Want to Know the Habits That Made My School Years?

I'm in my forties now, but whenever I think back to my student days, everything feels crystal clear. I miss those times—the simplicity of the '90s, the warmth of a cultured, close-knit family, the friendly competition among classmates, and that familiar sound of the morning assembly bell at 8:40 a.m. Life felt different back then, and those memories are very special.

1. Walking while learning had always been my thing.
   Even now, I haven't met anyone who does the same. Walking gives me this rhythmic, meditative state that helps me dive deep into what I'm studying. It keeps me engaged and makes it easier to memorize stuff. Before exams, I'd walk for miles and go to bed with sore legs. Everyone has their own style of learning; I had a friend who studied best in his bathroom. For me, walking while learning was the magic key.
2. I was painfully shy and found it tough to face my teachers.
   I’d get so nervous asking for help because I didn’t want them to think I wasn’t paying attention. The thought of being called on to read out loud or answer a question made me panic. I envied the outgoing kids, but I knew that wasn’t me—and that was okay. I realized that being an introvert came with its own perks: the power of carefully chosen words, the strength of silence, and expressions that said more than words ever could.
3. I loved languages—especially English and Hindi.
   I wasn’t much for grammar rules, but I was obsessed with literature. I collected flowery, rare words and would refresh my list every day while reading The Pioneer, my daily newspaper. Our house was full of spiritual and religious books in Hindi, and I’d read the ones that caught my interest. Words fascinated me as if they had a life of their own. I remember reading Norman Lewis’s book on the origins of words—it was my favorite.
4. I had a serious habit of putting off writing tasks.
   I always ended up submitting assignments late, for reasons I couldn’t even explain. Written homework felt overwhelming, and I’d procrastinate until the last minute. This stayed with me throughout school. I had this disturbing feeling that my work was never good enough, and I couldn’t really pinpoint why.
5. I don't know why but I never really paid attention in class.
   I’d pretend to be focused, but my mind would drift off into my own world. Staying focused during lectures was always a struggle, and I’d miss a lot. Maybe I was not comfortable in the setting of a classroom, ever. I’d always study from textbooks on my own and learn at my own pace. This helped me understand the subject better and made learning more practical.
6. I’ve always been curious, especially about physics and computer science.
   Back then, building simple robots was what studious kids did for fun. But my family always wanted me to be a doctor, so I leaned into biology like it was an arranged marriage. Still, physics was my real love. I was fascinated by how the world worked. In high school, I’d sleep during the day and study all night, and physics problems made me happiest.
7. I wasn’t obsessed with top marks.
   I focused on learning well and doing my best in exams, but I didn’t chase being the top student. I was happy with my results and proud of my hard work. A verse from the Bhagavad Gita always stuck with me: "Do your duty without worrying about the results." This mindset kept me grounded and taught me the importance of effort, dedication, and giving your best in whatever you do.