Adapting to digital learning as a Great Laker

October 9, 2020 | Posted by BPR Team << back to blog

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid has 3 amino acid bonds – namely adenine, guanine and thymine. Confused as to what DNA has to do on a B-school forum? If we think about it, DNA plays a major role in every aspect of our lives. There is a force ruling over us that created you, me and the whole universe. DNA mutations caused the coronavirus pandemic, whereas good DNA resulted in us Great Lakers! Having said this, here I share the story of my journey to becoming a first-year PGDM student at the Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai.

After almost a year of slogging, sleepless nights, hard work and desperate prayers, my dream of being a part of one of the most prestigious business schools in the country finally came into fruition.

Successfully overcoming all of these entrance tests and virtual interviews was quite a task but nothing that’s worth it ever comes easy. But could this victory be celebrated? Thanks to several genetic mutations of viruses, there was a black swan flying really high, called the COVID-19, which brought the entire world to a halt. Amidst all of this chaos began one of the most exciting and probably the final phase of my education.

The very essence of management study is group work and interactive learning sessions. However, the reality of having to go through these processes online can seem quite disappointing.

But here comes the plot twist, I can vouch for the fact that this has been one of the most intriguing and unusual experiences of my life.

Term 0 kick-started with various guest lectures and team-building sessions. Having to connect with people, who we have never met before through virtual media such as Zoom and WhatsApp, is a whole different kind of experience. From working together to compose the batch anthem to having our mini-Zoom parties, Term 0 truly had the right mix of fun and learning.

Sometimes all play and no work can also make Jack a dull boy. Hence to balance the equilibrium… commenced Term 1! We were riddled with bullets (read: assignments!) and life was getting hectic with every passing day. The mornings were spent attending Zoom classes and nights spent trying to cope with all the deadlines and submissions.

In the new normal, group study meant sending birthday wishes over midnight Zoom calls and group projects meant hours of discussion and coordination through virtual meetings. The weekly CCS (Career and Corporate Services) sessions with amazing guest speakers, the stress of online exams, the pressure of applying for summer internships and not to mention, the unlimited fun and fights with our batchmates – all of this happening digitally was altogether an overwhelming, yet enthralling experience!

With Term 1 coming to an end and the dawn of a new term, I hope to learn and create more such memorable experiences together with my classmates – this time hopefully in person!

Written by Vinithra Natarajan, PGDM 2020-2022, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

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