Peer Treasure 2018

Peer Treasure From the Peer Educators of 2017-18 Vol VIII

Director’s Message The impact of peer influence during adolescence can absolutely be used to create positive attitudes and a permeation of a strong and healthy value base among the youth. The Peer Education Programme is one such programme offered to the students of CHRIST and I am very happy that the results are gratifying. Life after the Peer Education Programme brims with exciting possibilities. A Peer Educator is called to play many roles: Friend: A peer educator is called to be a friend who is capable of lending a patient ear to those who need to be heard. It calls for non-judgemental listening with an assurance of confidentiality, empowering another through the ability to empathise and counsel. Educator: A peer educator is called to empower through education on issues of health and the environment, helping others make healthy and safe choices. Influencer: A peer educator is called to be a role model to those around, leading by example. Stigma-buster: A peer educator is called to be a myth and stigma buster, challenging beliefs based on superstition and rooted in inequality, dispelling myths and confronting unhealthy attitudes and behaviour. Game changer: A peer educator is called to find new paradigms and cause a ripple effect, taking on challenges that will benefit mankind. It is my sincere wish for each of you to discover the inner strengths that will enable you to take on these roles, remembering always, that small steps can be the beginning of big change. I appreciate the counsellors, mentors and all you Peer Educators for your active involvement and participation in Peer Education Programmme - 2071-18. Dr Fr Viju P. Devssay, CMI Director, Center for Counseling and Health Services

Editors’ Note One of my teachers once The Peer Education Program was a journey that took told me” Smooth seas do each one of us through the realm of realization and a not make skillful sailors”. new understanding of how we perceive life and took our Never give up, and be mindset to much higher level. It was an unexpected confident in what you do. wonderful journey , which I would like to experience There may be tough times , again and again. The lectures we attended were so but the difficulties which effective that it made us shape ourselves in such a way you will face will make you that whatever comes our way, we are all equipped with more determined to achieve the ways to tackle it in every possible way. your objectives and to win against all the odds. Are As the notable Peer Education Program, the Peer you ready to bring a change Educators of 2017-18 are proud to publish PEER in your attitude? TREASURE , a student magazine which focuses on some of the experiences , lessons , poems andPeer Education is a distinctive program offered by illustrations. It throws light on the experiences andChrist University, which provides students with a learnings through its colourfully constructed pages.platform to showcase their inner self in the bestpossible way. Not only this, it empowers them to face I would like to thank all those who have extended theirthe harsh actualities of life and makes them more whole-hearted help and contribution to this magazine.connected to human mind. In this program , students I would also like to thank all those who have beenare trained to provide a helping hand to the fellow peers instrumental in making Peer Education Program ain resolving conflicts and managing emotions. Peer huge success and transforming the lives of manyeducators model positive youth behavior , affecting Christites.social norms as well as model constructiverelationships between adults and young people-- Happy Reading!!qualities which are all too rare in our society. Rudresh Batra BA LLB Editor, Peer Treasure 2017-18

Contents The Undeniable Truth.................................................................................... 1 Addiction ......................................................................................................... 2 When You Love Yourself................................................................................ 3 A Better Person............................................................................................... 4 Personal Safety Tips....................................................................................... 4 Unspoken Battle ............................................................................................. 5 Self-Esteem ..................................................................................................... 6 Those Small Little Things.............................................................................. 6 So Relatable! ................................................................................................... 7 My Experience as a Peer Educator ............................................................... 8 Toxic Relationships ........................................................................................ 8 Thinking Good Thoughts ............................................................................... 9 Appreciating Oneself .................................................................................... 10 Mind over Matter.......................................................................................... 13 Body Basics: It Starts with You .................................................................. 13 An Unexpected Life Changing Experience ................................................. 14 Peer Education and the Academia .............................................................. 15 Identity in a Relationship ............................................................................ 16 My Filter of Fear........................................................................................... 17 Peer Education Experience.......................................................................... 18 The Prisoner.................................................................................................. 18 Handling Criticism ....................................................................................... 19 Never Good Enough...................................................................................... 20 Inner Demons ............................................................................................... 20 Angry? Breathe it Out or Craft it Out! ....................................................... 21 Snippets......................................................................................................... 22

