After joining CVV, I am able to understand & internalise, ‘I know that I know nothing’, says Shreeya

Just like any other student, I was also confused about which stream to choose after Class 10 exams. I answered an aptitude test conducted by our school, and based on the results and the counselling that I received, I chose Arts as my stream. I did have an interest in Psychology but I did not take it as a subject for my Class 12 boards. After my final board exams, I chose to undergo a brain-mapping test at BRAIN-O-PEDIA. After several discussions with their career counsellor, I decided to take up Psychology as my area of study for UG. I knew very little about Indian Knowledge Systems and always wanted to learn about them but no place I knew offered them as subjects.

I came to know about Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Kochi (CVV) who offered the course in BA Applied Psychology. I liked the course outline and especially the Foundation and Proficiency courses. CVV also offers minor courses, which are like additional courses offered by the various Schools that one can opt for as per their interest and liking. This package itself was a done deal for me as it had what I wanted and more.

Apart from the course and its curriculum, the main reason to choose this campus was the serene atmosphere and greenery laden terrain which was like a cherry on the cake!  

As a part of the admission process, there is no entrance exam. Eligible students only need to fill up the application form online on the institute’s official website and post detailed profile screening, shortlisted applicants are called for a telephonic interview round. I filled in the application form and waited. I had no expectations because I felt I might not get in. The day I found out I was accepted is still the happiest day of my life. What I did not know at that moment was how getting into CVV would turn out to be a huge blessing in my life.

CVV is a very happening place. We have activities and celebrations of not just cultural festivals but also on days of global significance such as Pie Day, International Mother-tongue Day, etc. Students also get the opportunity to stage events for the Foundation Day of our college and an intra-college fest called Lakshya. Apart from this, our University also hosts international and national conferences, and we also have weekly Wednesday Seminars which students can attend. I have attended these seminars and conferences, and they have been an eye-opening experience for me.

Apart from this, our University also hosts international and national conferences, and we also have weekly Wednesday Seminars which students can attend.

Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth has changed me a lot as a person. I would say after coming here I am slowly able to understand and internalise the phrase, ‘I know that I know nothing’. It has given me space to explore myself, see the world differently. And this learning came about not just from the amazing faculty and staff but everything and everyone that makes up the University. Every experience, whether good or bad, has taught me a lot, and I am grateful. I have also had the opportunity to meet people from almost all states of India, which made me realise how diverse we are and that's a good thing because we have learnt a lot from each other.                             

The transition from an introvert to an extrovert has been amazing. This has made me plan and execute projects on my own. To shan an instance, I was leading a video project on Preventing Suicide. The series of three videos conveyed how we can prevent someone from taking such a drastic step by recognising the signs and symptoms and providing appropriate and timely aid. And, it came out well.

My life has been a rollercoaster ride before I came here. I wanted to somehow avoid things that scare me and escape from situations as far as possible. But after coming and studying at Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth I am learning to face, accept and live through my fears and phases of life.

Looking at my interests in this course, I am planning to do Masters in Psychology soon after I complete my bachelor’s degree.

About the author

Shreeya Sabukumar is a student of BA in Applied Psychology at Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Kochi. She likes to dance, reading, writing, painting and binge-watching and more than everything she likes to interact with nature.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha