In my tenure as the principal of St. Xavier’s, a women’s college managed by my congregation, I encountered a unique situation involving a Muslim family seeking admission for their daughter. The young girl seemed reluctant, and upon inquiry, her mother explained that she preferred a mixed gender college nearby. However, her father insisted on her attending our institution run by sisters. Observing the girl’s hesitance, I expressed my concern, suggesting that if she were forced into an environment against her wishes, it might adversely impact her academic performance. Addressing her father, I emphasized the importance of granting children the freedom to choose their educational paths in this evolving era. It took considerable effort to convince the father, but eventually, he relented. As the family left my office, there was a palpable sense of peace. Just before departing, the daughter returned, took my hands, and expressed her gratitude. I encouraged her to excel in her studies and not to disappoint her parents. The outcome of this encounter remains unknown to me, but in that moment, a small victory for the autonomy of the young student was achieved.
Having been raised in a family of nine, where the insistence on a convent education was particularly emphasized by my father, all five girls, myself included, were enrolled in the renowned convent school of our city. Looking back, it is undeniable that the education we received at this esteemed institution played a pivotal role in shaping the successful and contented lives that all of us lead today. The impact of our convent schooling is perhaps most evident in the life choices made by my sister and me. Influenced by the disciplined atmosphere and the emphasis on spiritual matters, both of us decided to pursue a religious vocation, albeit in a different congregation. Today, we find immense happiness and contentment in our chosen paths, all stemming from the educational foundation laid in the convent school during our initial years. While my memories of school are enduring, they often revolve around the strict rules and punishments that characterized the environment. Teachers and nuns were figures to be feared, and the freedom for students to express themselves was notably limited. Despite the stringent atmosphere, the positive outcomes of our education are unmistakable in the fulfilling lives we lead.
Sr Shalini Xavier CTC
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