WEP 2019 – Experience/Learning – Students’ Account
Our Schools
Our Work Exposure Program (WEP) 2019 is in progress, and the students of Ekya Schools, CMR National Public School, and CMR National PU College are having some professional time at their summer internships. Our students are placed in reputed organizations such as; Advance Education & Computer Services, XLR8, Olive Planet, Play Arena, The Green Pocket, Goobes Book Republic, Vita Beans Neural Solutions, Arius Holidays, Photomojo, Reap Benefit, Bengaluru FC, Lodestar, Crazy Holidays. Many NGOs such as; U&I, Sandesh, Avasar Foundation, Key Education Foundation, Diya Foundation, Indus Action, Udhyam Learning Foundation, CRY-Child Rights and You and Reap Benefit have accepted our students for summer internships.
In this blog, we have shared the students’ account on their experience and learning at WEP 2019.
Diya & Ashmika
Interning at Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled
We would like to share our experience and the knowledge gained while working at Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.
Here are the following things we learned during the work exposure:
- Ensure you come early on your first day so that you don’t get gloomy thoughts about yourself and the first day.
- Writing formal emails when you require leave or any sort of permission to be taken.
- To be ready to work as per the task assigned at any given point of time.
- Working with new partners and cooperating together
- Always communicate to the point, so that you don’t end up causing any misunderstandings between your team and Manager.
KEENISHA
Interning at Green Pocket (Organising summer camp for children)
The GreenPocket is a beautiful and creative place for the kids to just enjoy and spend some happy time. Surrounded by trees and nature it is a tiny little place for the kids to re-energize. We do many different activities every day ranging from dance, craft, swimming, storytelling, wall painting, field trips to spending time with the pets around. I am enjoying my time here along with the kids and have started to feel like a kid again. I thank WEP and The GreenPocket for this lovely opportunity for me to explore my childhood again and learn lessons on teamwork and unity.
AYUSH ARYAN
Interning at Bengaluru Football Club
I have been working for almost a month now in The Bengaluru Football Club (BFC). The work assigned was tiring as well as challenging, but it also got the best out of me. Be it inventory management, inventory stock, data entry, and being a part of the media team indeed felt great and working India’s richest football club has enriched my experience as to how remarkably excellent the club has performed in previous tournaments. I also got an understanding of the management functions in a firm and this experience would surely benefit my career in the future. I am thankful to the CMR Group of Institutions for providing me with such an amazing experience and opportunity.
NIDHI SAMUEL
Interning at Photomojo
The Internship programme is going on pretty well. Every day, we learn new things and most of all we get a lot of practice. It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m glad to be a part of this amazing company.
GAYATHRI
Interning at AECS
I am learning Web Design in the internship at AECS Academy (ARENA). I also learned how to use Word press to make different websites, and the mentors here are kind and approachable.
RAYAN
Interning at Olive Planet (Store for Military Gear)
I am having a great time at my internship. The place where I intern at, Olive Planet is a lovely place and I’ve learned a lot since joining. The people here are super helpful, encouraging and teach me new things.
PRANAY REDDY
Interning at XLR8 (Indoor Sports Arena)
The working environment at XLR8 is really good and I am thankful for the work exposure program for such an initiative. It is all going good!
MUSKAN RASTOGI
Interning at Vita Beans
My internship is going on very well at Vita Beans. I have been working on a common project called “Parentship Activities” which is based on different subjects such as; Maths, Science, Social Science, and English. We work in groups of two people with a unique topic based on the above subjects. We were asked to think of an activity based on the topic and fill all the relevant sections in Google Docs. I am now working on some special projects, and create content for social media. My experience of Interning at Vita Beans in an office environment along with professionals is wonderful. I learned how to be social and how to interact with people. This internship also helped me to advance my thinking ability and interaction skills.
ANIRRUTH V
Interning at XLR8
It’s been four weeks since I started my internship and I’ve learned a lot during this period. It’s been a nice experience where we get to learn about some new sports like paddle tennis and handball. We were given the task to handle the summer camp for kids where we monitored and guided the participants. It’s a nice working environment and I thank the work exposure program for introducing such an initiative.