The Undeniable TruthVidhya Reddy. N, II BCBFor as long as I can remember, I I would feel guilty when I treated the distressed, lonely state I was in, my loved ones with disrespect; I and was willing to do anything towas always reserved around people would constantly over-think become a better version of myself.whom I didn’t know well. I would be situations, both negative and All through the PES course, I neverunusually silent and even develop positive. I was growing sad and felt more at home. I was inspired byan inferiority complex around depressed due to my insecurities, the insights into the differentstrangers or people whom I found not meeting my full potential or my aspects of a person’s personality,beautiful. loved ones’ expectations. I seemed self-esteem, sexuality, body image, to disappoint myself and others the “pillars” of relationships, theThen came puberty and around me, time and again. dangers of substance abuse andthings became worse, as, I wanted to change; I wanted to be addictions, and much more. Thealong with the growth free from all that was holding me “inner child meditation” exercisesspurt that made me back. I sought the help of enlightened me about what myconscious about my height, councillors, my parents and even inner child wanted - attention, the internet, in vain. acceptance and affection. I neededI also developed excess When the peer education course to give to myself all that I felt that Ihair growth and acne on was made aware to me, I saw a ray lacked. It was me, and me alone,my face. I was the tallest in of hope. I wanted to free myself from who could free myself from the self-my class and began tosabotage my own postureby keeping my back bentand neck pulled forward inorder to appear shorter. Ialso remember avoidingtalking to boys as I wasparticularly self-consciousaround them.My inferiority complex hitrock bottom in my early teenageyears. It made me be extra nice toall people, but I ended up beingtreated like a doormat. The fewfriends I had soon started to avoidme, probably because I was clingy.Being extra sensitive inrelationships didn’t help, either.The various achievements that Iaccomplished would onlymomentarily boost my self-esteem.Peer Treasure 1

imposed chains that bound me. I In the end, this is what I carriedhad to fight for me, because, nobody with me - I deserve love and I amelse could. capable of doing many beautifulMy fellow course mates had their things. I have to respect myself byown battles to deal with. Through being kind to my mind and body. Ithe course, I met many beautiful have to make peace with myself andsouls, who fearlessly faced their support, love and take care ofinsecurities. Listening to some of myself and, only then, the otherstheir experiences, I began to feelblessed to be me and realised how around me.positive some peoples’ outlooktowards life could be, howeverhopeless the situation.AddictionHimanshu Singh & Manish Kumar, II CMEDrug addiction is a problem that has been increasing Most people probably think of addiction to drugs asexponentially in our society today. primarily a moral or character problem that stems from a lack of willpower. Yet, as I have learned in the PESMost people feel they are too bright and too much incontrol to become addicted, but addiction can trapanyone, cause bodily harm, fragment families andcontribute to delinquency in society.We are greatly influenced by the people around us andtherefore, it comes as no surprise that the leading causeof teenage drug abuse is peer pressure. Peer pressurerepresents social influences that affect us, eitherpositively or a negatively, depending on what path onefollows. These influences may be direct or indirect - theperson is actively encouraged into using a substance, orthey begin using the substance to gain acceptance intothe group, or, being constantly around people usingdrugs, they begin to feel that there is nothing wrongwith it.Adolescents who use drugs typically seek the companyof others like them, thereby reinforcing peer influence.2 Peer Treasure

programme, addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a behaviour but rather to treat this behaviour as anphenomenon clouded by many myths. Scientific illness.research has led experts to believe that addiction isactually a brain disease, much like any chronic illness There are many treatment programs available forlike diabetes or hypertension. addiction, varying depending on the severity of the addiction and the compliance of the patient. It isThanks to the vast advances in technology, we are now essential, however, that the patient is made aware thatable to conclude that addictions do cause changes in the he has a problem and is motivated to seek and acceptbrain. Overcoming addictions includes major lifestyle help.changes and often professional treatment. It isimportant to stop blaming people for their addictiveWhen You Love YourselfFatima Syed Liyakath Ali, II BCB When you love yourself Other with similar self-love will reach you Let them. Exchange levels of love with them... Eventually your self-love will Also become something they love. Learn to love yourself again. For self-love is greater Than love than that any other person Can give you.Peer Treasure 3

A Better PersonSanchit Santosh, II BComI applied for the peer education progress into the course with ease.course with one simple motive- Among the many topics discussed, the one that impacted me most was the session on self-esteem. The highlight of the course for me was the visit to theto understand the problems that Kengeri Campus. It was a beautiful, peaceful, environment filled with greenery and was a welcome break from our routine lives. For me, the exercisepeople face in their daily lives of finding the inner child was the crux of finding inner peace because it made me realise that the child in me has shaped who I am today and therefore, Iand to learn how to help them. need to take good care of it by giving him love. While I was trying to seek love from others, I didn’t realise that I had love inside me and knowing that thereHowever, when I attended the is someone to love brought me inner peace.sessions, I realised I had Peer education has helped me become more composed and has made me value my relationships more. It has also helped me realise that I needed to createproblems of my own that I boundaries for myself.needed to resolve before I could I am truly thankful to Christ University for providing me with this elective and to the counsellors and PES for making me a better person today.think of helping others. This wasmade possible through theguidance of our counsellors andthe sessions that were designedto make it easy for us to getcomfortable with oursurroundings and allowed us toPersonal Safety TipsKaushik Amrit Raj, II BCom-HPersonal safety means keeping one of your main senses (hearing)yourself safe from physical harm or which could be a disadvantage.even the threat of physical harm.Today it is very important to know  Your body language shouldhow to keep yourself safe especially be confident (shoulders back andwhen travelling alone. chin up) and not give away the fact that you are scared. Make eyeHere are some precautions you can contact with a stranger and don’ttake to keep safe: break it. Be alert and aware of your  Keep your belongings safely; ifsurroundings and what’s you’re carrying a bag make sure all the zips and compartments arehappening around you; avoid closed properly; wear your bag in front if possible.listening to music when walking onthe road because you are cutting off4 Peer Treasure

