A moment that allows you to be a star: The Graduation Day!

 

               A moment that allows you to be a star: The Graduation Day!

 

                       

Yes, Graduation Day is a segue into the realistic world. It signifies change, progression and exploration. This is a moment which the graduating students share and celebrate with their teachers, family and friends because they are the ones who can feel the joy and visualise the tough time that envelops their accomplishments. While this day takes the students into the memory lane of the busy mornings, moments of dashing into the classroom, the submission deadlines and hangout with friends, it also reminds them that it is a time to set their own time-line and carve their future. The degree of qualification is a piece of paper which proves that the student has the tolerance, patience, resilience and willingness to learn and grow.

I was indeed privileged to have attended the spectacle of the graduation day of my adorable sons. As life limped back to normal, it gave us the opportunity to travel to Arizona, USA, to see my sons graduate. The profound and fresh memories of their childhood made it hard to accept that we were crossing another threshold and entering a new phase of life. As I entered the hall, my eyes moistened to see the colourful fiesta and the ears rang with the jubilant music. I looked around to see the cheerful families and friends who adorned the hall. There was cheer and joy everywhere. My eyes were fixed on the large screens  waiting to see my sons walk onto the stage and receive the honours.

The program commenced by unfolding the well-structured and planned events revealing punctuality as a virtue. Being a professor myself, what touched my emotions was the honour given to the teachers. The president invited the professors to be seated on the stage mentioning the importance of their flawless work. The spotlight on the teachers and the music that resonated the auditorium was spectacular. The spotlight then shifted on the senior alumni group who occupied the reserved seats opposite the stadium. The Veterans were revered. The parents were applauded for being a part of the most important moment. This was followed by the valedictorian speech which realistically pictured the special moments.

The auditorium rumbled with cheer and applause. The show remained lively and devoid of monotony as the new graduates came on the stage with their signature style. While one student flipped on the stage, there was another who did a twist. It was fun to watch and cheer the amazing moves. The grand finale made us speechless when the confetti, yellow balloons, and the colourful sparklers pampered the stars of that evening. It is an ever-lasting fiesta which can be retold. The faculty left the auditorium with decorum. The new graduates were in cloud 9. The astounding grandiose can never fade from a parent or their child’s memory. 

Dr Shashi Prabha
Assistant Professor
BNM Institute of Technology

The material on this website is not to be used by any commercial or personal entity without expressed written consent of the blog author. The author does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. 

The Growth Mind-Set: Students of engineering at BNMIT demonstrate this curve

 

                                                                 The Growth Mind-Set

The newly enrolled students, who have just set foot into BNMIT campus, seem to be academically receptive and willing to dedicate their time, effort and energy to develop their abilities.  A classroom interaction revealed this when they sprang out of their seats to answer impromptu questions: Have you ever wondered about the strong link between the growth mind-set and achievement? Zap!came the expeditious response.

“I embrace challenges!” said Shreya Jane who often accompanied her dad to business meetings. She could have refused to go for the meetings, as there was no compulsion. However, her growth mindset did not allow her to be complacent with the academics. The learning and exposure that she has gained in the meetings has changed her outlook.

“I never miss any opportunity,” exclaimed Amrutha, with sparkle in her eyes. Her initiative of participating in every event has led her into accomplishing a role of Junior Radio Jockey.

“Being socially active instils universal human values in me and inspires my academic interest as well,” remarks Sathwik Gowda.

The students have begun exploring opportunities in the institution and this truly relates to their growth mind-set. These students believe that they can get smarter by taking one extra step. Therefore, they invest their time and effort in acquiring new skills, which paves the way for higher achievement.

According to Stanford Psychologist Carol Dweck, our mind-set and beliefs play a significant role in determining achievements and success.

The growth minds-set allows learners to be motivated and self-driven. Students can pace themselves in this educational journey. Approaching friends with open mind can be a good start. Finding volunteering opportunities teaches students to meet targets and work in teams. Joining different club activities and entrepreneurial societies gives a wide exposure. Determining different courses that can aid the main course gives a deeper insight into the concepts. Finally engaging in self-assessment can maximise the skills.

If you recall the fiercest competitor in the world of sports, Michael Jordan, you can see that his competitiveness is as legendary as his career. His growth mind-set has placed him in the pages of history. So, remember, it takes a mind-set to give wings to your dreams!

