Change is something that happens a lot. Some like it but some don’t. Sometimes it can be unwanted too. Sometimes it can be hard to accept. Almost all of us had such a situation where we had to give up something due to a small and sudden change. One such change the whole world faced together was the Covid-19 pandemic. It shook the entire world in a matter of days.
Many people lost their jobs and schools were shut down. Many schools started online classes, including mine, and it indeed helped us a lot. But stress, pressure and anxiety started building up among students due to lack of socializing. Not knowing what will happen next always brings up a new fear.
Adaptation is one of the most common and useful ways to overcome change. But in the beginning it is hard, and I can tell that because I have been there. Sitting in front of a screen between four walls might be the solution to today’s problem but it is hard to adapt to.
One thing that helped me overcome this change and adapt to our new ‘normal’ was the M-CLAP or Meru Career, Leadership, life skills and academics program. It helped a lot by giving useful information to survive 2030’s workplaces. Its short and dynamic sessions are well designed to keep us actively engaged. It includes important skills we need to be career-ready.
There are a lot of things that books can’t teach. Those concepts were introduced in these sessions. Some of the activities were also conducted by classroom discussions which I always find fun and engaging. Another good thing is that we also learnt things that are very relevant in today’s times, like how to reduce screen time and the importance of stress- relievers. Sessions also included fun- activities.
One of the sessions we had was about peer pressure. In the sessions, we learnt that peer-pressure can make us do things that can harm us and others. I felt that there was no need for that session in today’s virtual platform. But I was very wrong. I know, because I myself faced peer-pressure even though I was attending classes from home. Many of my friends are a part of social media and they play many cool online games. They wanted me to do that too. I knew this was wrong and could cause consequences as our teacher had already explained it to us.I learnt how to say no to peer- pressure during those insightful M-Clap sessions.
This is one aspect of life where M-CLAP has helped me immensely.
By: Lasyapriya