A letter from front to back benchers....

Hi,

Surprised right? I think I understand you and your reaction at the prospect of receiving a letter from a front bencher. Don't worry. Neither am I going to admonish you for choosing to remain at the back where you rarely get the opportunity to showcase your skills nor am I going to invite you to a dreaded group study. See! I caught you heaving a sigh of relief now. Hmm coming back to reality, let me first tell you that life has never been easy here but it definitely is enthralling. It is difficult because of the innumerable expectations that we have to live up to. Being the “front benchers” nothing less than the utmost cleanliness and discipline is expected. We are the ones who often get caught be it for a silly chuckle or a yawn. However the most irritating ordeal is that we always have to nod our heads even if what is being taught appears to seem like Greek and Latin.

At the same time it is an equally interesting experience because this is the best place from where you can make all those sly observations. For instance, you can catch the teacher's eyes drooping during those recess times. That is when you really can start appreciating the huge effort that she puts to manage both her students and her family and the fact that she deserves a break too. Admit that you need to be a front bencher to enjoy the creak of a chalk as it is continuously used against the writing board, the sharp sound of a scale banging on the table, a teacher's stern look reprimanding our mischiefs, the aroma of the delicious food from the canteen and most importantly the nearest as well as the best view of the wall clock that ensures that we are the first ones to celebrate the end of the hour.

I have to say that it does take great courage to sit at the front as it is definitely not a place designated for the faint hearted. I understand that sitting at the back is equally taxing what with all those pre-set notions and predesigned views constantly circulating and putting such a huge weight on your back. There is a specific reason why I'm writing this letter. I want to leave a short message. I want to tell you that it really is in our hands to make the grass green on whichever side we choose to live in.

Staying at the front has helped me realize that though reaching the destination should be our main priority, we need to definitely learn to cherish the journey too. I understood this due to the many small details that I could finally pay attention too thanks to my position at the front. Actually speaking you have an unfair advantage here as you have a crystal clear view of the entire class. Also don't take any notice of those whose only job involves pulling you down through his or her stupid jibes. You are definitely beyond all this and to realize that make sure to bring out that light within you that is waiting to illuminate the world with its glory.

All this advice does come with a favor. Please don't complain to the teacher the next time you catch me popping a chocolate into my mouth. I would finally like to tell that you the back benchers are the backbone of the class. Everyone ultimately does acknowledge this deep in their hearts. I hope that you live today as if there were no tomorrow and together we continue to learn as if we are going to live forever. Until Next Time.........

K.T DEEPTA

XI GRADE