‘ACFA doesn’t curb a student’s growth with unnecessary restrictions’

Mrs. Renu is a homemaker and mother of Ms. Sumati Arora, Bachelor of Arts semester-one student at the Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar (ACFA). In an informal interview, the mother-daughter duo strikes up an interesting conversation and offer insights into the advantages of online classes, the high levels of commitment displayed by the Professors at ACFA and discuss the world of podcasts. Edited excerpts:

 What made you opt for the Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar?

Mrs. Renu (Mother):  During the time of admission, we had researched about two three other colleges alongside ACFA. We even went to see their campuses but we didn’t like them. We didn’t get a good response from their staff. But here at ACFA, the teachers spoke to us very nicely. We were made to feel very nice and comfortable. The staff at ACFA was very helpful and polite.

Ms. Sumati: As my mother said, we had visited 3-4 good colleges but the moment I stepped into the ACFA campus, I got a gut feeling that this is the place where I want to study. I got such positive vibes from the college campus. I must mention that I got very good results from my decision as well. I am having a very good experience at ACFA, especially in academics. The teachers are very cooperative and don’t get irritated even when asked the same question numerous times.

Ma’am please tell us a bit about Sumati and take us through her progress at ACFA?

Mrs. Renu: Sumati likes to paint, read and listen to podcasts on her smartphone. She makes notes of all the thoughts and ideas which she finds good in the podcasts and books and gradually embodies them in her life.

Ms. Sumati: I love listening to the podcast channel: On Purpose with Jay Shetty. It deals with the various aspects of relationships and mental and emotional health. Then, there is Feel Better Live More by Dr Rangan Chatterjee. He speaks about mental, emotional and gut health. Then, there is the podcast of Steven Bartlett. It is very interesting as he talks about those topics from which we shy away from in our lives. The topics that are not talked about openly in society. In one of his episodes, he invited a sex therapist who explained why teenagers are addicted to pornography.

 I also love to read a lot. My favourite book is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix because there are a lot of things in the book that don’t find a place in the movie.  As a person, I love to gather knowledge from everywhere around me.

I am performing well at ACFA. In the recent examinations held in December, I got 45/50 in General English and 41/50 in General Punjabi. So, you can say that I am on the right track.

Are the professors keeping the students updated and well engaged in the class?

Mrs. Renu:  Yes, they are teaching very well and are giving their 100%. Sumati praises Luvpreet Ma’am the most amongst her professors.

 Ms. Sumati: The teachers here are very nice. They explain everything in detail. I took tuition classes in the first semester but I don’t feel the need for tuition anymore. I have discontinued them.  Luvpreet Ma’am teaches us really nicely. She teaches us General Punjabi. Most importantly, she is like a mentor to us. We can share and discuss almost everything and anything with her.

What do you like the most about ACFA?

Mrs. Renu (Mother): The teachers teach even if a single student turns up in the class. They are totally committed towards educating a student.

Ms. Sumati: In the previous education institutions in my life, I had a lot of restrictions but that isn’t the case here at ACFA. ACFA doesn’t restrict a student’s growth with unnecessary restrictions but neither provides them absolute freedom. There is a balance between freedom and restrictions. I find that as the best thing in ACFA.

What advantages have the online classes given a student?

Mrs. Renu: In the online classes, the teachers call and update the students and also keep a tab on their progress. Clearly, ACFA is living up to the review we received, that a student who studies here will surely have a bright future ahead.

Ms. Sumati: I think the biggest advantage of the online classes is that one can attend a lecture even when one is unwell. A student doesn’t necessarily have to take a leave and miss out on the classes. Though I must mention that I prefer the physical classes in the campus and the social interaction that it provides us as students.