I’m Nandani Taparia, a proud alumnus of Billabong High International School, where my journey began in Jr. KG and blossomed into something truly magical until I graduated from here. From my early days, Billabong provided a nurturing environment that made learning feel like an adventure. I still fondly remember the iconic Kangaroo Kids days, with its tiny splash pool and doll room—perfect for a four-year-old’s dreams. It’s incredible to see how the school has transformed since then, and I can’t help but feel a little envious of the students who get to experience it now!
As I moved through the grades, Billabong continued to be a place of growth and support. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about the encouragement, mentorship, and belief I received along the way. Whether it was sports, extracurricular activities, or just being a part of the vibrant school culture, every moment left an impact. I still cherish the memories of the annual events, the excitement of sports days, and the endless fun in the cafeteria—where my friends and I bonded over aloo parathas and dal chawal.

Billabong wasn’t just a school; it was a family. The friends, the staff, and everyone who made those years unforgettable—it truly felt like home. Billabong has shaped me into who I am today, and I will forever carry those memories with me.

I remember my time at Billabong with great fondness. The opportunities to grow and learn were immense and have shaped my journey every step of the way. Billabong allowed me to explore a wide range of interests—some of which have turned into lifelong hobbies, while others I’ve used directly in my professional work.

I am deeply grateful to the teachers and staff who always supported me and pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. Their guidance has been invaluable in my journey from being a student at school to an undergraduate, a business professional, and now an MBA candidate at IIM Calcutta.

To the outgoing class, my advice is simple: be confident in your abilities and in the education you’ve received. Stay grounded and focus on the small victories—the big picture will take care of itself.

Billabong has always taught me to maintain the right balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Moreover, the school was the place where I developed the confidence to explore my skills, a practice I continue till date. I have a degree in Kathak and over 9 years of experience in this dance form. However, in VIT I had to switch my dance style as there was no Kathak team. From initial difficulties in adapting to the dance form to winning various college fests from Mumbai to Pondicherry, I have evolved as a more versatile dancer. Currently I’m a Team Head at VIT Dance Club. Our team is also well recognized in South India. I’m also a core committee member at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Under this banner, I have organized various technical events, workshops and conferences.

I am associated with a funded research project on water purification which aims at fabrication and characterization of novel polymers for the removal of heavy metals from water. Apart from these, I was chosen as the Programme Representative of my branch, based on my academic performance for two consecutive years.

I currently work as an Associate at J.P. Morgan in New York, a role I've held for the past 4.5 years. After graduating from Billabong High in 2015, I pursued a BE (Hons) in Chemical Engineering with a Minor in Finance at BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, graduating in 2020. My time at Billabong was transformative, shaping the values and skills that continue to guide me today.

While my academic focus was on biochemical engineering, I developed a strong interest in finance, which has become central to my career. Outside of academics, I was actively involved in my college's Dramatics Society, performing in numerous stage and street plays. My passion for cinema led me to take courses in film theory and style, and I even worked on a project studying the films of French New Wave filmmakers like Philippe Garrel and Leos Carax. My professional and research interests lie in finance and economic theory, areas I am passionate about exploring further. I’m grateful for the experiences and memories I’ve gained during my school years at BHIS, Bhopal.