Saturday, 28 June 2025

“With each “mistake” that she makes, she finds a Creative Way to incorporate it into her Artwork ❤️

Mistakes are Cute! Mistakes are Lovely! 😊

It’s okay to make mistakes!

#memoriesfromdiaries

#reflections

I remember reading Corinna Luyken’s children’s picture book titled, The Book of Mistakes, a sweet inspirational that explores the theme of how mistakes can be opportunities for creativity and unexpected beauty. 😊

The story is about an artist who begins drawing a girl. With each “mistake” that she makes – like one eye being bigger than the other, or an ink smudge – she finds a creative way to incorporate it into her artwork.

So these “mistakes” lead to new ideas and elements in the drawing, transforming it in surprising and imaginative ways. For example, uneven eyes become glasses, and a blob might turn into a bush or a helmet.

In essence, the book gives us the lovely message that -

It’s okay to make mistakes: They are a natural and often beneficial part of the creative process and life in general. It’s through our mistakes that we grow into better versions of ourselves.

Added, it’s our mistakes that can lead us to new ideas and innovations.

Therefore, it’s good to embrace our mistakes, rather than fearing them. This would help us come up with new solutions and pathways that we might not have found otherwise.

Just like the drawing in the book, we are constantly evolving and growing, shaped and sculpted by our “mistakes”.

It’s a beautifully illustrated book that encourages all of us to have a positive outlook on errors and to see them as potential starting points for something wonderful.

For we are all works in progress!!! 😊

Coming back

[to my diary entry of 24 years ago, when we were in our final year MA English Class - ]

Prof. P. N’s [P. Natarajan] Classes were highly engaging and rewarding for all of us!

He used to start every class with an anecdote, that helped in drawing our attention to the lecture ahead!

Well, an anecdote could mean a short, amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person!

So it was, that in our Literature Class, on this particular day, he gave us an anecdote on his boyhood days.

Said he - 

Back in our boyhood days, we were able to learn the English language, only after our Sixth Standard.

So we all were quite eager and enthusiastic to learn the language; and my friend was even more enthusiastic!

One day in a petty verbal tussle, my brother gave a beating to my little friend for some reason, and pat shouted back my friend,

என்னை அடிக்கிறதுக்கு you who?” 😊

Would translate to mean,

“To beat me, you who?” 😊  

“This incident still remains fresh in my mind”, said our Professor, and proceeded to add the icing on the cake,

“We learn by making mistakes!”

What a beautiful thought from such a lovely anecdote!

Indeed, we learn by making mistakes, ain’t we?

Reminded of the lovely book recommended by Mrs. Jemimah The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown.

Yet another book that comes to my mind is, About Average by Andrew Clements. You may want to read more on this book in our past post HERE!

Friday, 27 June 2025

A Lovely Initiative from the Department of Social Work (SFS) ❤️ | Au Revoir! ❤️

The Day Today | Reflections

27th June 2025

Today in class, I emphasized on the importance of skill acquisition that holds greater importance in today’s rapidly evolving world, highlighting how employers today favour candidates with a very good and functional skill set, over just academic credentials. 

Today we bid au revoir to Prof. Robert Williams, Penn, on his return flight back home to PENN.

We also bid au revoir to Ms. Elka on her return flight back home to South Korea.

Added, at 2 pm today, I was so delighted to address the students of the Department of Social Work (SFS), on the various nitty gritties involved in Studying Abroad.

Kudos to the HoD Dr. Janice and to the faculty members, especially Dr. Joshua, the Warden of Heber Hall, on having come up with this unique initiative of appointing an International Student Coordinator and and Associate Coordinator for their International Programmes.

I spoke to them at length about the various nitty gritties involved in applying abroad.

I also highlighted on the upcoming VISA Events [Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad] to be held every Wednesday, sharp at 7 pm via Zoom Meet.

On Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, we have Mr. Renjith from Stuttgart University, Germany, addressing our students.

On Wednesday, 9th July 2025, we have Mr. Adems Jimmy George from NUS Singapore, addressing our students.

On Wednesday, 16th July, 2025, we have Ms. Elka addressing our students from Hoseo University, South Korea.

So happy to see a lot of students clarifying their doubts on Studying Abroad during the Q & A Session.

Wednesday, 25 June 2025

"“Whatever your hand finds to do it, do it with your might" ❤️

VISA MEET | 13th Edition

A Report | 25th June 2025

by Ms. Aleena Johnson

Intern, Office of the Dean of International Programmes

[The First VISA Meet of the New Academic Year]

On Wednesday, 25th of June 2025, the Office of the Dean of International Programmes hosted the 13th edition of the VISA MEET through Zoom platform.

The objective of the VISA Meets is to facilitate interactions between our present students and past students who are pursuing higher studies abroad or well placed in reputed corporate sectors /institutions abroad.

The resource person of the day was Ms. Priya Dharshini Augusthian who is pursuing her PhD with Dublin city University, Ireland, sponsored by the Irish Research Council’s Enterprise Partnership Scheme.

The event was compered by Ms. Aakhila. The programme started formally, with the college prayer by Aleena Johnson, followed by a warm welcome address by Dean of the International Programmes, Dr. Rufus.

The Inaugural address was given by the principal, Dr. Paul Wilson. He emphasized on making our college to meet global standards in which the role of programmes like VISA programme are very much important.

Introduction to our distinguished speaker Ms. Priya Dharshini was given by Dr. Vijay Solomon, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Coordinator, MCC Research Colloquium.  Ms. Priya Dharshini had completed both her BSc and MSc from the Department of Chemistry, Madras Christian College. 

Ms. Priya Dharshini is pursuing her PhD from Dublin City University, Ireland sponsored by the Irish Research Council’s Enterprise Partnership Scheme. She is also a member of the Centre for the advancement of STEM teaching and learning (CASTeL DCU). She shared her experiences of travelling from Chennai to Dublin coined has “My leaps into different unknowns”.

She emphasized on the importance of gathering all the experience that is available in MCC.

“Do not constrain yourself to one path.” She urged to try all the experience available in the college.

During her MCC life she almost participated in 11 academic conferences, almost 5 volunteering and service-learning programmes, 9 online and offline courses, 2 internships and lots more. She urged to grow skills and expand abilities.

She emphasized on following the guiding principles of the institution – Academic Excellence, Spiritual Vitality and Social Relevance. 

She concluded with a Bible Verse “Whatever your hand finds to do it, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

The Q & A session was coordinated by Dr. Vijay Solomon where Ms. Priya Dharshini clarified the doubts of the students regarding the study in Ireland and foreign scholarships.  Prof. Arun Kumar, Associate Dean of International Programmes, gave the announcements.

The meeting officially concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Millicent Serena, Associate Dean, International Programmes.   

Cordially Inviting You for the VISA Programme ❤️

 

25th June 2025

Dear All,

Sub: Invitation & Zoom Meet Link for the 13th Edition of VISA Meet – Reg.

We cordially invite you for the 13th Edition of VISA – [Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad] Programme – today, Wednesday, 25th June 2025, at 7 pm via Zoom.

The objective of the VISA Meets is to facilitate interactions between our present students and our past students who are pursuing their higher studies abroad or well-placed in reputed Corporate Sectors/Institutions abroad.

Students aspiring to study abroad are highly encouraged to participate in these VISA Meets that happen over Zoom, and get to know more about opportunities for studies/placements abroad.

For this upcoming 13th Edition of VISA Meet, we have Ms. Priya Dharshini Augusthian, pursuing her PhD with Dublin City University, Ireland, sponsored by the Irish Research Council’s Enterprise Partnership Scheme.

The VISA Meet will start sharp at 7 pm and end by 8 pm on Wednesday, 25th June 2025.

Our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson has kindly consented to inaugurate the VISA Programme for this new academic year 2025-26.

[After Ms. Priya Dharshini’s talk for 25 minutes, students can interact with her and have all their doubts clarified, during the interactive session].