 Be calm and don’t panic, note of the exit points and doors return, check for any signs to show soon after you enter, so that in case that your drink may have beenespecially in case of a of an emergency, you can make your tampered with.robbery/mugging. way outside easily instead of panicking.  Join self-defense classes. Use It’s best to give up anything a  In cases of stampedes, don’t go the SING & RUN technique whenmugger or thief demands threatened. SING is an acronym forand cooperate, because material against the crowd or stand still, go the parts or areas of the body whichthings can be bought or replaced, in the same direction as the crowd are most sensitive and will causebut nothing is more important than and at the same time, try going to maximum pain with the leastyour safety or your life. the outer periphery by moving amount of force. These areas are: diagonally. Remember as many details of S – Solar Plexus  In case of a terrorist attack,the incident as possible and report I – Instepit. follow the RUN, HIDE and TELL rule– run to a safe hiding spot, N- Nose Scream “Fire!” instead of “Help!” switch your phone to silent and call and inform the police or family G- Groinor “Save me!” as this would draw members as quietly as possible.people’s attention more. Once you have struck your blow,  Use apps with SOS features, remember to run and get away. The If going out alone, inform idea is to hurt your attacker to buy Facebook check-in and emergency enough time to run away and savesomeone about where you are going, contacts. yourself.give them an alternative contactnumber, call and inform them when  Never leave your drinkyou’ve reached and call before youleave for home. unattended; ask someone to watch your drink when you have to leave When going to concerts, to go to the restroom. When yourestaurants or clubs, make a mentalUnspoken BattleFatima Syed Liyakath Ali, II BCBIt's crazy how far I've come over the years; It's an unspoken battle, filled with much strife.I've accumulated scares and shed many tears I asked myself why, as I look at my scars;From punching holes in walls, and cutting my skin, I beg God for answers, as I look at the stars.To being the happiest I've ever been. I know only this: my life had a reason,God only knows how much I still struggle; Even if it means I go through tough seasons.Sometimes I feel like my world's about to crumble; My life isn't over, I've been given a new meaning.But now I can look and I can find the light, If I sink into depression, I'll just keep on swimming.Despite all the demons I fight in the night. In the deep waters of life, you are bound to find shore;Many are like me fighting themselves for their life. Keep yourself afloat, just a littlePeer Treasure 5

Self-EsteemUdei Pratap Singh | II BCom (Hons)In this modern era of technological abuse, bullying, etc. All these themselves, missing out on newrevolution, mindfulness and self- events leave a deep mark on the experiences and opportunitiesesteem seem to have taken a back child, leaving them stunted in while feeling powerless to changeseat. With modernization, the terms of self-esteem. things. All this lowers their self- esteem still further, sucking themessence of respecting and honouring Lowered eyes, a drooping head and into a downward spiral. Low self-oneself has seemingly vanished. the hesitancy to talk are signs of low esteem can also lead to mental self esteem. A person who lacks self diseases such as depression,Low self-esteem can be deeply esteem is more prone to anxiety and anorexia nervosa, bulimia and tends to exaggerate events as being various other disorders.rooted, with origins negative. They tend to see the world as hostile and themselves as its Confidence and self-esteem go handin traumatic childhood -experiences victim. As a result, they are in hand. The lower the self-esteem, reluctant to express and assert the lower the confidence and vice-such as prolonged separation versa. You should constantly work on increasing your self-esteem by counting your strengths, for example, or recalling your various achievements. Practicing self-acceptance is one of the most important ways to increase your self esteem. If you accept yourself for who and what you are, then your self-esteem will be boosted naturally.from parent figures, neglect(emotional or physical), sexualThose Small Little ThingsPaarvathi. M | II CBZEver had that one somebody, the a million gifts on your birthday but smile from my best friend after I’vebrief glimpse of whom can make that special someone’s wishes made had a bad day. This made me realiseyour day? Ever had what seems like your day? Sometimes, all I need is a how big the small things are - those6 Peer Treasure

small moments that matter the with friends doing absolutely So, appreciate the beauty of themost sometimes. nothing. On the other hand, can small little things in your life. Life barely remember what my first year gives you many chances to showWhen we are busy with achieving,we should not miss out on the little CIA topics were. All I remember is people how caring andthings of life. If you were to ask me spending hours completing them. compassionate you really are. Grababout my most striking memories at Well, they are important too, these opportunities, keep givingChrist University, I would recall the because they our academic people small little surprises andtreks I went on, the SWO duties I successes largely depend on them, make your bonds stronger.took up or the lunch hours I spent but it is the small things that shape our personality.So Relatable!Dharini Krishnan | II BCZWalking into the seminar hall filled with mobile mannequins; but in this course, was a very intense unveiling of ournew faces, I was curious, confused and almost all of us left behind the mask we subconscious minds. That, really, was aeager all at the same time; but little did I wore in our daily lives, really became memorable experience. It hit me hardknow the magnitude of change the Peer self-aware and accepted our flaws one by when I realized that almost everyoneEducation Programme would bring about one. Not only were topics like self- there was going through some sort ofin me. As a girl who was quite confident esteem, self-acceptance and relationships problem and our counsellors embodiedabout herself but secretly hated opening spoken about quite openly, sensitive this bright beam of sunshine and gave usup in front of people, I surprised myself issues like body image and reproductive the green signal and the path to becomingby signing up for this course. The last health were also touched upon. It was better individuals. It was then that manything I expected to do was confess how I reassuring to have young adults like of us realized that the only peoplereally felt about something or share a myself, acknowledge the fact that they standing in our way are us.personal experience. However, to my did not fit into society's image of a perfectsurprise, many of my peers came forward man or woman but more importantly, that Mental health is as important as physicaland shared their experiences along with they did not have to. health. It involves a conscious, proactiveme and that, I think, made this course effort to make healthy changes in one’sunique. The highlight of our journey was the life in order to become mentally sound exploration of our subconscious minds. individuals. One the most significantLeaving aside the details of the course Through a few meditation techniques, we facts was that through this entire journey,and the wonderful counsellors who were able to identify and explain nuances I was never alone. This programmeguided us through it all, I cannot but of our current selves based on helped me put things in place and I am somention the way my course-mates really experiences from the past, whether very grateful to my teachers and my peersopened up and allowed us into their little positive or negative. I knew there would for being a part of this journey.subconscious world. In college, walking be a lot of tears; truth be told- I evenpast people is almost like walking past expected a few rants, but what emergedPeer Treasure 7

My Experience as a Peer EducatorRoshni Ravi Prasad | II BCZBeing a shy introverted girl was never understanding about others but also made me the unique person Ieasy, but for the most part of my life, I’ve was and my insecurities noalways remembered being this way. A myself. I managed to do huge amounts of longer existed. I slowly sawgirl who was low on confidence and high introspection and I leant that I was good myself becoming moreon insecurities, it gradually took a toll on confident with every day thatme and I really wanted to do something enough just the way I was and all my went by. I went from being aabout it; and that is when I decided to shy, awkward caterpillar tograb the opportunity to become a peer insecurities were a leash that I was being a beautiful, vibrant andeducator. putting around my own neck. I confident butterfly. understood that I didn’t need anyone’sI was always told that I was a great validation and I started accepting myself I’d like to end this by sayinglistener and I often helped friends with that being a peer educatortheir problems and so I thought that being for the person I was. Suddenly my flaws made me the best version ofa peer educator was exactly what I weren’t flaws anymore, but things that myself and taught me muchwanted to do. With some hesitation and a about life and everything that comeslot of determination I decided to sign up along with it. From making me a morefor this programme and soon found out confident and poised person to being ablethat I had been selected. to give the people around me a helping hand with their problems, becoming aI joined the programme with the intention peer educator has made me a betterof learning to help others but I learnt person in every aspect and I would do itsomething far more important - I learnt all over again if I had the choice.how to help myself. Being a peereducator not only gave me anToxic RelationshipsKanika Kumar | II JPEngIf there is any doubt in your mind about whether or not your ‘friends’ are Toxic friends can make lifetoxic, then they probably aren’t good for you. They might just be miserable. From making you‘acquaintances’ or ‘hang out buddies’. submissive and insecure, to pressuring you into doing things,Consider the four pillars of a healthy relationship – trust, respect, toxic friends can become the silentcommunication and commitment. A good amount of all the four dictators of your life. True friendshipcomponents constitutes a healthy relationship. Friends should be able to is built on mutual respect, while atrust each other, depend on each other and be committed to each other. toxic friendship will leave you feelingFriends should be able to sort out their problems by talking about them wronged and inferior. In some cases,openly and honestly and never hurt each other deliberately. you yourself might be the toxic8 Peer Treasure

friend! Be aware of the true nature of your relationships, and the role you If you feel like there is room forplay in each of them. change, try talking directly to the person about it. If they are stillIf you are wondering if your friendship defensive about their actions or theywith someone is toxic, consider how the do not permit a third partyfriendship makes you feel overall. Do intervention and refuse to accept thatyou feel jittery every time you meet the there is a problem, you officially haveperson? Do you feel uncomfortable a toxic friendship.giving your opinion? Do you feel likeyou have no say in any ‘mutual’ How do you deal with a toxicdecision that is taken? Do you feel the friendship? You don’t. Stand up forneed to hide certain things from them? yourself, and make it clear to theDo you sometimes end up complaining other person that you will no moreto your other friends about them? Does tolerate their behaviour. It takesthe friendship make you uneasy much immense courage to do so, but youof the time? must start distancing yourself from the person. Approach someone youNever put yourself through the disastrous ordeal of trying to be with trust for help and advice. Accept thatsomeone who is toxic. You may be highly attached to the person, you the friendship is not meant to be. Amight understand their tragic past, and you may make flimsy excuses for toxic friendship is never a friendshiptheir behaviour. If you are friends with a toxic person, the friendship itself to begin with. Surround yourselfis toxic. You are doing yourself a great injustice by allowing yourself to instead, with people who love, respectcome second in the friendship. and support you.Thinking Good ThoughtsVarun Mudur | II JPEngFor as long as I can remember, my the other, everything we learned Listening and experiencing thegoal in life has been to be happy. I was aimed at a person’s ultimate conversations at our meetingsbelieve that happiness is ultimate happiness. The course was much wasn’t enough; an optimisticaim of man and can be achieved about how we needed to rise beyond approach to life was crucial. Itwhen an individual wants it badly the expectations and pressures of would be futile if one preached aenough. This also means that an society and the world at large. Self- healthy mindset but didn’t use it forindividual needs to have an themselves in their daily, hecticoptimistic state of mind as often as esteem, body image, relationships, lives.possible. drug abuse, sex education and a whole lot more was gently I believe that it is extremelyIn my Peer Education Programme, impressed into our personalities, important for a person to be inI learnt a lot more than what the transforming us into new and complete touch with his/her owntitle portrayed. I realized early in emotions. Lots of people, especiallythe programme, that in one way or enlightened people. adolescents, think that they’ll bePeer Treasure 9

happier if they pushed away the One must develop the confidence to Happiness and positivity work gonegative thoughts that traversed believe that everything will be hand in hand. If you are regularlytheir minds, but deep inside, alright no matter how bad the optimistic about the tiniest ofeveryone knows that unless a situation. Everyone knows life has things, you’ll be happy and content.feeling has been addressed its ups and downs, but it takes an If you’re happy about things aroundsuccessfully, it will eventually optimistic being to believe that the you, it is bound to positively impactreturn. ups will always outlive the downs. the outcome of your future.Appreciating OneselfName | classI have always wanted to look more beauty are ephemeral and are experiences with me, because itlike my mother, much like many constantly making a large made me realise, preachy andyoung teenage girls I know. For me, population feel inadequate. I also clichéd as it may sound, that I hadit was all about the long legs and realised that while I grew up spent so long thinking about what Ithe clear fair skin; I had spent so thinking that my mother was lacked, that I failed to focus on themany years of my life just wishing I perfect and couldn’t possibly be many good qualities I did possess.had been a few inches taller and did insecure about anything, she had, Ever since my mother and I begannot have to deal with thestubborn acne that would in fact, grown up being extremely sharing our feelings with eachconstantly target my nose shy, conscious and very reserved, other, we have developed a greaterwithout mercy! What I did while I, on the other hand, had intimacy. It put many things intonot realise, however, was always been confident girl and perspective and helped me look atthat the very same outgoing despite my insecurities. people in a more honest, acceptingqualities that I longed for, I am extremely thankful that my and forgiving light.used to make my mother mom shared her stories andfeel awkward and strangewhile she was growing up.In my book, tall girl meantpretty girl, but it wasquite the opposite for her-she was often made fun of; relativeswould call her names such as ‘palmtree’ or ‘electricity pole’, saying thather height made her unattractive.I couldn’t fathom how anyone couldfind my mother unattractive, until Irealised that the standards of10 Peer Treasure

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Mind over MatterNikitha Joan Rodrigues | II CEP Paint a picture comprising of happiness Not false promises Listen to your heart and chose to be different Don’t follow the herd just because you want to fit in Believe in yourself Leave the rest It is the mind that matters Not words spoken as banter Matter, yes you matter ‘Cause in the end life begins and ends With whatever you have to offerBody Basics: It Starts with YouAntara Khaund | II CEPSeveral times a day, I run my if”, every feeling of inadequacy and pieces? It begins from within. Itfingers through my hair, hunting every second guess makes that little starts from self-acceptance,down those strands that betray the devil grow until he becomes a however herculean the feat maystyle that should be; I cringe when I parasite that feeds on any sense of seem. It starts when we stop lookingthink that my double chin may be positivity and confidence that I for ourselves in the reflections ofvisible; I try to hide my flabby arms have. And yet, despite knowing all other people but look inwards toin pictures by posing sideways for a of this, I continue battering myself find ourselves. It will take its ownmore flattering angle. The and letting that little parasite reign course of time and while we mayperennial thought of appearing as over me in all its glory. feel like giving up, every little stepanything less than what I want to paves the way.project, scares me more than Self-confidence can never become arevealing my GPA to my parents! reality if one becomes accustomed It is easier said than done. EveryEvery second something like this to putting oneself down. So how scar, every stretch mark, everyhappens, the little devil in me called does one know when enough is blemish on your body tells a story-insecurity starts blowing up like a enough; and how does one draw the of survival, of challenges andhelium balloon. Every single “what line and put back all the broken hurdles and how you overcamePeer Treasure 13

