ST. MARY'S CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL : UDAIPUR Students' Orientation

ST. MARY'S CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL - UDAIPUR: JUNIOR COLLEGE ORIENTATION

July 10, 2014

Thanks to Sr. Anusha Mathew, Principal for booking AVEC six months well in advance to conduct a Value Education Orientation program for 342 students of the Junior College. Arriving by train, after a long 17 hour journey, the session took place immediately in the well prepared  school auditorium. Sr. Anusha welcomed the guest speaker through a unique PowerPoint presentation. Floral bouquets were also presented by the students. Mr. Fernandes, started off the session with the usual prayer song that invited the students to seek God's blessings for peace, good health and abundance. The fantasy meditation and the awareness breathing exercise enabled to students to relax and focus more attentively. 

 Fr. Glenford Lowe was introduced by Mr. Fernandes. A huge round of applause erupted when the students were aware that Fr. Glenn was a kidney donor. Fr. Glenn guided the students through the next two hours by focusing on the theme: 'My Life- A Valued Journey'! Through a well prepared Powerpoint and an insightful and creative handout, the students were able to set aside prime quality time to focus on the life's journey. Citing examples of people whose lives are guided by a Value Compass; the like of Kia Scherr, Ryan Hreljac, Malala Yousafzai, Immacule Ilibigaza, he challenged the students to walk the MAD path - Make A Difference. "When our lives are guided by a Value Compass, the world in and around us changes", he exhorted them.

The next part of the exercise focused on the Present NOW moment, the Past and the Future moments of their lives. Through a series of meaningful questions, the students were, for the first time, able to really look at themselves from a different perspective and make the necessary 'qualitative changes' to reset their life's direction. Revisit their past was an opportunity to connect with their personal story and appreciate it from various dimensions. Reorganizing the future was an opportunity to hold on to their dreams and aspirations and to reach for the stars. The students also took the time to honestly look at their 'problems' and to write them on the sand. "Life is too short a journey to be bogged down by unnecessary baggage", he advised them.

 At teh end of the session, the school head girl, Roopreet Dhamija proposed the vote of thanks.
A number of students wrote their comments in the AVEC appreciation log book:
"It was really inspiring. It felt encouraging myself. I really want everyone to be lucky enough to hear Fr. Glenn. Am sure everyone who hears him will find something really meaningful" -  Shwetal Kandhari

 "It was really good and encouraging" -  Manali Parihar
"Touched different topics that the usual boring one. Was a pleasure hearing him. Thank you" -  Shifa Meyaji

 "It was an inspiring seminar. Felt very encouraging. Thank you" -  Nishika Mabhija
"I will be M.A.D. I will Make A Difference. thanks alot!"  Garvi Shekawat

 "This seminar was truly a candle in my life. I will surely be MAD" -  Viniya Goswami
"It was a nice experience meeting you people. Learnt a lot" -  Anusha Bhatia

 "It was really inspiring and encouraging and I hope this seminar works as a candle in my life. I will surely get MAD. Thank you Fr. Glenn for conducting this seminar" -  Habiba K

"It was a nice experience and opportunity to be present in your seminar. It encouraged me and all the students and we'll try our best to make a difference. Thank you" - Chhavi  Verma

"We'll get M.A.D! It was a pleasant experience to attend the seminar. We learnt a lot. This will really help us to be better persons in life and Make A Difference" - Office Bearers

Congratulations to the Staff and management of St. mary's Convent High school - Udaipur for this wonderful opportunity to organize this orientation program for your Junior College students.