Do log in via Zoom platform, today, Wednesday, 25th June 2025, at 7 pm for a very rewarding and insightful session with Ms. Priya Dharshini.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3186192180?pwd=M2l6N2F0aFJpcGhtMDBEQXUyL0gyUT09

Meeting ID: 318 619 2180

Passcode: chemistry

With all best wishes,

Office of International Programmes

MCC

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

“Do your homework before you decide where to study” ❤️

Study Abroad Seminar

24 June 25 | A Report

By Ms. Lekhaa M. S

Writing Intern, Office of International Programmes, MCC

On the 24th of June 2025, the Office of the Dean of International Programmes hosted its first study abroad seminar of the academic year. This seminar focused on higher studies in the USA and South Korea.

The resource persons for the programme were Dr. Sanjay Purushotham, India’s liaison, International Affairs, Dallas Baptist University; Dr. Robert C. Williams, founder and president of Pennsylvania Center for International Exchange and Partnership (PCIEP); and Ms. Elka Mariam Thomas, teaching assistant, Office of International Studies, Hoseo University.

The Associate Dean of International Programs (SFS), Dr. Millicent Serena, was the MC of the event. The programme started formally, with an opening prayer by Associate Dean of Internation Programs (Aided), Dr. Arun Kumar, followed by a warm welcome to the visiting dignitaries by Dr. Serena. She then requested Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of International Programs, Madras Christian College, to address the gathering.

Dr. Rufus talked about the Office of International Programs, stating that it is connected with more than 35 global institutions with similar values, in hopes to achieve global competence.

The Office offers study abroad programs, staff exchange programs, study abroad seminars, VISA (Virtual Interaction with Scholars Abroad) programs, joint research collaborations, etc.

Following the Dean’s address, interns of the Office introduced the speakers of the day and mementoes were presented to the speakers to honour and felicitate them. Ms Andrea introduced Dr. Sanjay Purushotham. Ms. Prisilla introduced Dr. Robert C. Williams and Dr. Rufus presented a memento. Ms. Tejashree introduced Ms. Elka and Dr. Arun and Dr. Serena proceeded to felicitate her.

“Do your homework before you decide where to study,” said Dr. Sanjay Purushotham, from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Sanjay was the first speaker of the day.

He spoke about the importance of planning ahead and provided students a list of questions that they should ask before choosing a university.

Some of the questions he posed were about the location of the university, climate, cost of living and crime rate around the university, as well as the age and ranking of the university.

He declared that “despite the turmoil and turbulence in the country, the US is still widely chosen by students to pursue their higher education.” He provided a plan of when each step in our admission and selection process should be completed, to ensure a smooth and seamless experience.

He went on to talk about the Dallas Baptist University, founded in 1898. The university holds over 4500 students, 100 bachelor’s degree programs, 35 master’s degree programs, and 2 doctoral programs.

The campus is 15 minutes away from the Dallas airport and has a sprawling campus of 360 acres. It has been called one of the most beautiful and safest college campuses in Texas. Over 2500 students live on campus in fully furnished, clean places – dorms or apartments, according to their budget and need. Dr. Sanjay also talked about the cost of studying in the US, mentioning the credit system and touching on STEM and non-STEM programs.

The talk ended with a video of the Dallas Baptist University campus, sprawling, lush, and green, housing lakes, parks, coffee shops, and even a bike trail. A student testimonial from Ivana mentioned the beautiful sunrise and sunset seen from the campus.

Next, Ms. Pearlina, who was fresh off the heels of her return from LeTourneau University, Texas, addressed the gathering. A student of English Literature, she spent her fourth semester abroad.

She talked about some of the differences between the college system in the US and India, especially the exam and homework system. She told the audience that she experienced a personal transformation and formed bonds with people from all around the world.

“Once you have a dream or desire, pursue it. What would you do when you fall in love? – Pursue it! It’s just like that,” declared Dr. William Roberts, father to four daughters. “It all starts with a dream. Dreams manifest your next step.”

His fascination with the US began at age 9, when he watched the first landing on the moon. He began to wonder about the country and began to dream of going there himself.

He talked to the audience about the World Education Services (WES). He informed the audience that some universities need transcripts to be assessed by the WES, to make sure that students are eligible for the courses they apply for.

“Presidents may come and go. The political climate may change. But, you need to pursue your dream,” he said. “Keep your purpose in your heart and mind. Seek opportunities and don’t be shy. Come out of your comfort zone and develop new skills.”

