Before I begin, I should share a little about myself. I’m Dhanya Jayakrishnan, a BA Literature student who recently completed an internship at Sharon English High School as part of my college fieldwork (OJT). I walked into this experience hoping to learn something new, but I didn’t expect the library, the books, and the people here to shape me so gently and meaningfully. What started as a college requirement slowly became a space where I felt seen, supported, and quietly transformed.
When I think back to my internship at Sharon English High School, the first thing that comes to my mind is how unexpectedly comforting the whole experience turned out to be. On Day 1, I remember sitting quietly in the library, still unsure, still a little nervous, and reaching for a book — Everything Changes: And That’s OK by Carol Dodd. I didn’t choose it with any deep intention, but the title spoke to exactly what I was feeling. As an introvert entering a completely new space, the book felt like a gentle hand on my shoulder, reminding me that unfamiliar routines, new people, and changing surroundings are all part of growth.
Slowly, the library became the place where I felt most at ease. What started as a quiet corner I observed from eventually became the space I connected with the most. The smell of books, the soft chatter of children, and the simplicity of arranging shelves or helping someone find a title — these little things shaped my days. And in between tasks, I found myself reading more than I expected.
Mother Steals a Bicycle made me smile at its quirky storytelling.
The Cat Man of Aleppo reminded me of how compassion survives even in the harshest situations.
The Promise made me pause and think about small actions and how they ripple into bigger changes.
Read more Stories from the School
These weren’t just books I read because I had time. They genuinely shifted something in me. They made me reflect. They made me look at the world, and even at children, a little differently.
Working alongside Ms. Devyani and Ms. Bismi made every day lighter. There was warmth in the way they explained things and patience in how they guided me. My in-charges, Mrs. Jennifer Thomas and Ms. Anitha Mathew created an environment where I never once felt judged or overwhelmed. Their clarity and encouragement gave me the confidence to slowly step out of my quietness. I also want to mention the non-teaching staff, who added a quiet support to my daily routine. Small kindnesses that make a place feel like a community.
If I had to define what this internship taught me, it wouldn’t be in big achievements. It’s in the quieter changes, the kind I didn’t notice happening at first. How my communication improved. How reading became a natural part of my day. How I started expressing myself more. How I found comfort in a space that initially felt intimidating.
Looking back now, I’m grateful for every small moment. For the books that became my companions. For the teachers who encouraged me. For the students whose curiosity added life to the library. And most of all, for the way this internship helped me understand that change isn’t something to fear — it’s something to grow through
~ Dhanya Jayakrishnan