UPES has provided me with the platform to express myself, share my opinions and thoughts, says Aashi

After the Class 10 board exams, it was decision time. I chose to pursue PCM (non-medical stream). I have had a keen interest in reasoning and understanding the Science and logic behind everything that is happening in this world. This trait has helped me to broaden the horizons of my thought process and intellect. I also take time out for self-introspection and that has helped me grow as a professional. After critically analysing my abilities, I realised that the best career option for me would be in business administration. Being from a business family, I was highly motivated to pursue BBA. I feel I have made the right choice and this will help me chart out a successful career after passing out from the university.

Getting admission is UPES was a dream come true. Everything about it is just perfect – the exposure, academic curriculum, the serene campus nestled in the verdant surroundings of Dehradun. It is extremely peaceful, yet there is never a dull moment at the campus as it is always buzzing with multiple activities and events.

For getting admission to BBA programme, I had to clear two rounds of selection.

Round 1 was a Group Discussion. In this round, a particular topic was given wherein a group of 10-12 potential candidates had to express their opinions and ideas. After a healthy discussion, a few of us were shortlisted for a personal interview.

Personal Interview as the second and final round, wherein the allover personality of potential candidates was tested, i.e., critical thinking ability, problem-solving, creative and innovative approach and various other aspects.

After clearing the thought-provoking and challenging round, I finally got a call from the university.

Other than UPES, I was trying for admission to Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi, while simultaneously preparing for my entrance exam Delhi University Joint Admission Test (DUJAT). I studied on my own and did not take coaching for any of the entrance examinations. 

The journey from being a dusky, chubby, underconfident girl in school, to becoming a powerful, confident and self-assured woman in college, was undoubtedly a life-changing experience. My college provided me with the platform to express myself, share my opinions and thoughts. It gave me the opportunity to come out of my comfort zone. From earning the title of ‘Miss Eve 2K19’ in my first year to anchoring in college fest, taking part in MUNs to interviewing experts from industries, I did it all with aplomb. I was awarded the Best Rhetorician at a national debate competition and now I have been chosen as the Vice President (Event Vertical), Student Council, at the School of Business (SoB). I could not have done all this without the invaluable support of my mentors at SoB UPES. 

UPES shaped me into the person I am today. It taught me that sometimes this world will overshade through darkness and at that time the least we can do is hold a torch because a single ray of hope can change EVERYTHING. This pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has been challenging for all of us, but it doesn’t lock up the opportunities, the thirst for learning something new every day and giving shape to the future that we desire.

About the author

Aashi Jain is a student of BBA-Foreign trade at UPES. Being a debater, public speaker and negotiator, she has the ability to turn even an adverse circumstance in her favour. 

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