Photography helped her relax

ESHITA KABRA

UNLIKE most modest students, I admit that I did forsee my results. I say this not out of pride or arrogance, but because of confidence in my preparation, my teachers and my school.

While a lot of students back in India found the ISC exams to be stressful, I felt that I was well prepared. I recall smiling very hard at my elementary accounts paper; reminiscing about all the challenging Garner vs Murray problems our teacher had prepared us with.

Photography was great therapy during such a stressful period; it brightened up my days which were grey-scaled by my revision books. I attribute my 94.25 per cent marks to my family, friends, teachers and school, who gave me all they could to ensure I attained my goal: To enrol in the most prestigious university for undergraduate business - University of Virginia.

Pink Floyd helped him soar

CHETAN SINGHAL

A JOURNEY of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And Class 10, the first milestone in our academic career, had been extremely demanding with extensive academic involvement and assessments. This taught me to efficiently manage my time between studies and co-curricular activities.

I learned to take my work seriously but not myself. Apart from being consistent in my studies, my interest in music helped to calm me in times of stress.

The lyrics of the song Time by classic rock band Pink Floyd deserves special mention: Time really flew and we found ourselves waiting with bated breath for the results.

And when they were announced, I felt proud with my 96 per cent. And, of course, I also felt grateful to all my teachers, my parents and my friends for their continuous support and guidance.

Filipino student's shock at results

CATHLEEN GABRIEL

THE summation of a year's worth of labour and sacrifice was finally there in black and white. I'd never imagined reacting with so much shock to a computer screen because, in all humility, I'm not the smartest or most hardworking of individuals. But there were my results... 93 per cent!

Three years ago, this Filipino girl was suddenly immersed in the life preparation course that is the ICSE syllabus. The culture shock mixed with the ICSE's challenging nature inflicted serious pressure; special mention to social studies (history and geography) which induced the most tears.

The thought that my triumph would bring glory to myself, my family, my nation and every other international student in the same situation prevented me from quitting.

Overcame cornea injury to excel

SACHIT SOOD

I FEEL greatly humbled and thrilled to top the 2009 ICSE board exams at DPSIS with 96.8 per cent (English and top four subjects). I would like to dedicate my success to our principal Colonel Gill, my teachers and my family for their support.

Despite suffering from a cornea injury during the latter part of 2008, I kept my focus and I truly believe that my willpower took me across the finishing line.

The results also illustrate that there is no short cut to success and that one must work hard to reach that predetermined goal.

Having said that, I would also hasten to add that whenever I had the time, I used to indulge in a game of cricket or football to give myself the much required respite that the body and mind needed.