He told the audience to take advantage of every offer that comes their way. He talked about the graduate assistantship that offers tuition waivers and stipends. He ended his talk with a small anecdote about a student that he sent to Madras Christian College as part of the student exchange program.

This student was once part of Dr. Serena’s class. Both had joy in their eyes as Dr. Robert talked about this boy’s transformation.

“It will chase you, don’t chase it,” said Ms. Elka Mariam Thomas. She spoke about her experience and how she ended up in South Korea.

Ms. Elka is an alumni of Madras Christian College. She worked in the Department of Commerce and in the school of continuing education. She always planned to go abroad to pursue her doctoral program.

Initially, she intended to go to the US, after waiting for 2 years to be accepted in Madras Christian College.

Her application and admission in Hoseo University was very sudden and unexpected. She made a quick decision to take the spot and hopped on a plane to South Korea. She took a Korean language course to facilitate her integration into the community. She worked as a teaching assistant while writing her thesis.

She said she adjusted to society thanks to her social nature. She conversed very easily with teachers and was never ashamed of who she was.

Once the speakers of the day were done with their talks, the mic was passed around the room, through the audience, allowing them to ask questions.

The programme ended with a group photo with the dignitaries and all the participants. 

Cordially Inviting You... ❤️

 

24th June 2025

Dear All,

We cordially welcome you to the first edition of Think Tank - The Staff-Student Study Circle, for the new academic year, tomorrow, Wednesday, 25th June 2025 at 3 pm. at Writers' Nook, (near Papados Cafe), MCC-MRF Innovation Park, MCC.

The topic for today's discussion is -

What are the Quality Indicators you expect from college life?

Students interested in interacting with their peers and professors, are most welcome to join us.

OD will be given for participants who require it.

Best wishes,

The Writers' Nook Team

MCC-MRF Innovation Park

Monday, 23 June 2025

"This involves a “cutting away” from the former self – the child, the high school student and the pampered kid back at home" ❤️

The Day Today | Orientation for Freshers (UG)

#reflections

23rd June 2025

Today was a memorable day for all Freshers who stepped into College life for the very first time in their lives.

Anthropologist Arnold van Gennep, calls it, “rites of passage,” identifying three universal stages to this rites of passage. [He introduced the concept in his 1909 book titled, The Rites of Passage.]

The first one is the Preliminal or Separation stage which involves detaching from an earlier fixed point in the social structure. For a college student, this is leaving their home, their school life and their familiar social circle behind, and entering a new stage in their life.

This involves a “cutting away” from the former self – the child, the high school student and the pampered kid back at home.

The second one is the “between” or the liminal stage, where the individual has left their old state but hasn’t yet fully entered the new one. College life, especially the first year, is highly liminal. 

For the first time, the student is far away from direct parental supervision, navigating and experiencing new freedoms and responsibilities, encountering a host of diverse perspectives, and forming new identities. This stage involves a lot of challenges and obstacles that contribute to maturation.

The final one is the Postliminal or the Incorporation stage, when the individual re-enters society with their newfound status and identity. The entire process of adapting to College life and succeeding in college life, culminates in a new sense of selfhood and a readiness for adulthood!

Coming back - 

The Orientation for Freshers started at 8.15 am in the Anderson Hall. Our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson introduced the officials of the College. 

The Dean of Student Affairs, the Controller of Examinations, the Dean of International Programmes among other officials outlined the various features of their respective Units to the students. 

Dr. Huldah Samuel, the Dean of Student Affairs, kept the audience engaged throughout the programme by asking surprise questions to the audience from the presentations of the officials, and also gave them prizes.

Prof. Smilkha, Dept of Visual Communication, and her team did an amazing performance on the visuals front.

Our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson gave a very insightful and panoramic sweep of the various Units and Activities in which students can involve themselves. He gave a suggestion to students to open their CV right on the first day of their college life, and add to their CV each passing day, to see how they have improved their skills over the days.

Citing from Angela Duckworth’s book titled, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, he emphasised on the importance of passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

Duckworth’s definition of grit emphasizes two crucial, intertwined elements:

The first one is Passion. Passion isn’t a fleeting interest, but a deep, enduring commitment to an “ultimate concern” or a goal that gives meaning to almost everything you do. It’s about having a profound interest and ambition that fuels your efforts over time.

