As part of the ‘Students’ Corner’ series featuring leaders across the country’s top education institutions, EducationWorld interviewed Anaya Thomas, School Captain of Greenwood High School, Sarjapur (Bengaluru).

Anaya is a Class XII (Science stream) student who aspires to pursue medicine with focus on Oncology and Sports Medicine. She has completed the Johns Hopkins Cancer Biology course, attended a seminar at IISc Bengaluru and authored a research paper on genetic factors influencing sports performance. She is currently researching iron deficiency among Indian female athletes under the guidance of an IIT Madras professor. A state-level football player, Anaya also enjoys singing and playing the guitar. She plans to pursue medicine in the US and contribute to medical research.

The Head Boy/Head Girl is a coveted position. How do you carry out your responsibilities and studies together?

At the beginning of my term, balancing academics and leadership responsibilities without compromising either was quite challenging. Over time, I realised that planning and organisation were essential. Maintaining a structured schedule, using calendars, and keeping detailed to-do lists have helped me manage my responsibilities more effectively and reduce unnecessary stress.

I always strive to give equal importance to both academics and my responsibilities as a student leader. However, in situations where priorities must be decided, academics come first. Having clear priorities and staying disciplined has helped me maintain a healthy balance.

Equally important is making time for myself. Whether it’s football training in the morning, a workout at the gym in the evening, or simply taking time to unwind, these activities keep me motivated, refreshed, and better equipped to handle my responsibilities.

Mention the challenges that come alongside this role.

Taking on this responsibility, I knew it would come with challenges, but it has been more demanding than I initially expected. As a Student Council representative, there are high expectations from teachers, students, and the school community, and you are expected to lead by example regardless of how busy or tired you may feel.

It is important to be approachable, listen to students’ concerns, communicate them effectively to teachers, and ensure that events and responsibilities are carried out smoothly. Balancing council duties alongside academics, university applications, research projects, internships, and entrance exam preparation can be overwhelming at times.

However, these challenges have strengthened my resilience, improved my time management skills, and taught me that pressure is often a privilege. Having supportive teachers, mentors, friends, and family makes the journey much more manageable.

Fulfilling your responsibilities as the Head Boy/Head Girl/Student Council representative has its pros and cons. Friends have their umpteen demands on you. How do you manage the same?

Representing the student community is a privilege and a responsibility that I truly value. Being part of the Student Council provides opportunities to lead, organise events, manage budgets, coordinate logistics, and work closely with both students and teachers. These experiences teach valuable leadership and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Like every leadership role, it also comes with challenges. There is constant pressure to perform at your best while balancing academics and other commitments. Friends may sometimes expect preferential treatment because they know us personally, but leadership requires fairness and impartiality. Staying objective may occasionally lead to disagreements, but maintaining integrity is essential.

I believe that open communication, transparency, and treating everyone equally help build trust and ensure that decisions are always made in the best interest of the entire student community.

How much time do you spend on social media daily? Do you find it distracting?

I spend a maximum of one hour on social media each day. While social media can be informative and entertaining, I do believe it can become a major distraction, especially during the senior years of school when time becomes increasingly valuable.

It is very easy to lose track of time, which can affect productivity and academic performance. However, I believe social media itself is not the problem – it depends on how responsibly we use it. Setting limits and maintaining self-discipline allows me to enjoy it without letting it interfere with my priorities.

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

Yes, I have a clear understanding of the key takeaways of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It introduces a flexible 5+3+3+4 education structure that replaces the traditional 10+2 system and places greater emphasis on early childhood education. It also encourages multidisciplinary learning by removing rigid boundaries between Science, Commerce, and the Arts.

The policy focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills instead of relying solely on rote learning. It also promotes the use of regional languages in the early years of education and introduces greater flexibility in higher education through multidisciplinary universities, multiple entry and exit options, and the Academic Bank of Credits.

Overall, NEP 2020 aims to create a modern, inclusive, technology-enabled education system that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for the future.

Do you think the post of School Captain helps you develop your soft skills and makes you ready for life after school too?

Absolutely. Serving as a School Captain comes with significant responsibility and provides countless opportunities to develop essential life skills. It has strengthened my leadership, communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities while teaching me how to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

The role has also helped me become more confident, adaptable, and empathetic. It has taught me to listen carefully, consider different perspectives, and make balanced decisions that benefit the larger student community.

These experiences have prepared me not only for university but also for my future career, where collaboration, leadership, and effective communication will continue to play an important role.

Also read: Students’ Corner: Navneeth Shiji and Manasi Ajith, Sadhbhavana World School, Kozhikode