June 14: the day was marked to be the day when the batch of 2011 began their journey of leadership. Till date, we only aspired for this, now we believe that we are on that path with SOIL as the guardian. We began each day with a prayer … holding hands to signify that we all will work hand in hand to overcome the bumps and curves on the road to enlightenment. Every action this week strengthened our bond with individuals and the surroundings, each one of us adapting very well.
Once the formalities were completed and we were officially onboard at SOIL, we began a session with Viji which focused on discussing our Caliper Assessments. We were provided extensive and in-depth explanations of all the traits (Caliper parameters). This brought to our notice several underlying strengths and development areas as well. I actually felt like someone was dissecting my very being and analyzing me deeper than I had ever thought possible! Every trait was explained to show its impact on oneself and to those immediately impacted such as family and others who we interact with daily. It made me re-think many of my priorities and the session was conducted on such a positive note that I thought that nothing would be impossible and this gave me the motivation to change a few of my flaws. We soon got our first home work: to list our strengths and areas of development so that an action plan could be drafted to accomplish it. But the Individual Learning Plan which initially appeared simple turned out to be a challenge as it needed a deeper understanding and analysis on oneself, it was like swimming against the high tides but we accomplished it with the help of our esteemed faculty who gave us the motivation to introspect.
Our learning experience continued with a self leadership session. Sounds simple, but it was a deep process of self actualization, allowing us to visualize our dreams, our being, our purpose of life and understand our values and experiences that make them our own.
The different learning principles on the law of two feet, appreciative inquiry, the five pillars and 5w and 1h principle followed by a one-on-one interaction with our peers formed integral parts of the diagnosing week truly making it a like a complete medical check-up.
The entire week, will be valued and remembered always. A journey well started and truly inspirational in going ahead at top speed to complete this comprehensive and exhaustive one year. And as Robert Frost so poetically put it,
“But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.”
Truly, there are miles to go before we complete our goal, but with the determination and the inspiration that surrounds us, I have no doubt that we can all achieve the highest of honors working as one.. Counting on all of you to hold on to each other till the end of our journey…
Subramaniam S
MLP Class of 2011