Mangaluru: Reflection 2023 was organised by the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya for undergraduate BA/BSW students on September 15 and 16 at the College Seminar Hall. This annual event is a platform for students to pause, reflect, and delve into their personal and professional journeys.
The first day commenced with a session on “The Art of Crafting an Effective Resume,” led by Vidya Shenoy, a certified “PoSH” trainer and an expert in gender sensitivity and POSH compliance. She highlighted the significance of adapting resumes to the digital age, emphasizing keywords and formatting for success in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Shenoy stressed the need for a concise and attention-grabbing summary and discussed the importance of tailoring resumes to specific job roles, and provided invaluable insights to the students.
The second session of the day, “Enhancing Leadership Skills through Self-Reflection,” was facilitated by Sachitha Nandagopal, a multifaceted teacher, social activist, and leadership mentor. She discussed the importance of empathy, communication, and collaboration in effective leadership, and encouraged students to cultivate these skills in their personal and professional lives. The session ended with a reflection activity where students were asked to write down their personal leadership goals and share them with the group. Nandagopal provided feedback and guidance to each student, encouraging them to take concrete steps towards achieving their goals.
A session on “Money Management” was conducted by Sapna Shenoy, an Investment Services Professional and a member of EVOLVE, a women entrepreneurs’ association. Shenoy stressed the foundational importance of budgeting in financial management, highlighting how it empowers individuals to track their income, expenses, and savings goals. She emphasized that financial proficiency is a crucial life skill that can significantly impact one’s financial stability and future. Shenoy shared insights into careful investing and the importance of maintaining an emergency fund.
The day concluded with a discussion on “The Art and Science of Making a First Impression” by Vidya Shenoy, a seasoned Soft Skill Trainer with impressive certifications. She underscored the critical role of first impressions in personal and professional contexts and elaborated on the impact of a well-crafted introduction. Her session provided students with valuable insights into the skill of creating positive first impressions, leaving them with a sense of fulfilment and enlightenment.”
The second day of Reflection 2023 commenced with a thought-provoking session by Dr Flossy CR Dsouza, a prominent educator and Controller of Examinations at St Ann’s PG Studies and Research Department. Dr Dsouza engaged students in a captivating discussion on “The Art of Being Creative.” She initiated the session with a questionnaire designed to gauge students’ dominant brain hemispheres. Throughout the session, students actively participated in stimulating activities aimed at challenging conventional thinking and fostering creativity. Dr Dsouza’s session highlighted the significance of creativity and its role in personal and professional growth.
The final session of Reflection 2023 was led by Carol Pais, a practising lawyer and freelance Soft-Skill Trainer. Pais delved into the subject of motivation, employing interactive activities like ‘stacking of Jenga blocks’ and ‘touching the wall’ to engage students and deepen their understanding of motivation. She encouraged introspection and self-reflection by posing thought-provoking questions, inspiring students to contemplate their perspectives. Pais’s innovative approach left students with a renewed sense of motivation and gratitude.
Overall, Reflection 2023 was a well-organized and impactful event that provided students with valuable insights into various aspects of personal and professional development. The event served as an excellent platform for students to retreat and reflect, encouraging them to explore their goals, priorities, and aspirations.
Sarik Ankitha, Dean of student progression coordinated the sessions.
