Chapter 4
Orientation day at Amber Community College…
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome our very noble, distinguished erudite and colossus of knowledge, our revered Vice Chancellor of Amber Community College, Prof. Vince Nat!”
A thunderous ovation filled the atmosphere as Prof. Vince Nat, known for his exuding panache and admired baritone voice, mounted the podium. There were quite a number of freshmen, including Betty, Lin, and Keisha. As fate would have it, they were seated on the same row—adjacent to each other with Lin seated in the middle between Keisha and Betty. Excitement filled the air. The noise was obviously heard but with the powerful state-of-the-art public address system, Prof. Vince, as he was fondly called, would be more audible. Ling, Keisha and Betty weren’t left out of the euphoria. Keisha looked around the spacious three-thousand-seater auditorium, taking pictures of everyone. She also looked at Lin and Betty who were also carried away by the rave of the moment—the cheering crowd.
Prof. Vince’s baritone voice on microphone signaled some silence.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to wholeheartedly welcome you all to orientation day. It is with honour to congratulate you on your enrollment into Amber Community College: A haven of higher learning. Once again, I welcome you all.”
The audience clapped, including Keisha, Ling, and Betty. Their eyes were fixated on Prof. Vince.
”Amber Community College is situated at the heart of the unique Amber City,” Prof. Vince continued. “Structured with eco-friendly facilities to enhance quality learning, this great institution has provided outstanding education to professionals, celebrities, politicians, and well-meaning men and women throughout the city. They have made names for themselves in their engaged fields, establishing profound niches and asserting their authority and influence. Personalities such as Richard Dunn, Munga Fishers, Kim Kat, Nat Whales, Tristan Ham, Luke Burke, Jim Tat, Maria Lon, Jane Austin, Thomas Dome, the names are nearly limitless, are not only ex-students but have successfully have edified the image of Amber Community College to be one of the top-crested community colleges.
“The pursuit of excellence and character is the bedrock of our mission and vision statements. We are unrelenting in delivering quality education to students, enabling them to think and contribute immensely and meaningfully towards the social, economic, and political advancement of Amber, and by extension, where our old students would find themselves.
“The college’s state-of-the-art laboratories, practical workshops, study rooms, lecture theaters, class rooms are enabling grounds for conducive learning, be it in science, engineering, or humanities courses. Our seasoned academic authorities, with proven records of unparalleled accomplishments, test and trusted in character which are our watchwords, are always on hand to teach, mentor, and nurture freshmen into becoming great tools for societal advancement and to graduate not only in flying colours, but with amazing mental and technocratic abilities capable of taking the entire labour market by storm.
“Our beloved and cherished graduates are one of the most sought-after materials in the labour force. Employers of labour can vouch for the competence of our ex-students, a reflection of our unparalleled teaching mechanisms, how we nurture students, including you! Freshmen, our very treasure, count it as a rare privilege to be enrolled here. We are picky when it comes to admitting students. Therefore, you are at the right place at the right time. Your future is safe with us!
“Knowledge, to us, is reflected in the E.D.G.E concept, which stands for term Empowerment, Development and General Ethics. Our reliable system of higher education is predicated on the three frontiers of knowledge. Regardless of a student’s chosen course of study, the E.D.G.E concept must be reflected. Knowledge is for application and in our creed, for the eventual good of humanity. Therefore, knowledge without the E.D.G.E concept is baseless. We do not comprise on such esteem at Amber Community College. Our professors, coaches, technologists, researchers, in-house scientists, and developers will be on hand to impact you, freshmen, a lifetime of indelible values germane to your growth in all ramifications.”
A loud ovation surrounded the auditorium.”Such an awesome address it is! He must be very intelligent! Of course, savvy!” Lin said to Keisha and Betty.
”I agree. He’s a genius and I’m proud of that,” said Betty.
”No doubt! Prof is for real! He’s on point! I’m happy to be admitted here!”
They looked at each other again. Keisha introduced herself to the other girls.
”I’m Keisha.” She put her hand out to Lin for a handshake.
”I’m Ling.” She responded by accepting Keisha’s handshake.
”I’m Betty. Nice to meet you.” Betty shook hands with Keisha and Ling.
That was the beginning of their friendship.
Keisha, Ling, and Betty listened to the rest of Prof. Vince’s speech, having missed some of what they said as they introduced themselves.
”Freshmen, Amber Community College is here to change the narrative of one going to school to be indoctrinated. We are here to invest timeless values in students while ushering them into the E.D.G.E concept whose outcome would be in terms of being taught what is what learning about. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Amber Community College: A Haven of Learning.”
Prof. Vincent Nat left the auditorium. The attendees took their leave.
Anthony, a final-year student of the college, was present at the event. Anthony and Keisha were no strangers to each other.