The Next Big Step: Moving to Mannar College

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have often heard people say that change is the only permanent thing in our lives. Well, it is indeed true, and you finally get to realize it when you experience it by yourself in life. Goals, priorities, relationships tend to change through the years, and it is good. Today, I am writing this article after experiencing one of such changes and decided to share it with my readers. It has really been a while since I wrote a blog post on my life experience.

A year ago, joining Lady Doak College (LDC) as an assistant professor was the biggest step of my life. After completing five years of college, it was time to set my ball rolling as an adult. Commitments and responsibilities became a priority as I began my first ever full-time job. As a college student, I always liked the concept of work, that really pushed me to enroll myself in various free internships and part-time jobs when I was still in college. But this time it was for REAL, I finally had a job that paid my bills and helped me have a voice in the society.

With my Hostel Students

As everybody would probably agree, getting placed and being able to serve my alma mater was one of the gratifying experiences. Being able to work and mingle with people who nourished me and touch the minds of the upcoming generation was even more rewarding. My period in LDC wasn’t only about teaching, I also got an opportunity to serve as a residential warden and take care of 96 students under one roof. Though the offer was initially intimidating, the privilege started growing in me that I remember the days with my hostel students as one of the bestest parts of my life. I relish them even today and miss them. For a year and a half, I had to spend my days getting used to the new pattern of life. There wasn't homework or exams, but I had tests. Life tests every day on how I create and solve my own problems. I had to learn, learn people, the situation and prepare myself every day. Thankfully, I got to meet and rely on a few who took my side and helped me through the run. Experiences and relationships have got better definitions and are not as complicated as they were when I was 12. I got to absorb and comprehend how organizing and multitasking works and am still in the process of learning. Setting aside the unfamiliarity of the new role as an adult. I did enjoy the perks of being one and got a hang of it.

After completing my teaching tenor in LDC, I had to pack my bags and return home. The break initially felt like the time I needed to rejuvenate myself but sadly, the leisure did not please me as I expected it to. I stayed at home for almost a month and a half, mostly binge watching, gobbling homemade food and the rest by getting anxious about what is next. Days started moving slow and I began worrying about the uncertainty of life. Eventually, I started applying for different jobs and was open to new opportunities.

The Opportunity

I remember telling myself that God will surprise you with a new chapter but will never disappoint you. It did happen when I picked up a call from one of my well-wishers and then my to-be Ph.D. guide. A. Ramasubbiah, whom I fondly address as uncle, gave me an opportunity to join the Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College for the rest of the academic year. I was genuinely happy and equally nervous. Being a Doakian (student of LDC) for half a decade and then becoming a faculty in the same institution felt like a huge step in my life but this offer made me realize that the actual shift in my career is yet to come. Like every other young adult, thoughts crowded my head, and I was extremely anxious for no reason. My parents were equally confused but were more involved in planning the next move. The college was pretty far from where we live so we decided to opt for accommodation. Though I was moving back to my hostel routine, things weren’t going to be the same. My concerns were more on the new institution’s circumstances. To be more honest, I was shy and way more alarmed of meeting my first ever co-ed batch of students. Thank God, I was able to gain confidence in a day and groom myself for the new phase of life.

My First Session at Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College, Madurai

The New Rhythm

I still remember my first trip to Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College as a faculty. In my dad’s car, all dolled up, I took deep breaths during the entire journey. I have been to the institution prior but when the doors opened this time, it hit me differently. My head was muddled yet I managed to step down once I reached. “All the Best! Give your Best!” my dad wished me with a bright smile. Well, that is appreciable, but I was expecting him to drop me right in front of my department and ask people to take care of me like you do to a kindergartener. I agree, I am not 3 anymore but still…

As our car drove past me, I gave a blank stare at the building, inhaled and stepped forward. I met my guide first and had a quick word with him. Of course, he was so happy to see me and so was I. He was generous enough to encourage me and promised me that he will guide me in every possible way which gave me a sense of relief. I had a huge smile plastered on my face as I greeted my new colleagues in the department. The staff were warm and welcoming. They offered me a seat and assured me that they are there to help me out. I couldn’t be more grateful listening to those words.

A few of my colleagues at the college

I had my classes since day one and was all over the place. As people instructed, I did manage to find the correct classrooms. Woah! What a Day! I am not lying when I say I was taken back after meeting the students. The enthusiastic faces kept me motivated. Frankly speaking, I was maybe a little intimidated at first but as days go on, I think I got a hang of it. It was and is different yet, in a good way.

After two days at work, I moved inside the hostel. I was very much glad to have the company of a senior, whom I got to know through a mutual friend. She was a full time Ph.D. scholar and together we have already started making some of the best conversations/memories of our lives. We crash in each other’s rooms, laugh out loud, roll on the floor, munch anything we get, rant, gossip and most of all, she is my comfort space whenever I need someone. Thanks to her, a few of my colleagues and my students I befriended that I don’t feel like an alien anymore. I was also fortunate to meet my college senior as my colleague and fellow table mate in the department. Her presence cushioned the time I spent adapting to the new work ambiance. It still warms my heart on how some of my fellow staff and even students kept checking on me when they got to know that I stayed in the hostel. Questions like “Did you sleep well?”, “Ma’am, did you eat?” and “Do you feel comfortable here?” always kept me busy in the mornings. Those concerning questions made me feel belonged and loved.

The Ladies of the Department (Look at me with my new ID!!)

In a few days, I got used to the rhythm of my new space and started vibing with it. My mornings started with a chill playlist and a cup of coffee. My classes were busy and so much fun. After an engaging day, I come and laze with my beloved hostel mate. The receptive audience at class kept me motivated to give my best with my lessons and soon, I started enjoying this new beginning. I got to overcome my petit fears even before realising them. Though I do miss my old days in the LDC compound as a faculty and my dear girls, don’t we all agree that changes are all part of life? Carrying all the precious memories and relationships, here is to the new start. Now, I am pretty excited to keep going and can’t wait to see what this new phase of life has in store for me.

With my Hostel mate, Deepu Maaa!

Being occupied with the new segment, I never got the time to write anything and penning down my new story seemed to be the best way to brush things. I remember writing a blog when I first joined Lady Doak college as a student titled “Two Weeks as a Doakian” expressing how excited I was to become a college student on campus. Now, after six years here is a similar write-up explaining how I am getting along with another institution. I am sure this new chapter is yet to surprise me with more blessings and experiences. Hopefully, I get to encourage, educate, entertain and be a blessing to the organization and its community as it is to me!

Wish me the Best!

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