The children of today are gearing up to become adult citizens of tomorrow. The growth is parallel to the future of our country, reflected through the quality of the present education system. A school must stimulate curiosity in young, impressionable minds and equip them with tools to be better human beings. It is widely accepted that learning is instrumental in shaping one's personality and dealing with life situations. In schools, the shift of thoughts from bookish knowledge to knowledge of life has brought forth a sea of change. Schools are not only meant to attain information and knowledge; they are platforms for collaborating thoughts and ideas. An inspirational mentor and excellent coach delivering the best education to the children, Mary Shanti Priya is the principal of Vista International School. One of the best CBSE Schools in Hyderabad that focuses on a student-centric learning environment, Vista International School strives to make every student blossom intellectually, morally, and spiritually. With a core belief in nurturing children as exemplary individuals, Mary Shanti Priya contributes to their continual improvement and sustainability. She is a competent and result-oriented professional with expertise in administrative tasks in the academic field. Mary Shanti Priya engages in a one-on-one interaction with the Women Entrepreneur Magazine. Let’s hear from her.

Please introduce us to Vista International School. Tell us about the underlying idea behind the institution and some of its most unique features.

With 11 years of good reputation, Vista International School is affiliated with CBSE and a Candidate school for International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP). It has been passionately committed to providing quality education and grooming to the young learners under its roof. Since its inception, it has been making sure and steady progress towards enhancing its standard and outlook towards education.

With 'Learning for Life' as its motto, the school has consistently provided the best possible environment to ensure the holistic growth of a child. The school has made significant strides to grow and improve itself – perfecting its practices and re-inventing itself wherever necessary to stay ahead in its journey to deliver its promise. It firmly believes in preparing Global Citizens who are ready to take up challenges, empathetic, handle crises, critical in their thinking, and creative in their thoughts. We are the first school to embrace NEP and collaborate with the MANUU to start skill education and teach students Electrical, Electronic, Plumbing, AC Refrigeration, and Draftsmen Civil, to start Makerspace Lab to start Paper Engineering students. Financial literacy is integrated into the curriculum, and we have an integrated art program for primary grades.

Tell us about the various role and responsibilities you shoulder as the Principal of Vista International School. What are your primary focus areas in the said role?

Being a part of Vista's development over the past few years, our focus on the quality of school life, especially for the benefit of our learners, is impeccable. My primary responsibility is to add value to students' life and for the money paid by the parent. Empowering the teachers and developing a bond of belonging among all the school's stakeholders. Most importantly, to build happy individuals who are faithful to themselves.

"Be unique it is good to take the road not taken, take risks, and be contented"

What are some essential features of your expertise as an educationalist? Throw some light on the most critical business challenges you face as an educationalist and how you overcome the roadblocks.

Some essential features of my expertise are visionary, well-planned, risk taker, passionate, conflict resolution, and handling human resources. I am delighted that Vista's values align with my values, including the importance of trust, respect, innovation, and a sense of community. Finding good teachers and retention of teachers are critical challenges faced in the industry. We try to overcome such roadblocks by ensuring our staff the best environment and benefits possible.

What are some of the most significant milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been your success mantra?

From an untrained teacher to a principal now, I have faced every significant phase of my life. But something that I cherish very close to my heart is as a teacher for a group of 42 students who had academic challenges, and I see them evolve as solid and confident individuals overcoming their challenges. Also, seeing the growth of Vista school from secondary to senior secondary and now to Vista International School. The success mantra is, learning from every experience, be it good or bad, working with conviction, valuing every individual you work with, and building a team, as teamwork is essential for the growth of an organization.

Drawing from your experience as a business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls who aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Be committed, enjoy your work and work to learn, not earn, be empathetic, have patience, be planned, and not get disappointed by failures. Leadership is an action, not a position, be a good listener. Life is not easy for women or girls though we live in the 21st Century but don't give up; believe in yourself.

Mary Shanti Priya, Principal, Vista International School

A computer-trained postgraduate who later transformed her career by entering the teaching profession, Mary Shanti Priya is now the principal of a leading school. To nurture children, she strives to make a positive difference in the world.

Awards of Recognitions won so far –

• Holds credentials for writing CBSE MATHS TEXTBOOK for classes 6, 7, and 8 (for SOUTH ASIA PUBLICATIONS).

• Featured as '10 Most Influential Women in Education - 2020, published by CEO INSIGHT Magazine.

• Ranked number 1 as a Design Thinking Leader in Telangana and 4th in India by Education World Magazine.