AMINA MISBAH
Interning at Lodestar Career Guidance
The people here are really good and kind to us. My experience at Lodestar career guidance is really amazing. We learned how to do excel sheet works in a better way. I have learned how to research in a better way. We have learned how to coordinate with people. I am really thankful that our college gave this opportunity to us.
KRITI SENGUPTA
Interning at Diya Foundation
I am working at the Diya Foundation assisting the intellectually disabled people on their fine motor skills and art. This internship has really exposed me to a large section of society that I was not acquainted with. I have never met or worked with intellectually disabled people and it did take me some time to settle down in that surrounding. At times I would get so anxious as to what to say and what to do, but after a few days, I had started looking forward to going to Diya every morning. I have met so many amazing people over the course of the 2 weeks. One of the main things I have learned is to be more patient and empathetic towards others. So far, I have had a great time at Diya!
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Ekya / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Ekya / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Ekya / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
Adventure at Kodaikanal
Gaze The Stars, Feel The Nature And Be Adventurous @ Kodaikanal
We are pleased to announce an Astronomy Camp for the students of CMRNPS and Ekya schools from 19th April 2019 to 23rd April 2019 at Kodaikanal. The students will have an orientation to Astronomy, night sky observation, star trail photography, introduction to the telescope, Rocketry making and launching experience. The students will also visit Kodaikanal Solar Observatory run by Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Staying in tents and taking part in Adventure activities will be a lifetime experience for all the participants. There will be activities like rock climbing, Zipline, Burma bridge to name a few and many team building games, Rope courses and Obstacles courses. So don't worry if you don’t know what these are, just be a sport and experience. There is also a visit to Shenbagnur Museum with more than 300 species of Orchids and Birds Briant Park famous for varieties of flowers in the glass house. For more information visit: http://amazingholidaysblr.com/cmr-institutions/kodaikanal.htmlMore Stories From Ekya:
KODAIKANAL – AN ADVENTURE TO THE STARS
With our suitcases, all packed, twenty-six excited faces embarked on a journey to Kodaikanal. We boarded a 27 seater A/C bus at 8:45 pm on the 19th of April 2019 from Ekya School J.P Nagar, Bengaluru. We were accompanied by Shanti Ma’am and two tour guides. All of us had fun talking to students from CMR NPS and Ekya School B.T.M Layout. According to me, everybody on the bus slept well, this would keep us fresh and energetic for the next day.
DAY ONE AT APACHE ADVENTURE CAMP [20/4/19]
At 8:00 am, our bus stopped at the end of the Main Road. We got to know that our bus didn’t fit on the road that goes to our camp, so we had to go by jeep.
Four jeeps had come to take us. One of them had our loaded suitcases, and the other three took us to the camp. It was about a twenty minute drive from the Main Road.
When we reached the camp, we were welcomed by the manager and staff of the camp.
Ashutosh, Laksh, Vedant, Arav, Rishabh and I had occupied a tent which had 8 bunk beds. There were two extra beds, so we put all our suitcases in one and all our goodies and valuable things in the other. We also covered them with a blanket so nobody would get to know about our secret hiding place. The tent had an attached bathroom. Every night, we used to decide the order of brushing and taking bath in the morning. On Saturday, I got to bathe first. Unfortunately, I went in too early and the hot water was not available yet.
That morning, after everybody freshened up, we left for the canteen to eat breakfast. On our way we were stopped by two of the tour guides who walked up to us and told us that they wanted to talk to us.
They introduced themselves- Riyaz Sir was in charge of all the adventure activities. And Sneh Sir was in charge of all the astronomy and museum activities that were in store for us. Sneh Sir told us that post breakfast we would have fun while taking part in the adventure activities; including Burma Bridge, rope walking and many more.
