Ahmad Shaeel Akhtar
12A
How did DPS Dubai facilitate you in your path to self–actualization?
My path to self-actualization started on the first of April 2011. I clearly remember that day because it was my first day of school. White shirt, white shorts, tie, belt and polished black shoes. I walked through the new block to reach 1G at the end of the corridor. Massive walls stood around me, much taller than the kindergarten in Malaysia. They were adorned with colourful creations contributed by children and teachers. Oh, and the windows! The view outside our class showed the gargantuan trees swaying in the bright desert sun. One day, the art department painted a scene of global citizenship on the window. I was fascinated. I quickly developed an interest in art. I used to look forward to those classes, to show my art teacher, Uma ma’am, what I drew. Now that I have graduated I have realised that my fixation was not on art itself, but on change and creativity. I had a burning passion for all things mechanical as a child. I would often toy around with a pull-back toy car before prying it apart in hopes of understanding it better. I would deviate from instructions while playing with Lego, to build out of my own imagination. And I am grateful that my teachers let my innovative spirit thrive. In the third grade we had an activity in our General Science class for which I had drawn a flying vehicle that ran on renewable energy. Swati ma’am gave me a sticker for my work and that motivated me to work hard on my studies. I was eager to study which led me to be a part of the ability section, a class where I was surrounded with some of the most important people in my life. Seeing others excel around me prompted me to do better. The feedback that teachers gave me ensured that I improved on my weaknesses and maintained my strengths. Through Yardstick activities I developed a passion for science, eventually selecting the science stream. I knew that I wanted to be hands on with whatever I pursue as a career. I found that I learned most when I was donning a lab coat, wearing gloves and mixing those substances that I saw in my textbook, or when I graphed a mathematical function using the programming language Python. Besides studies, I had other avenues where I was able to discover my abilities. In the seventh grade, I was selected to represent the school at an MUN. Like many first timers, I struggled. But hearing about the many great diplomats that DPS had produced, I was inspired. Through conferences such as MUN@DPSD in 2019 and the ExpoMUN in 2021, I was able to improve on my public speaking as well as become aware of the various issues that plague the world. By ideating for the welfare of the school in student council meetings, pitching to Vice Principal Rachna ma’am who appreciated our proposals and encouraged us, contributing to recycling drives, and donating to ancillary staff, I have tried to embody “Service before Self” as much as I can.
It is because of the vision of our honourable Principal Miss Rashmi Nandkeolyar that I have achieved my potential at DPS Dubai. I am Ahmad Shaeel Akhtar, the aspiring aerospace engineer who aims to realise the potential of the aerospace industry in becoming more sustainable through innovation and collaboration.
