CHANGE – THE PATHWAY TO GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION

The Centre for Counselling and Health Services conducted a session in which Ms. Munira Kachwala and Ms. Lama Abbas, Department Counsellors for School of Business and Management, addressed the first-year BBA students of CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa. The session was organised to provide support during the critical transition into university life, a stage that brings with it excitement, hope, and curiosity, but also uncertainty, adjustment challenges, and emotional strain. With the theme “Change – The Pathway to Growth and Transformation,” the session aimed to guide students in embracing change as a stepping stone towards resilience and personal development.

At the outset, Ms. Munira acknowledged the wide spectrum of emotions students often encounter while beginning a new academic journey—ranging from enthusiasm and optimism to nervousness and doubt. She emphasized that transitions, though at times overwhelming, are valuable opportunities for self-discovery and growth. She encouraged students to reframe challenges as formative experiences that prepare them for both academic and personal responsibilities in the years ahead.

Throughout the session, students were guided to reflect on the real and practical difficulties they may face during their academic journey. Drawing upon the lived experiences of seniors, Ms. Lama highlighted coping mechanisms to address such challenges with a positive and solution-focused mindset. The message was clear: obstacles are not barriers, but opportunities to develop strength, maturity, and adaptability.

The discussion explored a variety of important dimensions of student life. Self-care and wellness were underscored as essential practices for maintaining balance. Issues such as homesickness, financial management, healthy relationship-building, and the risks of substance abuse were addressed with openness and practicality. By engaging in candid conversation, Ms. Munira and Ms. Lama normalised these concerns, reassured students that their struggles are valid, and reminded them that seeking guidance is not a weakness but an act of responsibility and courage.

An important feature of the session was its focus on building a reliable support system. Students were encouraged to connect with peers, seniors, faculty, and mentors to create networks of trust and encouragement. Ms. Munira reiterated that no student is alone in this journey, as institutional resources such as the Centre for Counselling and Health Services remain available to provide continuous support. By weaving real-life examples with interactive dialogue, the facilitator ensured the environment was safe, inclusive, and conducive to sharing.

The interactive structure of the session made it dynamic and engaging. Students actively participated by sharing perspectives, posing questions, and reflecting on personal experiences. This not only enriched the session but also deepened their sense of belonging to the CHRIST community. Many students expressed that the session gave them greater confidence to face challenges while offering practical coping strategies and reassurance.

The session concluded with an encouraging reminder that change, while challenging, is also transformative. Students were urged to embrace their university journey as an opportunity to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, while developing resilience that will serve them throughout life. The assurance that support is always available reinforced a culture of care, empathy, and inclusivity.

This event marked a meaningful beginning to the academic journey of the new law students, establishing a supportive foundation and reflecting the university’s values of holistic development and transformation.

Conclusion:  

The event fostered appreciation among students and staff for the campus nurses’ compassionate service. It strengthened emotional connections, highlighted the role of nurses in student well-being, and deepened the relationship between CCHS and the campus community.