Old Benches, New Beginnings - A School Alumni Story

Old Benches, New Beginnings

A School Alumni Story

It was a breezy Saturday afternoon when six friends from school met again - after decades. The reunion was courtesy of the school’s alumni association, and the air was thick with nostalgia as they stood near the old banyan tree that once shaded their childhood antics.

“Can you believe this place hasn’t changed a bit?” laughed Rakesh, the class clown turned corporate consultant.

“Except that we have changed a lot,” added Maya, who now runs a chain of bakeries, remembering how she once struggled to raise her hand in class.

But the biggest surprise of all stood slightly apart, greeting people warmly, clipboard in hand. It was Arvind - the same Arvind who once preferred the last bench, avoided eye contact, and barely spoke unless asked.

“Guys, do you recognise him?” whispered Sangeeta, nudging Anil.

They all turned. Neatly dressed, confident and smiling, Arvind approached them.

“Hello everyone!” he said, shaking hands and hugging each one.

“Wait... Arvind? Our Arvind?” gasped Anil. “What transformation is this!?”

They all burst into laughter, and Arvind smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I know. I was invisible back then. I guess it took me years - and this alumni association - to come into my own.”

He explained how he had initially joined the association just to stay connected. But over time, he began helping with events, organizing small sessions, and gradually found his voice. Today, he was a Director of the alumni association, passionately working to give back to the school that shaped him.

“Just last month,” he said, “we hosted a lecture for students. The topic was ‘Be Happy, Don’t Worry’. Mr. Ramdas Shenoy, a dynamic speaker, spoke about leadership and communication with live demos and an open Q&A. The energy in that room was unbelievable!”

“I was just a part of the organizing team,” he continued, “but seeing those students - so excited, inspired - it felt like my contribution, however small, meant something.”

The friends listened, amazed.

“What made you do all this?” asked Maya.

Arvind paused. “Honestly? I realised that the school gave us more than just textbooks and exams. It gave us a foundation. I wanted to pay it forward, to help others find their confidence earlier than I did.”

Their conversation flowed as they strolled through the corridors, now lined with posters of past alumni events - job fairs, mentorship programs, community services, cultural get-togethers.

Anil nodded thoughtfully. “You know, I never thought of joining the alumni. But now, I feel like I’ve missed out.”

“You haven’t,” Arvind said warmly. “There’s always room for one more. It’s more than nostalgia - it’s a support system. A place to learn, share, and give back.”

As the sun began to set, the six friends sat together on the school steps, reliving memories and dreaming new ones - this time, not just as students, but as proud members of something larger.

And somewhere in that golden light, a quiet sense of belonging settled in.

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