Learning the invaluable lesson of balance.

“Patana has really taught me the value of a balanced lifestyle beyond just academics, but one that includes giving back to the community and how to find mental and physical wellbeing,” Khushi Mathur, an eloquent soon-to-be graduate says when asked about Bangkok Patana School’s most important lessons. “They’ve taught me empathy and self-awareness of the world around us, and they really emphasise how we can help.”

Passionate about science and maths, Khushi plans to pursue a biomedical engineering degree after she graduates in the summer, after her IGCSE classes about stem cells sparked an interest in the field. Beyond just her academic subjects, however, she’s been involved in a whole host of Patana’s available extra-curricular activities, all of which she’s felt has developed her holistically as a person. She speaks to Masala about it.

You’ve been at Patana since 2013 – what in particular has stood out about your time there, and what will you look back on most fondly in the years to come?

There are many things I will cherish from the past eight years, but one thing I’ll always remember is events like our Christmas assemblies, where Santa would always arrive in a new and different way. I had the opportunity to emcee one of them, where I planned Santa’s arrival with our Headmaster, Mr. Mills, and a friend and I had to dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head in front of the school – it was a great experience!

I’ve also been involved in like a lot of sports, and through FOBISIA and other competitions, you really develop a bond with your team – I know the friends I made there will be my best friends for life.

More than just academics, what would you consider the most important life lesson instilled in you during your time in Patana?

Doing well academically is one thing, but Patana has taught me the importance of giving back to the community. We’ve raised funds for underprivileged kids, done book drives, and right now we’re raising funds for a charity for COVID relief, and that will be our legacy for the year. It’s taught us to ask ourselves what we can do with our privilege.

Not only that, but I’ve balanced a lot of sports, being president of a club, the Design Council, and I’m also a student delegate which allows you to help the community in and outside of school. Patana has really taught me how to balance everything well and live that balanced lifestyle.

A very important aspect that we’ve learned is how to work in a team, and leadership. Being part of lots of clubs, teamwork is one thing that’s been instilled like in my life, and I think that’s one thing that I’m going to carry forward throughout my whole life. Patana has also taught me how to be critical thinker – all the senior maths challenges have really pushed me and taught me to think outside the box. More than that, you’re taught to be independent, and I think that really prepares you for university.

Tell us a little about which extra- curricular activities you were involved in while at Patana, which ones have been your favourite, and why.

I’m part of the swimming team and the tennis team, and because of Patana’s amazing facilities, it allows us to play with a range of people every week. I like the teamwork, and I love tennis training with our Coach Daniel.

I also completed the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and that really taught me perseverance and pushing through. At one point, we got lost, but we got there in the end, and it was something out of my comfort zone that turned out to be really fun!

I’m part of the Design Council, and we recently just did a project where we designed waterproof bird cages for outside the classroom. I love it because I want to be an engineer and it opens you up to the kind of practical skills that we should develop outside the classroom.

What do you think makes Patana unique, and why would you recommend it to others who are looking to join the school?

First of all, it has amazing facilities that I don’t think a lot of schools have. We have a senior building that is not only a great space to work, but fosters socialisation, and that shows how much Patana understands the balanced lifestyle. The teachers here are also really supportive – they’re here whenever you need help, but they’ll also push you. They support your wellbeing mentally, physically, and in every way that you need, which helps you in all aspects of life.

I also really appreciate Patana’s diverse community – all my friends are from different countries, and that allows you to listen to different people’s perspectives, beliefs, and values, and understand where everyone comes from. That aspect has really shaped me as an individual, and I’m sure it’ll shape my future as well.

BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL
643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105) Bangna Tai, Bangna,
Bangkok 10260, Thailand
Tel: 02 785 2200
Admissions@patana.ac.th
www.patana.ac.th