Revisiting Memories and Renewing Passion: A Journey to Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

By Vinciya Pandian (CON Batch ‘92), PhD, MBA, MSN, RN, FAANP, FAAN, ACNP-BC

After twenty-five years, I found myself standing within the magnificent confines of Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, not once but twice, all thanks to my collaborators at Johns Hopkins University. This opportunity, a rare gem, was made possible due to the MOU between Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and College of Nursing (CON), CMC. As I walked into the hospital campus, a wave of emotions engulfed me. The soaring new buildings elicited feelings of joy and awe, yet a tinge of sadness lurked within me as I struggled to locate the old buildings that held many cherished memories.

The warm welcome from Dean Sadan and the CON faculty made me feel like a VIP, and I had the privilege of sharing my insights on the impact of advanced technology in nursing education, writing for successful publication, and considerations for establishing research incubators with the nursing staff and faculty; and my personal journey to nursing leadership with the bright and aspiring nursing students. As part of the JHU collaboration with CMC, I conducted focused group assessments of the nursing community (nurses, nursing students, and nursing faculty) on the mental health needs postCOVID-19 pandemic to establish a virtual wellness center, a vital initiative in these unprecedented times.

CMC has made significant strides in advancing nursing education in South India, and its alumni continue to shine wherever they go, making a global impact. As an alumna, my passion to give back to the College was rekindled, and I feel re-energized. It is gratifying to know that the Aleyamma Kuruvilla Sponsorship fund, established by alumni to support underprivileged nursing students, was indeed worth it. Giving back to the institution that provided the foundation to who I am today is always a joy, be it through funds, time, or expertise. Thank you, CON, CMC, and three cheers for the silver and blue!

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The Glass Palace, once a student nurses' hostel, was particularly dear to me, evoking memories of my wayward ways and the stern reprimands of our hostel warden. I smiled to myself as I reminisced about the days when we would splash in the little pond in front of the hostel or, 'accidentally,' spill water on the warden during birthday celebrations. As I stood in front of the Paul Brand building, I yearned for the familiarity of the old hostel and the CON building. Yet, as I visited the new campus, my heart swelled with pride at the sight of the towering hostel buildings and spacious college building. The memories of my timid beginnings as a nursing student came flooding back as I walked through the halls of the college, re-energizing my passion for nursing, and realizing how far the Lord has led me.