The second one is Perseverance, which refers to the ability to maintain effort and stick with a goal despite obstacles, setbacks, and slow progress. It’s about resilience, determination, and the willingness to overcome challenges, rather than giving up when things get tough.

Grit isn’t a fixed trait but it can be cultivated through deliberate practice and by developing a growth mindset and finding purpose and meaning in one’s goals,

he observed.

After the Orientation for Freshers in the Anderson Hall, all three of us in the Office of International Programmes had to rush back to our Office to conduct the interview for students who had applied for Internship with our Office. We had shortlisted 15 students for the interview today.

Today I was so happy to meet with the mother of one of our past vibrant students, Benedicta.

I was so happy to know that, even her dad had studied in MCC in the 1970s, and she had come down from the US to admit her kid in MCC for her UG.

“My Dad’s life was always around MCC,” she said with such happiness on her.

I’ve requested her to give an article for the College Magazine, and she gladly agreed.

More power to you, Ma’am.

I was also happy to meet with Stephanie’s parents today in our Office.

“You have given us gold! She’s such a vibrant and lovely kid who’s been such a great influence on the Office”, I proudly told them. So happy to note that Stephanie has been chosen to do her Semester Abroad in Japan. 

Sabarinathan, our former Global Student Ambassador texted me, saying he was already missing his heaven MCC so much. He had also penned a lovely post for his freshers on his blog here, on his blog. 

His message was so sweet. Giving it here for us, for posterity’s sake!

Was so happy to meet with Pearlina, who had returned from LeTourneau University, Texas, after doing her Semester Abroad there.

I was able to see the visible transformation in her. She was now more forthcoming, mor exuberant and more lively than before.

“Do you see any marked change in you, Pearlina?” I asked her.

“Yes, Sir. Lots. For the first time I was able to live all by myself, far away from my home, family and friends, in a new environment, and for the first time ever I adapted to living in the hostel’, she said.

Felt so happy for her. More power to you, Pearlina. So happy to see a better version of yourself.

Then, Dr. Amirthavalli, our Dean of Quality Assurance, arrived at our Office promptly at 12 pm as promised, and she suggested a few corrections in the International Study Tours Policy Draft.

Her minute attention for details, made me so happy. She took time and patiently explained the need for the corrections. So proud of you dear Ma’am.

Sharp at 1.15 pm we were in time for the Freshers’ Orientation for the students of the Self-Financed Stream. Principal led the Orientation as in the morning.

By 2.30 pm, Principal, HoDs and Deans left for the Academic Council in the Council Room. Today a few important Courses were approved by the Academic Council including a Value-Added Course on Theory of Music. Special congratulations to Dr. Jacob George and Dr. Daniel Evans for making it possible.

The Meeting of the Academic Council got over by 5.30 pm.

However, mid-way I came to the office briefly, to oversee tomorrow’s  Study Abroad Seminar. We have three special guests from abroad for tomorrow’s first Study Abroad Seminar of the new academic year.

Dr. Sanjay Purushotham

International Affairs,

Dallas Baptist University, Texas, US

Ms. Elka Mariam Thomas

Teaching Assistant,

Office of International Studies,

Hoseo University,

South Korea

Dr. Robert C. Williams

Founder and President/CEO,

Pennsylvania Center for International Exchange and Partnership (PCIEP)

PA, USA

To register, students can fill in the Google Form given below.

https://forms.gle/AT64zVE5eTRpokwHA

Due to limited seating, kindly be seated early to secure your spot in the Seminar Hall (by 11.20 am tomorrow).

During Interaction Time, (towards the end of the Seminar), students can have their doubts clarified directly with the speakers.

Students interested in getting more info on opportunities abroad, may join the Whatsapp Channel on this link below.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAyI1xJJhzgg8Q4GM2i

Finally, special congratulations to dear Rudolph Godson (who did his BA & MA in English in MCC), India's First Visually Challenged Music Director who has composed music with Anirudh and for Actor Vijay, on being featured in today's Dinamalar. 


We are so proud of you dear Godson. 

