My Roller Coaster College Life at GGSIPU

My college life at GGSIPU has been nothing short of a roller coaster, teaching me invaluable lessons in being vocal, confident, and having a clear vision. When I first enrolled in this college, I knew one thing for sure: GGSIPU is the best college for BTech Biotechnology in Delhi. My fascination with how technology and biology intersect in therapeutics drove my decision to pursue BTech Biotechnology. I refused to be part of the rat race to medical school, choosing instead to focus on my potential in biotechnology. This field, which uses biological materials to create products for medicine and the early detection of chronic illnesses, continues to captivate me. My interests lie in molecular biology, animal biotechnology, genome editing, and intellectual property rights in biotechnology.

Navigating the Pandemic: A COVID-19 Batch Experience

I successfully cracked the IPU CET, and everything seemed smooth until classes shifted online due to the pandemic. As a student from the COVID-19 batch, the lack of face-to-face interactions created many challenges. Being introverted, my first year was particularly tough, with minimal communication and frequent self-doubt. My first day was especially strange as I encountered class politics, a common occurrence that everyone faces at some point. Here are a few tips on how to handle this drama:

• Avoid unnecessary drama and fights.
• Speak up for yourself; staying silent only adds to the chaos.
• Be cautious in trusting others, as some may take advantage of your kindness.

Transforming Through Participation and Personal Growth

During my first two years at GGSIPU, I only made two friends, partly due to my lack of communication skills and confidence. However, as I started participating in presentations, class discussions, and lab experiments, I gradually built up my confidence. It was a slow process, but I made several changes that helped me find clarity in my field. Some of these changes include:

• Participating in group projects and presentations to boost my confidence.
• Engaging in discussions with teachers to clarify doubts.
• Pursuing short-term courses and internships.
• Reading research and review papers to deepen my understanding of the course material.
• Joining the Biotechnology Research and Information Society (BRAINS) at my college.
• Becoming a member of the National Service Scheme (NSS).
• Utilizing my free time to read novels, write content, exercise, and meditate.

These activities significantly helped me regain the confidence I lost during the pandemic.

Excelling Academically: Tips for Success in Exams

Apart from building confidence, academic success also requires consistent effort. No one will spoon-feed you, especially during exams. Even friends who claim they aren't studying might score higher than you. To excel in exams, consider the following tips:

• Avoid unnecessary class bunking.
• Take thorough notes for every lecture.
• Study research and review papers.
• Solve previous years' question papers.
• Review all important topics before exams.

By following these simple tips, you can achieve excellent grades.

Balancing Fun and Future Goals at GGSIPU

While academics are crucial, so is having fun. Exploring new places with friends, attending college events, and other activities are equally important. It's essential to have clarity about your future goals and the skills to manage everything effectively.

About the author: Akansha Bhardwaj is a student of the University School of Biotechnology, GGSIPU.