Phase 2 - Week 1

Weekly Reflection - 1

Back to Where It All Began

November 3, 2025 marked the beginning of the second phase of my teaching practice at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Cotton Hill, Vazhutacaud, Thiruvananthapuram.

Cotton Hill School was established in 1859 as a free girls' school in Thiruvananthapuram under Maharaja Sri Uthram Thirunal. It was later split into three schools in 1935 by C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, with one located at Cotton Hill, which was upgraded to a high school in 1935 and has since evolved into the Government Higher Secondary School for Girls, Cotton Hill. Today, it is one of the largest girls' schools in Asia, serving over 10,000 students. 

I was overwhelmed with happiness as I began my teaching practice there because Cotton Hill is where my journey in commerce education began. From 2015 to 2017, I studied my Plus One and Plus Two there, and now, returning as a teacher to the same classrooms where I once sat as a student felt surreal. I was eager and excited, and from the very first moment I stepped into the school, I felt like I was on cloud nine. Everything felt like a dream come true.

I met Priya teacher, the Business Studies teacher, who was also my guide during this phase. She assigned me to CB1. The moment I entered the higher secondary building where I had spent my teenage years, a wave of memories rushed through me. I could hardly express the emotions — it felt as if time had turned back. When Sheenath teacher introduced me to the class, I was so emotional that tears filled my eyes. The students were very cooperative, and the class went wonderfully.

After finishing my first class, I immediately called my Plus One class teacher to share my happiness. She was so delighted and gave me her blessings. Later, I walked around every corner of the school, reliving my memories.

 My higher secondary life at Cotton Hill was truly unforgettable — especially the friendships I formed, which still remain strong today. I shared my joy with my friends and even visited my former classroom to take pictures. Those moments were priceless.

That day was undoubtedly one of the happiest days of my life. I also started bonding with the teachers in the staff room and came to know that Leena teacher, my beloved Economics teacher, was still teaching there but in another staff room. Excited, I went in search of her but couldn’t find her that day, nor the next, as she was on leave. On the third day, while teaching, I shared stories of my Plus One and Plus Two days with my students and mentioned Leena teacher. They told me she had the next period and asked me to wait. When she finally entered, I was literally shivering with happiness. Meeting her again was an unforgettable, emotional moment.

On the fourth day, a Power Quiz was conducted by the Kerala State Electricity Board Officers’ Association. I got an opportunity to invigilate the event, which helped me interact with students from different departments. The quiz was held simultaneously in all schools and colleges across Kerala, making it an exciting experience.

Unfortunately, on the fifth day, I couldn’t attend school due to a severe ear infection that affected my hearing. Even so, the week remained one of the most memorable and emotional periods of my life. It was more than just a teaching practice — it was a journey back in time, filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and happiness beyond words.