A Fight, a Wake-Up Call, and a Second Chance
A few months ago, I thought skipping school was no big deal. Everyone in my group did it. If I didn’t go along, I’d be called boring or weak. Slowly, bunking classes became normal for me. Sitting quietly in class felt pointless, so I’d disturb others instead. At that time, I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. I thought I was just “fitting in.”
Then one day, things went too far.
A small argument turned into a gang fight with boys from another group. Teachers rushed in, and before I knew it, the school had called my parents. I still remember that day clearly. My parents stood in the office while the teachers scolded all of us. I kept my head down, but I could feel the disappointment around me. It wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about how my actions had embarrassed my parents. That moment hit harder than any punishment.
I felt very ashamed for the first time.
After that incident, the school referred me for counselling under Project Dhruv. Honestly, I wasn’t happy about it. I thought counselling was only for “problem kids.” I assumed I’d be lectured and sent back. But that’s not what happened.
The counsellor didn’t shout at me. She listened. She asked me why I bunked school, why I felt the need to impress my friends, and what I thought would happen if I continued like this. For the first time, someone made me pause and think not just about today, but about tomorrow.
The counsellor helped me understand that peer pressure doesn’t disappear on its own; you have to decide how much control you give it. I stopped disrupting classes. I learned to step away from situations that could turn into trouble. I am now more aware of my actions and their consequences.
Today, when I look back, I’m grateful that the school didn’t give up on me. I’m grateful for Project Dhruv and for the counsellors who chose guidance over punishment. They didn’t label me as a “bad student.” They treated me like a student who needed direction.
