In 8th grade, life thrust me into a new chapter — literally. I had just switched from a CBSE school to a government school after 7th grade. And now, if you've ever changed like that, you will understand what I mean when I say culture shock. It all seemed new — from the classroom vibe to the manner in which people interacted and related. It was intimidating initially, and for a time, I was the square peg in the round hole. But one thing I was certain of: I needed to make do. I needed to get along.
Next was the school club registration day — an annual tradition in which each student was required to be a member of at least one after-school club. I recall reading through the list of clubs as if studying a menu for a new restaurant. Nothing resonated. until I read "Little Kites."
That title immediately caught my attention — light, carefree, and promising something different.
Little Kites ended up being so much more than I ever could have envisioned. It was a technology club run by enthusiastic instructors who served as mentors, not simply teachers. We lingered after school for what we termed "training sessions," which were actually just the most awesome technology workshops you could possibly attend at that age.
There is where I gained access to tools and platforms such as Scratch, TupiTube, Blender, and a whole universe of easy-to-use animation and coding tools. For the first time ever, I wasn't merely a passive consumer of technology — I was making things with it. That latent spark of interest I'd had in tech suddenly ignited. Looking back at it now, it was actually pretty fun tho.
One of the most exciting highlights? I was chosen for a sub-district bootcamp! And although the sessions were eye-opening and the workshops motivating, let's keep it real — the grub was an entire spectacle in itself (iykyk). The camp housed enthusiastic kids like me from different schools, and I finally felt part of a tribe of tech aspirants. There, I got to meet some cool friends too!
In retrospect, I can see how crucial that club was in determining my path. That single decision — to join Little Kites — was the starting point for my present trajectory. Fast forward a couple of years, and here I am, studying BTech in Computer Science, chasing the dreams that were sown and nurtured during those afternoon hours.
It's ironic how something that began so "little" ended up becoming so life-altering.
So yeah — Little Kites weren't so little after all. They were my wings.
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