Siblings compare, contrast school experiences

“Saratoga High School est. 1959” is written proudly across the front of the school. In some families, this school has been a second home for generations of students who have studied in the same classrooms, read the same books and sat on the same lunch tables.

Although only a few years apart, current students and their older siblings have differences in their views and experiences at the high school.

Sophomore Karishma Shah and her brother alumnus Kushal Shah share the same opinion on many parts of the school but see them in different lights. 

Kushal, who graduated in 2009, said the school is just as academically oriented as it was five years ago.

“[This aspect] is a trademark of what makes the school so great and appealing,” Kushal said. “The academic environment really motivates you to push yourself to your limits.”

Kushal also admits, however, that this competitive nature can lead to “less-than-ideal grades,” which may make many students feel bad about themselves.

“What students need to realize,” Kushal said, “is that [they] develop their minds to a higher degree [by] going to a school where the grade won't be perfect. This will prove much more fruitful in the future.”

Karishma agrees that the school is strong academically but said the classes are a great way to meet new people

Sophomore Shreya Sheel and her brother, alumnus Nikhil Sheel, said the school gives students more of a chance to grow.

Shreya said the lack of step-by-step assistance from teachers helps students learn independently.

“Teachers [here] aren’t always watching your back; they let you manage yourself and become self-sufficient,” Shreya said. “It’s something that helps every student. There is more freedom.”

At the same time, she also feels that academically, the school offers “a variety of courses to meet every students’ needs.”

Nikhil, who graduated in 2008, said that classes were hard, if not a struggle, but the level of difficulty “helps in the long run.”

Nikhil said that he valued that academics the school provided and wished he had done better instead of getting “distracted.” In this way, he tries to mentor Shreya.

Shreya said that her brother’s advice about the importance of doing well has also motivated her to try her best while she still has time.

Though the school is academically challenging, the siblings say it offers some good social opportunities. 

Shreya  said that Bombay in the Bay has been an activity that she and her older siblings were a part of when they were at Saratoga. It is something that all three have enjoyed.

“It started with my sister’s [Sonali Sheel] grade and [got more attention] in my brother’s grade,” Shreya said. “It’s nice to be a part of something memorable that my siblings were also in; it ties our experiences together.”

Kushal said that he had some of his best memories at school dances, but finds that some of the regulations at dances have affected and hindered students’ time in high school.

“I understand the administration’s views,” Kushal said, “but for me, high school was that transitionary period where a student must learn to function to a high degree academically, but just as importantly socially.”

He also said that these regulations may lead to “massive culture shocks” that would impact many students negatively once they go beyond high school.

In the end, though siblings express differences in viewpoints of the school, all agree that, for the most part, the school is enjoyable and beneficial to students both socially and academically.

“Saratoga is unique in it’s own ways,” Karishma said. “It strives to be the best community for [all students].”

Shreya said being able to take part in what her siblings did has allowed her to realize that small things that stay the same over the years make the biggest difference.