them. Your body is the most rather than being remorseful about in the measure you let it. Look inbeautiful part of you because it the way it turned out to be. the mirror and tell yourself that youdoesn’t lie. It may hold secrets, but are enough. Look into the mirror You are made up of energy that canthey are all yours to see. Your body ignite and spark off incredible and accept yourself and your bodydeserves the love, care and possibilities. It all boils down to how unconditionally, because it willattention that you should give it, you sustain and reflect that energy; never let you down. Learn to love yourself, because it starts with you.An Unexpected Life Changing ExperienceSimran Gupta | II BBA-HonsWhen I first enrolled in the Peer It was only when I had been in life: ourselves. All this, coupledEducation Certificate Course, I stripped of my defences, that I was with the warmth and friendlinesswas told by a senior that it would able to notice both my flaws and of the counsellors and mentors,be a life changing experience. I was strengths alike. With the help of made it all the more easy for us toskeptical, yet excited. It my peers and my mentors, I was face years of pent up fear andsounded like a good course, able to harness my strengths to negativity.but “life changing”? Those help improve my weaknesses. Thewere some pretty big words. course itself had been structured My favourite part of the in a way to help us get out of our course had to have been theIt was only when I had comfort zones and face what could meditations. The way the be considered our biggest obstacles mentors had us break downexperienced the course first our defences and expose our wounded hearts to healinghand that I began to realize and then growth was a unique and powerful experience.the weight of those words. A fair portion of the courseUnlike most other certificate was conducted at the Kengeri campus. Our overnight staycourses, this one did not cover allowed us to enjoy the large open spaces and greenery,topics like Oral bringing us closer to nature and further elevated theCommunication Skills or Job feelings of peace and wellness. Exploring the campus duringSkills Training. In fact, when our free time was quite fun and our meals were tasty. All in all, theI first heard of the course, I experience provided a welcome escape from our daily lives.was under the impression I remember speaking with mythat, like the name suggested, course-mates after the sessionsit would be something to do Peer Treasurewith supporting andmentoring peers in andoutside of the classroom; but itwas so much more than that. PeerEducation gave me a platform tocompletely break down the walls Ihad built around myself, and forthe very first time, I exposed thevery core of my being.14

and through our conversations, we knowledge in a specific field. The regular basis. I can now say withall seemed to share a feeling of course starts off by working on confidence that the PES was truly“lightness”. It is something that your very core as a human being, was a life changing experience.cannot quite be put into words. It developing you from the roots,was as if an invisible force that had slowly moving focus to your Words cannot begin to describe mybeen weighing us down, one that interactions with the environment gratitude to the mentors andwe had previously failed to take around while nver losing sight of counsellors for giving me thenotice of, had been done away ‘the self’. opportunity to be a part of thiswith. This feeling only grew as the wonderful experience. If it weresessions continued. The teachings of the course I will carry with me for the rest of my possible I would like to take theThis course is about much more life. To my mentors and to myself I course again!than merely enhancing one’s vow to keep practicing them on aPeer Education and the AcademiaAnisha Maitra | II Eng HonsA lot has changed over the past individual is different and has his but becoming a mere facilitator inyears in terms of education and its own unique way of learning. the process. Another fairly newboundaries. We have state of the art There is a need to realise that developing idea in the academic space is Peer Education.technology in most educational learning is no longer a linearspaces today. However, state of art process. We hear of new ideas such Peer Education seems to be verytechnology, or, for that matter, as vertical development, which is a popular, in terms of spreadingrevision of the syllabus every year, kind of learning that provides awareness about social issues suchdoes not fundamentally guarantee personal skills to cope with a as drug abuse, sexuality, genderthe development of an individual. rapidly changing environment. We issues, relationships, child abuseThis is mostly because each speak of the teacher no longer etc. With young minds that arePeer Treasure remaining at the centre of learning fruitful and powerful; two individuals who share similar social backgrounds or life experiences, would be able to help each other better than two individuals who didn’t. While the old conformist educational system mostly centred around rote learning and memorisation, Peer Education has enormous scope because of the endless possibilities it opens up: it provides the exchange of ideas 15

