-ready? Or is it limited to school life only, and the industry is way different? Your views….

While the industry environment is undoubtedly different from school life, the soft skills I have developed through my role as Head Girl are invaluable. Quick decision-making, effective communication, and leadership are skills that transcend the classroom. Although the real-world challenges may differ, the foundation I’ve built at school has already prepared me to face them. The lessons I’ve learned here are not limited to school life; they are vital for succeeding in any environment, and I feel ready to take on future challenges in the industry.

Also read: Inclusion at Ecole Globale International Girls’ School