I have always loved books. From the moment I learned to read, my world expanded beyond my small town, taking me on adventures through faraway lands, different eras, and deep into the hearts of characters. I devoured classics like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Each book shaped me, filling me with wisdom, courage, and a deeper understanding of life.
As I grew older, my tastes broadened. I explored inspiring autobiographies like The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. I ventured into fantasy worlds with Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, where magic and bravery ruled. Historical epics like War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy and The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett transported me to the past, immersing me in grand stories of struggle and triumph.
Each book offered something special, but none felt like the one—the book that would stay with me forever. Then, one rainy afternoon, on the recommendation of a dear student of mine, I picked up The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Its message of following one’s personal legend and the simplicity of its wisdom resonated deeply. In that moment, I knew The Alchemist would always be my favourite.
Books have enriched my life, and now as an educationist I believe it is my responsibility to ignite in my students a deep love for reading.
This is one of the many initiatives at The Heritage School North Campus to provide students good quality holistic education.