JOIN USThe campus of St Anne’s First Grade College for Women was buzzing with palpable excitement and anticipation recently, as a new batch of first pre-university students entered the institution. The staff of the college put together an orientation ceremony, slotting classes only on the next day to give the students enough time to get familiar with the campus. The girls trooped into the college in their best attire, interacting with one another and getting a feel of the institute where they are going to spend the next couple of years.
Most of them looked visibly thrilled about getting a first-hand taste of the much-talked about ‘college experience’. Quite a few parents came along with their daughters as well. During the orientation ceremony, the students were briefed on the regulations they are expected to follow, the rules of the college and other such essentials. After it was done, they crowded in groups around the auditorium steps, excitedly seeking out old friends and breaking the ice with new ones. There was plenty of chatter, enthusiastic introductions and no end of questions about the college, most of which were addressed to the staff. “I’m expecting a lot out of my two years here,” says Tanu, who has opted for the commerce stream. “Of course, I intend to do well in academics — I want to get into either hotel management or human resource after this and it’s important for me to get my fundamentals right at this point. After all, commerce is a new subject for me. But I’m also determined to excel in extracurricular activities. I think it’s important for me to develop myself as an all-rounder,” she adds. Ask her which activities she’s keen to take up and she smiles, “Dancing, singing and cookery, for now.”
Some were determined to utilise these two years to get them a notch closer to their chosen field. Arnubai, who opted for the PCMB stream, is looking to get into medicine and knows she can’t do this without hard work. “It’s important to study hard and maintain discipline. PCMB was my first option and I’m thrilled that I’ve got it. For the next two years, I’m going to concentrate on my academics — I have no time for distractions,” she maintains.
Others were utilising the orientation not only to get familiar with the college, but also with their peers. A group of new friends — Sara, Cidalya, Aishwarya, Pavithra, Yeshaswini, Albiya and Huda, were busy breaking the ice and getting to know one another. “College life looks like a lot of fun,” beams Aishwarya, while Pavithra adds, “I’m keen to take up some extracurricular activities. I didn’t pursue any in school and feel that now would be the right time.” Yeshaswini was incredibly optimistic about this new phase. “I’m looking forward to it,” she confesses. “In fact, I’m not even missing my school friends that much. I’ve positive about college!”