Group Dynamics I

Organized by the UPV Peer Counselors, the first group dynamics of batch 2007-2008 seeks to facilitate the freshmen into coping with university life.

Freshmen first huddled into several small groups where they share their experiences, problems, and fears. They also got to ask the upperclassmen assigned to their groups about teachers, subjects, and all the ins and outs of college life. Group activities and games were held to break the imaginary barrier of shyness.

After the small group activities everyone gathered at the lobby for the big-group activities. Everyone wrote on a piece of paper the things that they wanted to let go. These may be unnecessary fears, bad habits, anxieties, etc.

Next, everyone picked a hand-shaped cut-out with a random number written on it. Each one searched for their pair whose hand contained the same number. On their cut-out hands, they wrote promises which they must keep. Promises to study well, be a better person, survive college life, and many more. Pairs exchanged hands and exchanged promises. They will keep a check on each other to make sure the promises are fulfilled.

Lastly, all the Hall 1 residents participated in the ceremonial burning of the pieces papers where they wrote the things they must let go of. More than a hundred pieces of papers went up in smoke. Letting is a process and absolutely more difficult than just burning paper. May the sight of the smoke tapering to nothingness be an inspiration.