Dr. Shashi Prabha

Asst Professor

Department of Training and Placement

 

 The material on this website is not to be used by any commercial or personal entity without expressed written consent of the blog author. The author does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. 

Beyond the good deeds! From the pages of my memory

 

The countdown had started! In another few hours, we would leave; leave the Land of opportunities, the Land of the free, the Land of the bold, and interestingly the most popular country on this earth. It was a big move after a decade long stay in America. It was indeed a pronounced feeling of being on the crossroad, not sure which path to choose. This was a significant moment in our life, as hours, days and months had been spent on mulling talks, evaluating our decisions and researching on the influence of the change on our future endeavors. Finally, the love for our family, our people, and all that appeals to our five senses, which could be called as „our own‟, overpowered us. We smiled away at the comments that defined our move as „leaving behind the luxuries and embracing the struggles‟.

The rumbling thoughts became uncontrollable as I sank into my chair while the empty house glared at me. How would I forget the place that harbored my dreams, a place where I began my family life, a place that imparted ingenuity, a place that never asked about race, caste or creed? I emotionally ruffled the pages of my diary to ink my thoughts; what would I miss the most and what would be that significant ideology that I could carry forward to my own country? I asked myself.

Yes indeed, I would miss my Bangladeshi friends who cooked exotic fish; I would miss my American friend who addressed me „Ms Saaashi‟; I would miss my Chinese friend who loved my cardamom tea; and off course my Indian friend who grew gongura herbs in her backyard. I would never forget the Seventeen-Mile drive, the Super bowl Sunday, the six flags, the mesmerizing Grand Canyon and the monumental bridge of San Francisco. But at this point, my pen stopped wielding as I spoke aloud to my-self, “These memories would gradually fade with the passage of time.”

My eyes then fell on the blue, fluffy teddy bear peeping out of the carry bag. It took me into a flash back of all the voluntary activities that I had engaged myself with during my stay. I usually extended help to my son‟s teachers though I was teaching in a community center. Filed trips are very special to children in schools because it contributes towards a joyful and enormous learning. My visit to the Teddy Bear factory as a volunteer with my son‟s class was an enriching experience. The process of making the teddy bear was a revelation. It revealed to the children that the huggable teddy being made for the little ones was not just a lifeless object. It was being created with a touch of emotion. A little spongy red colored heart was placed inside each teddy bear before it was stitched completely. This spoke volumes about the ethics of business and the message enveloped with it. This infused the thought within the children that it was important to be gentle with their toys.

Another memorable volunteering opportunity that I got was when parents were invited to make presentations for children. My presentation on Indian Solar Cooker created interest and curiosity. The model was displayed for days in the school and experimented in the sun. What touched me most was the pampering given to the volunteers. Though volunteers work without any expectations or returns, the kind of treatment given to them transforms them. Each one was made to feel valued and the contribution was considered priceless. It was an

honorable moment. The thought of being useful to the community replenishes the soul. My pen generously etched these words.

On my return to India, I did have many setbacks. However, unlike my friends who packed their bags, headed back to US and chose not to return, I decided to address the concerns of the community. I extend my support in forming an association and serving the community, which I continue to do.This has been a gratifying journey.

Volunteering activity is a hallmark of civic life that can take one beyond the good. The benefits of volunteering are directly related to one‟s wellbeing and self-esteem True essence of living lies in contributing towards the construction of the world that you live in. Volunteering creates an aura of positivity. It gives the opportunity to connect with others, share values, and concerns. Dedicating time, energy and resources to uplift the society will make one a valued and trusted citizen. It undoubtedly displays one‟s broad and selfless thinking.

It‟s now time to pause. You may think about it for a moment: would you prefer to spend your Saturday afternoon sitting passively on the couch in front of the TV or rather go out and make a difference by helping the local schoolchildren plant vegetable saplings? Their smiles would be your reward!

Always remember these golden words as you begin your journey as a volunteer:

‘You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give’ –Winston Churchill.

Mrs Shashi Prabha Nagendra

Assistant Professor

BNM Institute of Technology

The material on this website is not to be used by any commercial or personal entity without expressed written consent of the blog author. The author does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message.