Bridging Different Worlds day 2: Amazing Race, system mapping and a student’s perspective

The first day of the Symposium was brimming with excitement and curiosity as the students from all four universities came together under one roof to start their two-week journey. We started with a quick overview of the symposium booklet followed by a lecture on System Mapping and ended with an Amazing Race, introducing students to their cluster teams.

After a refreshing break, the team-building exercises helped the members to engage with each other, design work strategy, interact with their mentors and dwell deeper into the content of their respective cluster topics.

This informative session was followed very innovative pitches (five more to go!) Each proposal was unique and well thought out. Topics included building water pumps, implementing menstrual cups, community based mental health clinics, food security and open defecation. All the projects were well presented, and each met with a big applause.

Finally, the day ended on Thottam beach.

Interview with WILLIAM BRADY, Assistant Dean of Research and Academic Services, School of Global Studies, Thammasat University

What message do you have for the students attending the symposium and how do you think this experience will help them in future?

I’m awestruck and really impressed with the work and contribution of the students and I’m really optimistic for future global health practitioners. Keep up the good work, work together, use your skills, ask questions and take decisions as a group and improve your communication and negotiation skills as the students are the future decision makers.

The symposium will help to lay the foundation to work in organizations and consortiums in future. This is a platform for future global health professionals to gain exposure and share their innovative ideas.

Student spotlight: NOA LASHEVSKY

Noa is a Global Health student from McMaster University who decided to venture out to Maastricht on student exchange. She is currently in the Traditional Health cluster in the symposium.

Both institutions played a huge role in shaping my experience in the Global Health program and seeing these two worlds merge today at orientation felt incredibly wholesome. It was also unreal to finally meet my Foundation group members in person after working so closely with them online.  Jumping to hug a stranger you’ve never technically met – yet who is equally excited – is weird and exhilarating at the same time. 

Perhaps something I look forward to most is getting to know the other students and faculty here at Manipal beyond strictly professional or superficial interactions.

Though I reckon that it’ll be impossible to connect with everyone in only two weeks?, I hope to make meaningful friendships with those I do come across.?? Many times in highly social spaces, we tend to make small talk: ask for each other’s names, academic backgrounds, and perhaps in this case, what kind of work we will be doing for our thesis/ practicum. But as the Little Prince puts it, “what is essential is invisible to the eye”. I am curious to learn people’s stories of where they come from, their hobbies, and favoritecolors and perhaps above all if they are looking for a sheep! Part of the process of transcending boundaries and “bridging our different worlds” is to genuinely get to know each other’s worlds and this is something I’m eager to explore both during and after this symposium.?

The Student Communications Committee