A SpellBinding and Unforgettable day

A SpellBinding and Unforgettable day (SpellBi sounds like SpellBee, doesn't it?) Some days don’t just pass—they shine. Saturday, May 10th, 2025, was one such day. A day etched into my memory, glowing with joy, surprise, and inspiration. Ever since I was in second grade, I’ve been a part of the SpellBee International journey. Year after year, it has challenged me, sharpened my linguistic skills, and above all, nurtured a deep love for words. This year, however, was different. It wasn’t just about participating—it was about being part of something bigger. I had been invited to the Chennai event by my co-ordinator, Ms. Maria, to be part of the official interviews being filmed. The moment I entered the venue, a wave of nostalgia and excitement hit me. The stage was set, the lights were warm, and the air buzzed with a sense of celebration. But what made this event truly unforgettable was the people I got to meet. Yes, the CEO of SpellBee International. Ms. Devakanni Subramanian—visionary, leader, powerhouse. Meeting my role model in person felt surreal. I’ve always admired her from afar for her clarity of thought and fearless leadership. She's someone who knows exactly what she wants and carries an aura of gentle authority. At the same time, she’s wonderfully approachable—a person you’d love to laugh with after a serious discussion on language and learning.

And then there’s my all-time favorite mentor, Arulmozhi Arasi Ma’am. There’s only one way to describe her: electrifying. Her presence is like a burst of sunshine in the room—warm, lively, and ABSOLUTELY contagious. She has this magical ability to make even the sternest faces break into smiles. I’ve looked up to her for so long, and seeing her in person, getting to talk to her, and just soaking in her vibrant energy—what a privilege! The event also featured speeches by these remarkable women. Enlightening, empowering, and immensely thought-provoking—they reminded us why SpellBee is more than a competition. It's a movement. A Nation-Building one at that. Two senior students were awarded for having completed all nine grades of the SpellBee curriculum having four levels each. Just as I was applauding them, something completely unexpected happened—Ms. Devakanni called me up on stage! Yes—me! She asked me to speak about my journey with SpellBee. Nervous but thrilled, I shared a few words about how the program has shaped my thinking, boosted my confidence, and taught me the power of words. When I mentioned that I study at Baldwin International School in Bengaluru, her eyes lit up in surprise. She hadn’t expected someone to travel that far to be there. But, I, wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And then—another surprise. During the event, Arulmozhi Ma’am quietly walked up to my seat and tapped my shoulder. With a mischievous smile, she asked, “Do you like Harry Potter?” My heart did a happy dance. “Yes, ma’am, I love it,” I said. That small moment felt like a secret spell cast between fan and mentor. I was called on stage, after a while, again, this time to receive a book: a behind-the-scenes guide on how the Harry Potter films were made! As a Potterhead, you can imagine my excitement. (Yes, I did squeal internally.) After the event ended, I rushed to thank my co-ordinator, Ms. Maria, and gave her a huge hug for inviting me to such a magical event. I had delightful conversations with Mahendran Sir and Arulmozhi Ma’am, and—of course—took a few selfies to capture the joy forever. Then came lunch—oh, the buffet! SpellBee truly knows how to spoil us. Post-lunch, it was time for makeup touch-ups (yes, I felt like a mini-celebrity for a moment!) before the interviews began.

That’s when I met Karthik(hope the spelling is right), a senior, one who got awarded, with whom I instantly clicked. We bonded over the IGCSE curriculum we study in and our shared love for learning. Soon, we were joined by Roshin(hope the spelling is right), another SpellBee champ. The three of us recorded our interview together—smiles, stories, and shared victories. As I walked out of the building that day, I knew I wasn’t just carrying a participation tag or a free book—I was carrying memories, friendships, and lessons that would last a lifetime.

A huge thanks to Ms. Maria, for believing in me and bringing me into this incredible moment. To Ms. Devakanni, for inspiring me to dream big and speak up. To Arulmozhi Ma’am, for always lighting the path with her infectious energy. And to the entire SpellBee International team for making this event a spectacular celebration of learning and community. But most of all—thank you to my parents. If not for them discovering SpellBee years ago and enrolling me in it, I wouldn’t be here today. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been my biggest blessing.

To anyone reading this—if you ever get a chance to be part of SpellBee International, take it. You’ll walk in for a spelling competition... and walk out with a transformed life.