Zuluienla T. Jamir, a student of Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung, has secured the second position in the Arts stream in the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Examination 2024, conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) achieving a commendable aggregate of 95.80 percent with a total score of 479 marks.

Originally from Longkong Village in Mokokchung District, Zuluienla resides in Mokokchung Town near her school, living at her aunt’s residence. Her achievement is a continuation of academic distinction—she had previously topped the Ao language subject during the HSLC re Examination and was a recipient of the Governor’s Award.

In an exclusive interview, Zuluienla shared her reaction to the results: “I had hoped to make it to the Top 10 by God’s grace. But securing the second position was beyond my expectations. I’m truly honoured and grateful.”

Zuluienla’s preference for the Arts stream was born out of genuine interest, not conformity. “There was a lot of pressure initially to opt for Science. But I’ve always been drawn to subjects like history and politics. Political Science, in particular, has been my favourite,” she shared. Her performance in both Political Science and Geography was among the highest scoring 98 and 99 marks respectively.

Although she encountered challenges—especially with Geography—Zuluienla credits her teachers and mentors for helping her navigate difficult topics. “With the right guidance, I was able to overcome my weak areas. It wasn’t just about hard work, but also about sincere effort and prayer,” she added.

Her daily study routine, she revealed, was modest in duration—averaging 2 to 3 hours of focused study at night after school and household responsibilities. “It’s not about the number of hours, but the quality of study and the mindset you bring,” she noted.

Zuluienla also spoke about the cultural grounding that has shaped her perspective. As a former topper in the Ao subject, she emphasized the importance of language in identity formation. “Proficiency in Ao helps us stay connected with our roots. Language is not just communication—it’s culture, identity, and perspective.”

Her family has been central to her journey. Zuluienla resides in Mokokchung Town with her aunt Nukshimenla, a nurse at the District Civil Hospital, who has played a crucial role in her upbringing and education. Her aunt also acknowledged Zuluienla’s dedication and hard work, and expressed that all three siblings are proud children. She described Zuluienla as a disciplined and hardworking child who achieved success not only through her studies and efforts, but also through her sincerity, discipline, and obedience to elders and parents.

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Image: Zuluienla with her Aunt on extreme left, her mother and her father on her side

Her mother, a head teacher at the Government Middle School in Longkong, and her father, the village council secretary, have both remained actively supportive of her aspirations. She is the second of three siblings, all of whom are known for their academic commitment.

Speaking on behalf of the family, her father expressed pride in his daughter’s achievement. “All our children have worked diligently. Zuluienla’s result is a blessing we are truly thankful for,” he said. Her mother shared recalling the expectations they held after her Class 10 distinction. “This time, she stayed true to herself, worked hard, and delivered. We are proud and amazed by her dedication.”

Beyond academics, Zuluienla finds balance through hobbies such as calligraphy, reading, and DIY crafts, which she credits for keeping her mentally grounded during stressful periods. She also highlighted the importance of faith and community support. “Self-doubt did creep in, but prayer, the support of my family, teachers, and friends kept me going.”

On prevailing stereotypes against Arts students, Zuluienla is candid: “There’s a persistent notion that Arts is inferior to Science or Commerce. But every stream has its strengths. It’s time we stop ranking them and start recognising the diversity of talents and interests.”

Reflecting on her Class 12 journey, she described it in three words: “Fun, Exciting, and Scary”—the latter due to the weight of expectations from school and family. Yet, it is clear she not only met those expectations but redefined them.

Zuluienla plans to pursue her undergraduate studies in Political Science, though she has not yet finalized an institution. When asked about advice for current students, she urged sincerity, humility, and prayer. “Fall in love with your books. Believe in yourself and stay humble. Above all, always pray.”

Addressing a common misconception, she concluded, “Arts is often seen as having limited career options. But that’s a myth. The Arts stream builds critical thinking, creativity, and communication—skills needed in every profession.”