We started the year off on the first day with 10 students and had our graduation with 10 students too – this was pretty special for us! What a delightful group of youngsters getting ready to take on the world in their own special way. Given that our 12th graders were working on their college applications and had several commitments, we structured the class around the specific topics of interest to the students.
We addressed a variety of topics based on what the students wanted to discuss. Students identified: dealing with stress, finding motivation, and handling burnout; then we talked about how to handle guilt, which led to regret, and self-management; the difference between loneliness and solitude and how to be happy by oneself; and life in college. In each topic, we explored how the students understood the issue, how it connected to their lives, and then looked at the Hindu or Vedantic take. At each class session, we had very deep discussions on the topic at hand but also a lot of fun banter among a group of students who have been together since elementary school.
In addition, we directly talked about core Hindu concepts like dharma, karma, purusarthas, brahman, and gunas. We also talked about Hindu holidays, focusing on Diwali, Navaratri, and Holi and the meaning behind the rituals around these holidays. The students always meet us for these deep dives into what can be very theoretical conversations.
In terms of service and extra outings, 12th grade is a tough year for many of these extras. However, the 12th graders embraced the opportunity to cook for Chinmaya at Shadras – the class had planned on a Mexican lunch. However, when they realized that the prior week was also Mexican, they showed their ability to be adaptable and agile by switching to an Indo-Chinese menu. 😀 On the last day of classes, we had a great time walking around Washington Park and ending with a lunch at the Beaverton Food Carts.
The highlight of the year as one would expect was the Graduation Day where we got to see what this wonderful group of young men and women were setting out to do for the rest of their lives. This is a day that all Balavihar teachers look forward to and this year was equally special. We know that this class is all set to take on the challenges that are going to come their way in their own unique manner and make the better place for all of us.
