Waves of Growth - A Week of Systems Thinking, Service, and Self-Discovery

Hey beautiful souls!

I apologize for the delayed newsletter last Monday, Coming back from our Himachal adventure and jumping straight into academics was quite the shift. But this week at ISDM has been powerful. I learned a lot, felt deeply, and reconnected with what this journey really means to me.

This Week in Numbers:

• 24 academic sessions across 6 courses

• 48 hours of structured learning

• Perfect attendance maintained

• 85/100 digital wellness score

Seeing Systems in Motion

We began with Introduction to Public Systems. Five sessions in a day, and every one of them helped me see how large systems actually work. It felt like someone opened a window into the hidden machinery that keeps society running. It wasn’t just learning, it was understanding the world differently.

Finding Stillness in New Spaces

We moved to our new PLC room. We started with meditation, and that moment of stillness set the tone for the day. After weeks of travel, it felt good to be grounded again. The afternoon was all about research methodologies and exploring how AI can support academic writing. I’m slowly learning to merge structure with creativity.

Research and Raw Emotions

I met my research interviewer and went deeper into methodology frameworks. But the real learning came from the emotions in our Cohort. There was tension (emotionally heavy), a bit of misunderstandings, sadness, unspoken feelings and honest reflection. Growth isn’t always smooth. Some days it teaches you patience, and others, it teaches you care.

The Joy of Giving Begins

Joy of Giving Week launched. The campus was alive with warmth people contributing, connecting, celebrating. It reminded me that giving isn’t about what we offer, but how we do it. It’s about showing up for each other with kindness.

In Research Methods, we explored “Survey” under our new guide, Priti.
It opened up a whole new way of looking at how people, processes, and purpose interact.

The Systems Thinking Shift

Our first Systems Thinking session changed something in me. It felt like putting on a new pair of glasses suddenly, I could see how everything connects. Nothing stands alone. Every small act, every structure, every mindset influences the other. It’s a subject, yes, but also a new way of seeing life.

Food, Laughter, and Little Moments

We had our PLC lunch together, and it was one of those slow, happy afternoons. Mushroom biryani, laughter, conversations that linger.

Later, we visited local schools for Joy of Giving. Kids painting diyas, Peter singing, everyone joining in, those small moments of joy reminded me why I love community work.

Quiet Renewal, Gratitude and Grounding

I took the day slow. Slept well. Prepared for the coming week. Sometimes doing nothing is what helps you come back to yourself.
And I took time to say thank you.

And a special thank you to you, my dear subscribers, for reading, supporting, and being part of this shared space.

And on this Sunday, a special thank you to Mithila for listening to my stories so patiently. That meant more than words can say.

Digital Wellness Reflection

Leadership and Updates

Social Media Committee: Strategy meeting done
POSH Committee: Honored to be nominated
RI Program: Coordinating field immersion budget for November
Gallery Walk: Working on my life journey presentation

Looking Ahead

Next week brings presentations, projects, and more systems thinking. I’m excited to see how these frameworks shape not just my work, but the way I see people, choices, and relationships.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your presence and support mean a lot.

With love and learning,
Nami🌊

P.S. What’s one idea or framework that changed how you see the world? I’d love to hear from you.