MAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
The Hangout: The stately mango tree
Where it's at: At a bee's line from the Education Block.
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Rush Hour: In between classes
What's to love: A single mango tree stands invitingly amidst the open spaces, beckoning you to its shade even from a distance. The seats circling the tree only make it delightful to lean against the bark and inhale the tangy mango scent while a gentle breeze rustles the leaves and showers you with mango blossoms.
“This is the spot we got introduced and are still getting to know each other,” says Merlin Priya wistfully.
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All freshers, these women are not the average college- goers in their late teens, fretting over assignments and accessories alike. Yet, they're equally delighted to be back in college after a break from campus life.
“Some of our kids study in schools in the same campus. We drop them in school on our way to college,” grins Shamila Begum.
Whether it's looking forward, speculating future prospects or harking back to the past, sharing first college experiences, this lot have sure bonded well together in a short time.
“It's a unique experience getting back to college, after a sabbatical. We were all nostalgic on the first day. It is great being in a college atmosphere, though we have so many responsibilities and commitments now,” pitches in Subbulaksmi in grave tones while Soumya lightens the mood with her dreamy voice,
“Personally, I am impatient for the fruits to ripen. Maybe we can treat ourselves to delicious mangoes in the summer!”
The mango tree, apart from being their favourite haunt, is the resident tree of wisdom. “We are excited about teaching, but we all face some teething troubles. It is here we share our teaching experiences and discuss how to overcome difficulties in the classrooms,” enthuses Azhagu Sundari.
What's not to: The welcoming tree is coveted by students of all colleges in the campus and inadvertently operates on a first-come-first-served basis. So these ‘girls' consider themselves lucky if they mange to steal the seats for a few moments.
Alternatives: Classrooms where they indulge in brain storming sessions on all topics under the sun.