among peers, it is cost-effective, the who had the desire to learn and communicate more openly withpeer educator learns new skills educate modelled responsible their peers who would be seen aswhich would help him hone his behaviour that motivated other more understanding, approachableleadership and communication students as well; and for students and helpful than a “teacher”.skills, and so on. who became peer educators, it helped them in experimental Being a peer educator not onlyThe relevance of peer education lies learning and professionalism. made us more aware about life andin the fact that in institutions the difficulties that may come ourwhere peer education was given a Peer Education is a very effective way, but also helped us understandchance, students were seen to be method of learning, as individuals people and how to help those inmore regular to college; students would tend to interact and need.Identity in a RelationshipViren Luke Radhakrishnan | II BT CSEvery Christite is familiar with the “You cannot love someone you need, “No matter how much you lovemultitude of fests, events, because you should not needworkshops, and activities that someone you love” - In a world someone, you can only be one of theregularly happen in our campuses. where neediness and dependenceWhile the pursuit of excellence in between the partners in a two people in a relationship” - Youthese and in academic fields relationship are exalted andsharpens the mind and body, the glorified, I stand by the belief that cannot define how the other looksPeer Education Programme is one love, in its complex and intricatethat sharpens the heart and soul. I nature, requires that the partners at, feels, or thinks about you,consider myself lucky to have been in a relationship be able to “beable to attend this very life- independent, together”. I firmly because by the very definition of achanging programme that helped believe that true love blossoms andme not only redefine my life-views, flourishes when the partners do not relationship, you can only be onebut also helped me redefine my stay with each other out of a senseidentity. of neediness or dependence, but out partner. This double edged sword of a sense of synergy- being able toIn my opinion, one’s boundaries are grow faster when together, than allows one to experience immensethe externally invisible part of one’s when apart.identity, defining and establishing joy when their expectations areone’s presence in the world. Here I believe that when you need theare some of the valuable life lessons person you love, you also essentially satisfied, but immenseabout boundaries in relationships give them the power to destroy you,that I learnt from having attended having given up the key to your dissatisfaction when theirthis program: identity. expectations are not. I believe that16 the solution here is to be self-aware, controlling the only person that you can change, yourself. “Love yourself more than you love your partner, because you never know when your partner may stop loving you” – I believe that the prerequisite to being able to unconditionally love another is that you should be able to unconditionally love yourself first, something that many people Peer Treasure

struggle with. I believe that relationship will allow one to cope for all the small things in my life, with and survive any turbulence things that I often overlook andunconditionally loving someone that may come along. take for granted. I now understandrequires you to be stable and The Peer Education Programme that what I already have is usually taught me how to be more grateful always better than what I think Iindependent, physically, need.emotionally, and financially. Thisindependence of identity in aMy Filter of FearHarshita Katoch | II BTCSOne day somewhere, my loneliness was with meAnd a bit far away we could seeSomething shining very brightBut it was high on a hillIt was my future, my loneliness saidAnd suddenly everywhere darkness spreadBut still that something shoneSuddenly, came a voice from somewhere, calling me a moron“Don’t travel, its dark today”, it said“You may not find your way.”I looked for the voice everywhereBut no one was thereStill I travelled further, thinking of the voiceI wondered if, by walking further, I had made the correct choiceI wondered who it could be who warned me like thatWas it someone good or was it someone badJust then my loneliness told me to close my eyesTo look within me and to my surpriseI could see the devil in me known as fearHe was the one who didn’t want me to reach thereSo I asked my loneliness what to doHe said that the answer was also in meIf I was really determined to reach my goalThe path leading to it will be automatically shown by my soul.Peer Treasure 17

Peer Education ExperienceShruti V | 4 BBA-BThe peer education course, simply stated, was a and most importantly, letting go of the fear of beingwonderful course where we discovered ourselves and judged. We had some amazing teachers whoalso helped our friends to get to know themselves accompanied us through this journey. I have gainedbetter. It was a unique and insightful experience to be immensely from this course; I have completely gottena peer educator. We made new friends and gained over my stage fright and also have a more positiveimmense knowledge about various topics such as self- outlook towards life. I had the opportunity to boost myesteem, self-confidence, how to handle relationships, self-esteem and my self-confidence. This was a life-setting boundaries in relationships, managing anger changing experience, something I will cherish forever!The PrisonerMahima S |II BA LLBI am the prison guard. this massive And yet I've never left this prison.In my pockets, Every cell of my body, has melted and merged into every cell of this prison.lie the keys to every entry and exit ofprison. I am the prison guard. In this prison is my freedomBeyond the giant walls of this prison for here,is the richest market in the world. I am the master waiting to enslave the sinner. In here lies my autonomy.Men draped in robes walk in wide streets, I listen to none but the King.selling gold and diamondsin exchange for laughter and wine.18 Peer Treasure

This prison is as huge as the garden of Eden. but the King\", I say.And yet, this prison held no prisoner; And as she laughed mockingly,until one day, the sun found his way to light her face,I entered the dungeon. and I saw me.And into its darkness I stepped. I am the prisoner.I saw none but heard her voice,\"A weaker soul you've found, you coward\", I turn around in confusion, seeking my King.said she, \"to merely prove yourself stronger\". He appeared there like the crescent in rainy night.Puzzled, I look around to spot the source. Now I hear another mocking laugh.\"let me go\", she ordered.\" you know I can't escape anyway, \"My King?\"for you're the only one who knows how to crack themaze\". The laughter got louder as I walked closer to see my master.\"I obey none, woman, And I see me. I am the King.Handling CriticismNishanthini. R | II BA LLB (Hons.)Whenever we think about the future or about taking risks, one thing that you from taking risks. If you handleoften comes to mind is the fear of criticism. On the other hand, when we criticism positively and believe inget worried or sad about a past event, the advice we often get is not to yourself, then nothing can get in yourcare about criticism. way.If you think about it, The best way to handle criticism is tocriticism is not accept it with a smile. Beingentirely bad; it confident about your work shows thedepends on how one amount of strength and self-takes it. If you do not awareness you have. Thisbelieve in yourself, automatically stops anyone who triescriticism can give rise to put you down.to self-doubt, makingyou afraid to take risks. If, however, you are aware of your strengths and Self-confidence will help you to neverweakness, criticism doesn’t matter. Before starting something new, you be worried about taking risks.may tend to think about the criticism you could encounter and this stopsPeer Treasure 19

