Our Masters' Voices
About a year into their tenure, three young masters of the school spoke to the DSW team

Vishnukaant Pitty interviewed Ashish Dean (ADN), Physics teacher and tutor, Hyderabad House

DSW:. What made you think of joining School?
ADN: Like most others, I came to know about the job opening in The Doon School through a newspaper advertisement. I was already aware of its reputation and so I got in touch with the School office, and applied. I really wanted to come to Doon as I considered it a great privilege and, at the same time, a challenge, with its great variety of students.
DSW: What went through your mind as you took your first step inside school?
ADN: The first time that I set foot in school was during my interview. I had butterflies in my stomach due to the reputation of the school was during my interview. The first buildings that I saw were the Library and the Physics lab and these very generously contributed to my nervousness, owing to their majestic appearance. All the glory of the school struck me all at once and I wondered whether I would be able to join this institution.
DSW: Has Doon lived up to your expectations?
ADN: Yes. Although expectations of a person keep on increasing constantly, The Doon School has managed to live up to every one of mine. My life, ever since I have joined school, has kept on going uphill whether it be the modern teaching methods or the application of technology in teaching.
DSW: Initially, what drove you to become a Physics teacher?
ADN: I have always had a natural liking for the subject. I used to like the subjects that required application and a great deal of understanding. I felt that I could express myself better if I taught Physics rather than any other subject. Also, I felt that Physics had a large scope in terms of opportunity, later in life.
DSW: What are your hobbies?
ADN: When I am free, I like to get out of my house and explore Dehradun, especially places that are new to me. If this option is not open to me, then I usually spend my time reading the newspaper.
DSW: Name one thing that you have grown to like about school since you joined.
ADN: I really liked the closeness of both the teachers and the students in school. Whenever I am in any kind of trouble, my colleagues are there to help me out The students too, are so close to the teachers, and are so frank, that it is a pleasure teaching in this school.
DSW: What has been your finest moment in school?
ADN: The most exciting and favourable moment in a teacher's life is his/her first lecture. Same was the case with me. I still vividly recall my first day in school. I had gone back home pleased with my first day, hardly believing that I was finally teaching at The Doon School.
DSW: If you are given the opportunity to change one thing in school, what would it be?
ADN: I really don't have any complaints with the school. The only thing that I would change would probably be getting more smart classrooms in school, especially in the Physics Department, (SSM always uses the one we have!) as they enhance the interest of the students in class.

Shaurya Kuthiala in conversation with Aaron Jacob (ANJ), School Counsellor

DSW: How did you come to join The Doon School?
ANJ: A newspaper advertisement that I saw made me aware that there was an opening in The Doon School and I decided to apply for the job. Doon is also well known in South India and I had heard of Doon's reputation.
DSW: Why did you choose this profession?
ANJ: I like working with children, especially adolescents. A psychiatrist identified my skill in this field and I decided to try it out. I haven't looked back since then.
DSW: What do you think is the importance of life skill classes to the youth?
ANJ: The youth is progressing. They are curious about sex, health and other matters. They are also afraid of HIV and AIDS. I also think it is most important for them to know about relationships. I feel that I am teaching them life skills in my classes which I hope will serve them well after they leave school.
DSW: What is your opinion of the mind-set of the Doscos?
ANJ: I am a non-judgmental person and I do not like to have reservations about anyone. For me, you may be Doscos or anyone else, because I do not care about the 'brand' on the person. I like to treat everyone in the same manner.
DSW: Are you satisfied with your job?
ANJ: Yes, I am very happy with my job. I liked teaching psychology arid I like my other sessions with the boys as well.

(Contd. on Page 2)