Sunday, 22 June 2025

"What the Best College Students Do" ❤️❤️❤️

What the Best College Students Do

#reflections

Thoughts on the Eve of a New Academic Year

22nd June 2025

Tomorrow heralds a new beginning for freshers who are just transitioning from School life to College life. For all ye freshers stepping into College life, we warmly welcome you to the rewards of a blessed College life.

Tomorrow, Monday, 23rd June 2025, at 8.15 am, kindly be seated in the Anderson Hall, for the UG Orientation for all Freshers (Aided Stream). And for all ye students of the Self-financed Stream, please assemble in the Anderson Hall by 1.15 pm tomorrow.

Our Principal & Secretary Dr. Paul Wilson will be orienting you towards life in College, and he will also be introducing the various officials of the College, starting from the Bursar, the Vice-Principals, the Deans, the Associate Deans, The Heads of Departments, the Controller of Examinations and the various Unit Heads as well.

Coming back –

What makes College life impactful?

Well, College life is a transformative time, and hence making the most of it involves a blend of academic focus, personal growth, and social engagement.

For this, let me put down a few salient points on what your College Professors expect from you!

Or rather what I would expect from my student in their College life. 😊

Firstly, Professors expect students to be regular and punctual to class. Professors have an eye on students who miss classes on a regular basis. Yes! they take it very personally, and even as a mark of disrespect when the student continuously absents themselves to their class, or comes late to their class, without informing them in advance.

Secondly, Professors admire students who complete their course work / assignments by deadline, without ‘requesting’ for any extension. This is one of the most important aspects that a professor expects from their students. Every extension of the deadline speaks to the failure on the part of the student in wisely managing their time!

Thirdly, Professors expect students to participate in class activities with enthusiasm, by taking notes of lectures, encouraging their fellow students, asking thought-provoking questions, etc.

Fourthly, Professors expect their students to make the best use of their time in College. This could be by participation in class discussions, group discussions, panel discussions, competitions, extra-curricular activities, etc in a consistent manner, and also by making best use of the Campus resources available to the student. 

Fifthly, classroom conduct is something that makes the student earn brownie points from the Professor. While the teacher is lecturing, they would expect the student to avoid distractions like excessive talking, using phones, or studying for other classes during lectures.

Sixthly, Professors admire students who are able to manage their time effectively - make use of their spare time by doing internships/part-time jobs, blogging, vlogging, reading, or preparing for their future, in a consistent and planned manner on a daily basis, and also by attending career fairs, workshops, and mock interviews to brace themselves for their future. 

Finally, professors expect students to meet them with prior appointments during office hours. While meeting with your Professor in-person, or talking to your professor over phone, list out in a sheet of paper, the points that you wish to talk to them for clarification/discussion, etc. Professors are valuable mentors who have the gift of guiding you in the right path. 

You can ask them specific questions, discuss concepts you don’t understand, seek clarification on assignments, or ask them suggestions on planning for your career ahead of you.

Since your Professor will have a host of other commitments and responsibilities to attend to on a given day, always meet your professors with a neatly drafted agenda, so that you don’t end up wasting your time or the time of your Professor’s, in the process.

Ken Bain a highly acclaimed educator, author, and expert in teaching and learning, and currently the President of the Best Teachers Institute in the USA, in his famous book titled, What the Best College Students Do, gives real-life experiences to augment his findings.

The book argues that simply chasing high grades (surface learning) often doesn’t lead to genuine understanding or lasting knowledge.

Instead, it emphasizes “deep learning,” which involves understanding concepts, making connections across disciplines, asking important questions, and seeking meaning and application for what is learned.

The most successful students are driven by curiosity, interest, and a passion for learning says Ken. Moreover, they are intrinsically motivated to explore and understand, he avers.

He then narrates the story of Sherry Kafka –

Sherry Kafka came from a small town in the Arkansas Ozarks. Her family didn’t have much money, and they moved around a lot trying to make ends meet. She went to sixteen schools in twelve years.

When Sherry was in the eighth grade, she wanted to be a writer. To become a writer, she realized that she needed to learn more, and that meant eventually going to college.