Never Good Enough Inner Demons-Tanya Bharti | II BBA LLB Janhavi K.M. | BBA LLBYou say too much fat is bad, They say don’t let them in,Too thin? Oh girl you look like a lad, Close your eyes and hear your thoughts again;Too tall, do you play basketball? But when I am all alone,Too small, didn’t you drink Complan at all? The demons, they don't go;Too much cleavage, must be a s*#t, They are a part of me now.Too flat, could be a tomboy butt, But my inner demons’ weaknesses lie within me.Old and pretty must be a cougar, They cheat, they lie, they devise;Old and single, must be a loser. But today I won't lay down and take itToo many pimples? Drinking water will be fantastic, And today I won't give up.Too clear skin, it must be plastic. Today I stand for myself and my inner demonsToo loud, must be impolite, For their weaknesses lie in my love for self.Too quiet, must be the shy typeToo much makeup, must be a faker,Too little makeup, honey, buy some makeupToo long hair, \"is this like, religious?\"Too short hair, are you even serious?!Too long clothes, must be a prudeToo short clothes, no morals! So rude!Guess what? You will never be happy,If you keep wanting an ideal body type (there isn't one)Everyone is perfect in the eyes of someone,Instead of being like someone else,Try being the best version of yourself.(Or not, even that is great!)20 Peer Treasure

Angry? Breathe it Out or Craft it Out!Vibha Ghaty Sreesh | II BA LLBSpeak when you’re angry and Do not suppress anger. However ityou’ll make the best speech you’ll is important to vent out anger in aever regret- Laurence J Peter healthy mannerThe emotion of anger is not Breath control: Take deep breaths,always a negative feeling to inhale and exhale, bringing yourexperience. In fact, being angry breathing under control in order tocan be a positive outlet and think in a calm and composedtherefore should not be ignored. manner. Yoga helps in this regard.However, having rage can resultin harm towards oneself or others Take a brisk walk. It is often betterand is not healthy at all. to avoid the situation for a while and take a long brisk walk in theSome of the usual physical outdoors. This helps one to feelresponses to anger include the relaxed and also to re-think thebody becoming stiff, the face matter calmly.turning red, profuse sweating,lack of control, altered speech, Count to 20: This gives you enoughstammering, etc. time to regain your composure.Anger needs to be managed Write it down: Maintaining a diaryefficiently by adopting various helps in venting out and thus helpsanger management techniques. you recover faster.Here are a few techniques thatcan help manage one’s anger: Seek professional help: Seeking professional help from a counsellor can help you battle anger over a period of time. Close your eyes and count to tenPeer Treasure 21

SnippetsThis course helped me become the The PES program molded me into Variances in mentalities will notconfident person that I am now. I a rejuvenated human being, be resolved until they are spokenhave seen how meiraculously this making me aware of the about freely, for what is in one’s course can work if you put your mind is best understood when out challenges in life and helping me mind and soul to it. Now, I am understand the right way to in the open. We must try to confident enough about myself express our feelings and opinions and most importantly, I respect approach and tackle them. It gave without any expectations. When me a whole new perspective myself. the mind speaks out loud and regarding relationships. It made clear, all the differences will Tarang Narayan | II BBA Hons me realize that challenges and positively reach an acceptable conclusion, filling one’s co- difficulties are a part of existence with happiness again. everyone’s lives but it is important to continue to strive Mohana | II JPEng towards achieving your goals with passion. Jithin Antony Joseph | II BT CS There is a saying that there is The art of understanding the I will always cherish my Peer always light at the end of the other person and discovering Education experience. I've become tunnel. Peer education was their strengths and weaknesses isdefinitely a light for me when life easy, but it is very difficult to more confident in my abilities know yourself, it takes a long and have become more outgoing seemed all dark. The peer time to know yourself and loveeducation program does not tell a as an individual. I've learned yourself. We tend to much and I know it will impact person what is good or what is underestimate the importance of my future in a big way. There bad for one, it simply guides the knowing ourselves. Many of us go have been many great times I'veperson towards the best outcome. through each day reacting to shared with my fellow Peers. This course has helped me to events and just getting by rather Having a group of people who are prioritize and has made me realize the importance of the than making conscious choices willing to listen and contribute people in my life. It has instilled based on who we are and what we and just be there for me has beenin me the courage to face my fears and resolve my personal issues want. a fantastic experience. I can’t from which I would earlier have thank the university and my run away. It has helped me Tejaswini Patil | II BALLB counsellors enough for their understand my self-worth, constant support in guiding us to increase my self-esteem and become better individuals in accept the person I am. society. Sagarika Shetty | II BALLB Palak Kasturi | II BBA22 Peer Treasure

CHRIST Design: hilltopcmi Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029 Karnataka, India www.christuniversity.inPeer Treasure 23