Theme: From Dream To Destiny
"Today is a new day. Don't let your history interfere with your destiny! Let today be the day you stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking action towards the life you want. You have the power and the time to shape your life. Break free from the poisonous victim mentality and embrace the truth of your greatness. You were not meant for a mundane or mediocre life!"
- Steve Maraboli

"We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness."
- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Wings of Fire

Yes, individuals who have dreamt in reaching their destiny have created a new impact in the world, Tarbes Community College renders its service to the society- "to include the excluded and give best to the least" as its motto.

This is a brief report on Tarbes Community College for the year 2016 -17. Tarbes Community College has completed 14 years of its service to the society.

The classroom teaching is always focused on the students' personal development,-giving them self-confidence and forming them as persons of integrity and future leaders. Today's society needs honest and hardworking people who strive to build an India of our dreams- where there is equality, justice, harmony and peace. To assist us in these ventures, we have a team of committed and dedicated staff; we invite many "guest speakers" who address the students, each in her/his own area of expertise.

This broadens the vision of our students and gives them a new outlook, new ideas, challenges them to find new paths, to take a road less travelled. This year we have added singing, counselling and games to our weekly programme and these have helped our students. The interactions with parents twice a year help to improve the relationship between the college, parents and students. The parents are made aware of the performance of their wards and helped to take the necessary steps for their improvement.

The training programme is a mandatory in the college curriculum. Hence for this academic year, the students will venture into their training on the 1 st of April to Sichrem, Bishops house and to other small IT Companies and Organizations.

Most of the former students are doing excellently well in their jobs, getting decent salaries in middle and lower level capacities in IT firms and small private companies. They also pursue their higher studies by enrolling themselves into evening classes.

We, believe that this year too, our young students have great potentials and they dream to their destiny, as they enter the employment scene and into adult life. The world today holds out many challenges and opportunities. We believe that our students will be able to take them in their stride and move forward to their goals with confidence and hope. Today, you will witness what they are capable of doing and I invite you to join us in thanking God for what they have been able to achieve. I also thank all of you, who are part of the growth and achievements of our students.

Tarbes Community College is being registered through ICRDCE (Indian Centre Research Development Community Education)with NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation)through the scheme PMKVY ( Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana). This implies that the students get a certificate from the central Government of india. This will benefit them, who as they can now be employed at the India level and even abroad. This is a step forward from our initial concept of having a community college to help the under privileged.

Coming back to you my dear young ladies and reminding you of the theme of the day- From Dream to Destiny-

Between your dream and destiny there is something- that is the Journey.

To reach your destiny you have to make the journey. But, are you willing to go beyond? Here are some miles stones that you have to reach on this journey to make your dream a destiny.

1. Be willing to Dream
To achieve a dream and reach your destiny you have to first be willing to dream it. Some people never reach thus far.

What about you? Do you have the courage to dream? Or, are you telling yourself, "That'll never happen?" You can't reach a destiny that you don't have. And it's much easier to go through life aimlessly than it is to risk suffering, the pain, disappointment, failur...etc. But, are you willing to take the rough path to fulfil your dream? That's where it starts. Having a dream towards your destiny is one thing and journeying towards it is your challenge.

2. Have a Guide
Though it is your dream, but there are many who will be willing to accompany you to your destiny. You are never alone in this journey. All you have to do is ask for help and guidance.

Even though you may know where you're going, a second perspective is always useful. It can be a family member, friend, teacher, coach, manager or mentor. Find someone who knows the way, who has experiences in life, who will challenge you and journey with you without compromising life's values and enlist them for help. You will never regret it!

3. Leave Your Comfort Zone
If your dream has to come true then you have no other choice than leave your comfort zone. Eventually, you need to move from the realm of dreaming to the realm of acting. You need to make a "no turning back" decision that sets you in the direction of accomplishing your goals and reaching your destiny.

4. Face Criticism Positively
Criticism will abound. For every person willing to help you, there will be a hundred telling you that you can't, this is not your cup of tea. So, you may give up easily even without even giving a try. Take up the challenge and surge on. Who is discouraging you? Is it your parents, friends, colleagues? No matter, who discourages you from your pursuit you should stand the test. Thrive on encouragement, and take all criticism in its stride.

5. Face tough personalities
Challenges will await you as you journey along towards your destiny. Remember you are a woman of strength and should have no room for fear. People will throw their weight on you, during these times hold on to your inner power and integrity. Take risks to do things differently to make a difference and do these things fearlessly. Have no compromises. You may fail, but remember failures are the stepping stone to success.

6. Journey Joyfully
The way of fulfilling your dream should be an adventure. Surely you will face obstacles, yes, but you can still have fun along the way changing these very obstacles into opportunities. The realization of your dream will last for a moment while the journey to reach your destination will be long. Don't lose heart, learn to smile, to laugh and make the journey fun. Avoid stress and exasperation. Love the journey.

7. Move on from this dream
Once your dream is achieved, move on to another new dream. With your past experience keep dreaming new dreams. Remember life is a series of successes. The successful person will keep moving beyond ones one destiny. Be a learner at all times. Tell yourself, Great, I have reached this destiny, what is next? As you continue this journey you will unfold the mystery of God and His very purpose for you. Please remember, all along it is God who is guiding you and journeying with you to reach your destiny.

As someone said:

"Your soul knows the geography of your destiny. Your soul alone has the map of your future; therefore you can trust this indirect, oblique side of yourself. If you do, it will take you where you need to go, but more important it will teach you a kindness of rhythm in your journey."

So, while you dream to reach your destiny, be mindful of the journey you make.
So, I conclude in the words of Ralf Waldo Emerson's:
Sow a thought and you reap an act;
Sow an act and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit and you reap a character;
Sow a character and you reap a destiny.

May our Patron St.Joseph whom we honour during the month of March, accompany you in your life's journey as he did with Jesus and Mary.

SR. HEMA RAJ
Principal

Tarbes Community College