Because her family was poor, she knew it wouldn’t be easy, and thus she began to fish around for some means to pay for her higher education. In her senior year of high school, she entered and won a national writing contest that promised to pay all expenses for her first year in college.

That fall she arrived on campus, full of excitement about her new adventure in this faraway city, and was presented with a list of mandatory courses.

Before she left home, however, she had promised herself that every semester, she would take at least one course “just for me,” something she would enjoy.

When she looked at the list of requirements, she spotted a happy coincidence, a course that looked interesting but also fulfilled a fine arts requirement.

It was a course in the Drama Department called “Integration of Abilities.”

The title itself spoke to a childhood memory. When she was a little girl, her father had told her that the most successful people, “the most interesting” people, the people “who got the most out of life,” were the “people who were the best integrated.”

He had told her that she should make a connection between every course she took and find ways that they overlapped.

“When I studied,” she concluded, “I should think about what happened in biology and how that applied to English, or music.” She decided to enroll. It would change her life.

Over that first meeting and in the days to come, her professor, Paul Baker, invited Sherry and the other students to participate in a new kind of learning.

“To some,” he said, “growth is almost all” just improving your memory.

To others, “it lies in learning how gadgets work—how to put motors together, how to attach pipes, mix formulas, solve problems.”

The purpose of that type of growth, he said, “is never to develop a new method but to become extremely adept at the old ones.”

To a third group, growth means you develop “cults” and “systems” in which you can estimate “how far below your own standards other people have fallen.”

You “join, dictate, slap backs, smoke cigars in backrooms, belong to important committees, become a pseudo artist, musician, actor, prophet, preacher, politician. You drop names and surround yourself with position.”

To only a few, Baker concluded, “growth is the discovery of the dynamic power of the mind.”

It is discovering yourself, and who you are, and how you can use yourself. That’s all you have.

Baker emphasized that in all of human history, no one has ever had your set of body chemistries and life experiences.

No one has ever had a brain exactly like yours. You are one of a kind. You can look at problems from an angle no one else can see. But you must find out who you are and how you work if you expect to unleash the powers of your own mind.

As Sherry Kafka sat in that revolving chair, now listening intently, her professor invited her into that highest level of growth.

“Everybody is unique,” he kept saying, and you have much to contribute to the world.

“Each of you has your own philosophy, your own viewpoint, your own physical tensions and background,” he emphasized.

“You come from a certain soil, a certain family with or without religious background. You were born in a certain house to a certain family at a certain time. Nobody else in the world has done so.”

You can, Baker argued, create in ways that no one else can.

The book goes on to narrate the lives of students who went to college and emerged from that experience as dynamic and innovative men and women who changed the world in which they lived. The book talks about how their college experiences, particularly their interactions with professors, change their patterns of thinking.

Fundamentally, we want to promote deep, passionate, joyous, and creative learning, says Ken.

Grades are important, but anyone who concentrates just on making straight A’s will probably not become a deep learner. Anyone who concentrates on deep learning, however, can make high marks.

In a series of studies, Nolen asked students, “What makes you proud?”

Some said things like, “I feel most successful when I score higher than other students and I show people I’m smart.”

She called these people “ego-oriented,” and they correspond to our strategic learners.

Others responded that they felt most successful when they got a new idea, when something they learned made them want to find out more. She called these people “task-oriented.”

We’ve called them “deep learners.”

Nolen also uncovered another type of student. She called these people “work-avoidance” types.

We’ve seen them before as surface learners. They told her they felt most successful when they could “get out of some work,” when all the “work was easy” or when they “didn’t have to work too hard.”

In part, Ken observes that, success thus comes simply from taking control over your own education, from realizing that you are in charge.

Opportunities to learn matter, and without them, no one can succeed, but given the chance, our subjects had to find their motivation for working, says Ken.

With the right opportunities in front of you, and the best college that you have enrolled yourself in, here’s wishing you deep, passionate, joyous, and creative learning in your College life.

And through each of your memorable days as part of your brief sojourn in college, may you develop a holistic personality, across all key dimensions, nurturing the “whole person” equipping yourself each day, towards becoming a well-rounded, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent individual ready to navigate the complexities of life.

Best wishes for you!