And all the 35 teenagers who were listening to you.....

When you finish conducting a workshop.... 
And all the 35 teenagers who were listening to you..... 
Spontaneously lift their hands and give you a long round of applause... 
You feel like you are floating on cloud nine. 
That is exactly how I felt when I finished speaking to the 10th grade students of the Bangalore International School  on Thursday. 
I spoke on 
"How to manage exam anxiety and study well"
And I was absolutely overwhelmed with the rapt attention with which every word was received. 
The nods and smiles when I spoke about a relatable challenge 
and the sparkling eyes when they had their "aaahaaa" moments - thrilled me, as I shared the neuroscience of learning and hacks to overcome learning challenges by applying neuroscience. 
What an amazing audience!!! 
Smart - well read - articulate - motivated and enthusiastic about taking ownership of their learning. 
Also generous and unafraid to express their appreciation and gratitude. 
Yes. So many of them walked up to me after the session and said "Thank you so much Ma'am for conducting this session for us."
Who says teens don't listen? 
Of course they listen! 
You just have to say something that they don't already know. 
You have to be logical and sure of what you say. 
And you have to deliver research in neuroscience such that they can immediately apply it and improve. 
Of course - you simply cannot preach. 
You need to help them find ways to thrive in today's social world and simultaneously excel in academics. 
That's when they listen. 
So grateful for this opportunity to share what I know with the citizens of tomorrow.
 

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