After a sumptuous breakfast, with the company of Riyaz Sir, we went down the path towards the adventure activities. After we put on our safety harnesses, we started with the net walking activity; it was quite tough. Then, we walked on a tight rope, on a mini cylinder and even a bridge made out of logs! Zip lining while sitting on a tire was so fun! As soon as we started the zip line, it started drizzling, so we had to postpone the activities to post lunch.
After a power-packed lunch consisting of rice, rasam and many other items, we left to do the other activities. We also had to do some survival activities. We went for tea and snacks. After a short break in our tents, we assembled at the canteen for the bonfire. We had a nice time playing Chinese Whispers, singing and dancing. We later had dinner and talked for a while. We went back to our tents and had a party. We shared all the goodies we got from home. According to me, day one at our camp was fun and adventurous. We slept at 11:45 pm, after sharing horror stories!
DAY TWO AT APACHE ADVENTURE CAMP AND THE HILLS [21/4/19]
We woke up at 5:45 am and freshened up. At around 7:30 am, post breakfast, we went for a trek on the beautiful hills of Kodaikanal. We went down the hill, through large trees. An experienced farmer and Riyaz Sir accompanied us on our way. Many of us got stuck in twigs and roots, but still managed to make our way to our first checkpoint-the waterfall. Shanti Ma’am took many pictures of our group while all of us were posing. Our second checkpoint was the hilltop. This was the first time in two days that we got a strong enough network connection to speak to our families.
We went back to the tents and freshened up for lunch. After a hearty lunch, we left for rock climbing. All of us did an exceptional job by climbing above our height.
Before the tea break, we made rockets with Sneh sir. We were given all the materials needed. He taught us the fuel and chambers of a rocket. He told that the fuel for our rockets was a dangerous chemical called ‘Dihydrogen Monoxide’ and if it fell on us, it would harm our skin. Cautious but excited, we were ready to launch our rockets. All of them went really high and some of the ‘chemical’ fell on our skin. We panicked a lot and asked each other if our skin looked different.
Sir later told that he tricked us! It was nothing but the water [H2O]. We had a good laugh! Then we started our next task-making a sky wheel, which acts as a guide to locate constellations. We had to cut and stick paper. We noticed that many Harry Potter characters were named after constellations like Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, and Bellatrix Lestrange. We later had tea and cake. Then, we went back into our tents and rested for a while. At around 7:00 pm, we assembled at an open and leveled area. Five people were sleeping and refused to come. We were there to learn how to assemble the parts of a telescope. We were able to magnify and find stars and constellations. Looking at the stars was quite fun.
At around 7:45 pm, we went for dinner. After having hot and fresh Masala Dosas, we back into our tents and rested for about a couple of hours. Later, at around 9:30 pm, we were called near the telescope to observe the Moon and its craters. All of us were talking about the Rabbit on the Moon. We had to wait for about fifteen minutes for the clouds to clear up before we could see the Moon. The Moon definitely had to treat all of us for waiting to see it! We went back into our tents and slept by 11:30 pm.
DAY THREE AT KODAIKANAL [22/4/19]
After freshening up by 7:30 am, we left for breakfast. A jeep came, and it loaded our suitcases as we were leaving the camp. We hopped on and went towards the bus. We boarded the bus and left for the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. Over there we learned about the layers and spots on the sun and how the telescope can magnify the sun. We then had lunch at a restaurant. After lunch, we left for the Shenbagnur Museum of Natural Sciences. The animals were real, but not alive- they had been preserved. Then we went to Bryant Park. We observed different types of flowers. We played running and catching in the open ground. We left the park at around 5:45 pm. Before dinner, we played some songs on the bus. At around 7:15 pm, we went to Domino’s Pizza for dinner. We played some word games while eating. We left Kodaikanal taking with us all the good memories we shared there. This was around 8:15 pm.
TO CONCLUDE:
This trip to Kodaikanal was absolutely amazing. I would like to thank Shanti Ma’am, Ekya School and our parents for giving us the opportunity to explore Kodaikanal. We were sad after leaving Kodaikanal but at the same time happy reaching home.
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