Feature

Holy Cross College: A Tribute to My Alma Mater

Selina Parveen Rahman

Holy Cross, a name, or is it just a name? No, it's not. It is an institution in itself. Born in 1950, Holy Cross College was the brain-child of Sister Augustine Marie, a great visionary who devoted her whole life to enlightening and inspiring the womenfolk in Bangladesh. But for me, it has a deeper and far-reaching implication. For me, the very name is a proof of my existence today; a proof that I, too, have been and will remain a part of this whole universe.

When did it all start? Now, let me think. It all started back in 1973. It was a tough time for us, the whole family, after the liberation war, being uprooted from one shelter in a small town and having gone through the hardship of re-locating in the capital. I still don't know from where or whom my parents heard the name of Holy Cross School, but I will remain ever so grateful to them for taking me and my younger brothers and sister to take the admission test at Holy Cross School. That was the beginning. I journeyed through the three years and the SSC exam at the school and then sailed through the two-year Intermediate course at the Holy Cross College with a very good result in the HSC examination.

Although I did not realize it at that time (I was too engrossed in the academic curriculum and other extra curricular activities and too young to be philosophical about it), the institution imbibed and instilled in me a set of values and principles, truth and beliefs. Those years at the school and college passed amidst strict rules and discipline, under the ever-vigilant eyes of Sister Joanne, Sister Marian Teresa, Sister Joseph Mary and Sister Perpetua. They were always there, constantly reminding us about our duties and responsibilities, about our traditions and cultures, and above all, about our mission, i.e., the search of truth. The young mind at that time failed to perceive and comprehend all that, may be at times was bored and rebellious (which was quite normal, I guess). I don't know how much I heard at that time, but I do believe that all those sayings, all those good advice, all the reprimands found a firm and permanent seat in my heart and soul. Over the later years at the University, the teachings bore fruit and guided me towards my goal.

My joining as a lecturer at Holy Cross College was another milestone in my relationship with this highly acclaimed institution. I stepped into the premises of Holy Cross College one fine morning in November, 1989, with a hundred butterflies fluttering in my stomach. The very thought of working in this same institution where I had been a student gave me a feeling I could never express. I was THRILLED. Then the next thought occurred to me. My teachers were now my colleagues! I will be sitting next to them at the same table? For a couple of weeks, I simply couldn't bring myself to sit there beside them, shy and awed as I was. So I took a seat on the sofa at the back. I was always praying so that I could uphold the trust Sister Joseph Mary had placed in me (It was she who appointed me first). Gradually, I settled down, thanks to all my colleagues, office staff, dadas and didis, and above all, my mentors like Sister Marian Teresa and Sister Joseph Mary. And over the years, (it's been seventeen years now), I can proudly say that I have made a place for myself in the enormous work-wheel here in this institution. This institution has brought out the very best in me. I have toiled and served towards the betterment of the students and the institution. I have given my best to improvise my teaching method and my own self as well. I recall with gratitude all the love and appreciation and care I have received, both from my co-workers and my students here which I can never repay in my whole life. It was here that I made lots of friends, and the relationship grew stronger with each passing day. It was here that I lost some of my best teachers and colleagues, and I had everyone to share the grief with. It was here that I saw and welcomed the birth of a new generation. Every day there has been something new to learn and take lesson from. Every day there has been some new happenings to be jubilant about. Every day was a new beginning.

I was into the seventh year as a lecturer when I became a member of the Holy Cross College Alumnae Association. I had heard of the association but never did take any interest in it. It's where I met Sister Rose Bernard, the Advisor of the Association. After working for the Association for ten years, I strongly feel that my relationship with Holy Cross would have been incomplete had I not met Sister Rose Bernard. She stands firm and erect, leading the Association from the front. Here is where I have come across some wonderful people, our alumnae friends, whose selfless and wholehearted effort has raised the spirits of hundreds of students. Here is where I have learnt to work as a team. I started as the Recording Secretary, and finally served the Association as the President. Together with the alumnae friends, we offered scholarships for the needy and the meritorious, held seminars, organized annual lunch and meena bazaars, collected and donated money for the flood-affected people, and all these activities gave me enormous satisfaction. The Golden Jubilee of the college in 2000 gave me another opportunity to work for the college. I can never forget the joy and the enthusiasm with which we all worked hard to celebrate the grand occasion. The three days of celebration is for me a life-time achievement. Just the thought of having had the privilege of being a part of it gave me a new meaning in life.

The years 2005 to 2007 my life in Holy Cross College reached a higher and more meaningful level. These two years added color and vitality to my relationship with this institution. My daughter, Nabila Fairuz Rahman, became a student here at Holy Cross College. She brought with her all the sweet memories of my college years. Whenever I saw her sitting in the class, or walking down the corridor, or playing in the field, or singing on the stage, my mind would wander back to the carefree days I had spent here as a student myself. It seems to me that she is the stamp that has permanently sealed my bond with Holy Cross College. Now that she has passed her HSC Examination successfully with a GPA of 5, I can proudly say that Holy Cross has given me the opportunity of making a friend out of my daughter. Now both of us can sing the same song to our Alma Mater while attending the alumnae functions.

Words would really fall short if I try to portray my true feelings for Holy Cross College. Teaching here has been extremely satisfying. I have come across some brilliant students, many of whom now hold important positions in the country and abroad. It gives me immense pleasure whenever my meet them and hear about their achievements. I share their joy and happiness and feel proud that my effort has not gone in vain. As of today, the girls are putting in all their efforts to glorify the name of the college in every field academic as well as extra-curricular activities, with a 99.59% success rate in the last HSC examination. Of course, there were times when teaching became tiring and trying, with the number of students increasing every year. But then again, it is extremely difficult to even think of leaving this institution. My name is closely attached to my Alma Mater, and our bonding has become inseparable. Holy Cross College is, and will always remain my first love.

The writer is, Asst. Professor
Dept. of English, Holy Cross College

* A house divided against itself cannot stand.

* A woman is the only thing I am afraid of that I know will not hurt me.

* All I am, or can be, I owe to my angel mother.

* All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind.

* All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.

* Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure.

* Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.

* Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.

* Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?

* America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.