A memory lane back to 2025

By Trisha Tom
IX D, United Indian School
Special to The Times Kuwait

Honestly, it still feels unbelievable how fast the years have gone by. From staying at home and attending online classes to returning to school and learning through projectors, everything feels like clear proof of how quickly life moves forward. The year 2025 was, for me, a complete rollercoaster ride.

It all began on the very first day of school, when I barely knew any of my classmates. Although I had a few friends who had studied with me in 2024, I was still extremely nervous. It was quite nerve-racking, not going to lie.

However, that tension did not last long. My classmates turned out to be kind, friendly, and welcoming, and I slowly began talking to almost everyone. All my teachers were new to me as well. At first, they seemed intimidating, but as time passed, I realized that each one of them was truly exceptional.

The first month was easily the most stress-free period of the year. I mingled freely with my friends and teachers and gradually became comfortable in my new environment.

My performance in PA1 was fairly good, which gave me confidence and motivation. Then came the much-awaited summer holidays. They were, of course, extremely enjoyable. I visited India, spent time with my grandparents, travelled to many places, met relatives, and hung out with friends. I returned to Kuwait in August and had to complete my holiday homework before the second term began.

As the new term started, the portions began to increase. Around the second week, I was selected for the school Ruby Jubilee skit. It was a wonderful experience that helped me make friends of different ages.

The skit was performed successfully, and the entire ceremony went very well. Soon, the SA1 examinations arrived. To be honest, they were quite difficult. The portions were vast, and I found it challenging. Although my results were only average, I was determined to improve. I focused harder and managed to perform much better in PA2.

Throughout this entire journey, my friends were my strongest support system. Without them, getting through everything would have been much harder.

The winter holidays arrived and passed by very quickly. Christmas was especially joyful as we went to church and broke our Lent, which we had started on December 1st. When school reopened, a new year had already begun, and I was surprised at how fast an entire year had flown by.

Now, as SA2 approaches, I know it will be the toughest exam yet, with a large portion to cover. Looking back, 2025 taught me an important lesson – no matter how many times we fall, it is our responsibility to rise again and keep moving forward. Every negative experience was simply a lesson in disguise.

Who would have thought that single year could teach so much and pass a by so quickly? I truly hope to continue improving and becoming a better person in every way in the coming year.