Making decisions about life

One of the things I often see among young people is the so many times, in their life while at University, they are faced with multiple decisions. The decision making process can be done quickly while at other times, it can take a few days to contemplate. This is especially decisions on academic progress. Students may make decisions on less complicated matters such as attending classes, participate in assignments or work in groups. There are more serious decisions that affect their academic programs like quitting school, falling pregnant, being involved in toxic gender relationships, etc. Therefore, having someone else, who has gone through these life matters, talk to you.

Part of the DWU campus in Madang town

The Communication Arts students were fortunate to have someone in that caliber speak to them to provide a heads up and motivate them in their academic progress in the afternoon.  A Communication Arts Alumni Mr. Jeremy Mark travelled all the way from Lae to come speak to the students in Madang. He met with 30 students or so, especially third and fourth year students about the changing media landscape in the country and how students should prepare themselves for the realities of life before graduating. It was a great learning experience when a graduate spoke to them - those who are just starting their journey - so it makes the lessons in class seem more relevant and purposeful. Jeremy last completed his Bachelor in Communication Arts in 2004. I did write his story on my other blog a few years ago here 

Jeremy Mark to the Communication Arts students 

Some students pose it Jeremy Mark

Jeremy now works in Lae, Morobe Province and travelled with his wife and three kids up to Madang.

Jeremy and his wife Grandlyn Mark also took time out to talk to the student body in the evening. The DWU Student Services Department together with the Chaplain run a psychoeducational program which focuses on students' life, learning, communication and social relations. 

Yesterday night, the topic was on 'healthy relationships' and the students got to hear from the two graduates - Jeremy and Grandlyn Mark. I loved how they gave their own versions of their story and the advice to students on managing life, love, relationships and knowing their first obligations to parents who put them there in the first place. The evening session was insightful, funny at times and outlined some key strategies to deal with relationships, especially for young people. 

Grandlyn Mark tells her story about life and social relations

Jeremy Mark talks to the student body

It is always important for DWU Alumni to come back the University to provide and give back by running sessions like what Mr and Mrs Mark have done. It helps students develops and reinforces beliefs around hard work, being resourceful and being grateful for the opportunity to get an education at a place like Divine Word University. 

Here is a short video documenting their talk to DWU students: