From Aspiration to Achievement: My Aerospace Engineering Path

Since childhood, I have been interested in Aviation and Space Technology. Admission to the BTech in Aerospace Engineering course was like a dream come true for me. I chose the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science because of its affordable fee structure. The annual fee for my course was INR 1.5 lakh.

Adapting and Thriving: My First Months in Aerospace Engineering

During graduation, I stayed in a PG in a small village called Padur. It was a good place, and staying away from home was a unique experience for me. Initially, I faced some hurdles. Some of these challenges included making friends, adjusting to the environment, and managing everything by myself.
The first months of college turned out to be quite interesting. I could not attend some classes, including classes on Aero, Propulsion, Structures of the Aircraft, etc. The faculty members of HITS were good, and their way of teaching made even tough topics understandable and simple. I used to spend long hours in labs, where everything was so fascinating.

Adapting to Change: My Virtual College Experience During the Pandemic

But, just as I settled into this hectic routine of college life, everything changed. Suddenly, the pandemic hit, and within a short period, everything turned virtual. Everyone assumed that it would be a temporary stay back at home. But, what started as a short break stretched into months, then years, and nearly three years of my college life ended up being nothing but an online course.Some may have done wonderful things from their homes, but, for some, staying at home created problems in their studies. We were not able to have any physical interaction, and that made learning, at times, difficult. Previously, there was more hands-on experience in labs, but now, we were dependent on watching videos and going through virtual simulations. Adapting was the only choice. I tried to make the most of online resources, joined discussions and forums, and kept moving forward, no matter what.

Final Year After the Pandemic: Embracing the New Normal

After a long period, the lockdown ended, and offline classes resumed. The faculty was focused on making sure that students did not miss out on important lessons. Additionally, we were always encouraged to ask questions and clarify any doubts, which truly made a significant impact.
However, by the time things began to return to normal, it was already my final year. Coming back to campus after such a long break felt strange. Some of my college mates had already completed their graduation, and everything seemed different now. But, despite that, I was determined to make the most of it.]

Collaborating and Growing: My Final Year in Aerospace Engineering

The final year was a frantic rush, but, it left me with a sense of fulfilment. Most of my time was consumed by projects, internships, and then placements. I worked hard putting whatever I studied through these years into practice. The deadlines were overwhelming for me but later I realised that it was all worth it. In the end, I used to feel fulfilled. In my final year, I had the chance to be part of a fascinating group project on Aircraft Propulsion. Collaborating with my team members again after such a long time brought a refreshing sense of camaraderie. We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and working together to complete the project. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also emphasised the importance of teamwork and perseverance.

Inspiration and Friendship: Memorable Moments from My College Years

In addition to the academics, I have been involved in many extracurricular activities. College events, technical fests, and cultural programmes were excellent ways to relax and connect with people. I have made some wonderful friends who have been a huge help in navigating the ups and downs of this journey. One of my favourite memories of college is of the Aerospace seminar that took place in the final year. It was inspiring to listen to the industry experts and alumni telling their stories and how they were moved because of their respective journeys. The college always inspires me to work harder and has clear sights of my career goals. 

Closing the Chapter: A Tale of Growth and Transformation

Finally, in the year 2023, I completed my graduation. This was a moment of pride knowing how much effort had been put into this journey despite all the odds. This journey had not been an ideal one according to how I had imagined it, but, it surely taught me resilience and adaptability. My journey turned out to be different from what I had expected, but it brought with it valuable learning experiences. Along the way, I also faced many fears about the spread of COVID-19, along with the challenges of travelling to college and moving back home during the pandemic. These four years feel like a blur, saturated with experiences that have completely transformed me in ways I never imagined.

About the author:

Harish is a BTech in Aerospace Engineering graduate from the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science. He is passionate about anything that includes Space and Physics, and discoveries.

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