Mystory@Aval Singhal: How I decided my course and college

Mystory@Aval Singhal

From what I recall, I've always had scientific temperament but no patience. Science was definitely my subject of choice. Now what remained was to choose between dissected frogs or dissected theorems. And I chose theorems. (I know for a fact I wouldn't have fainted on seeing blood and organs, but then again, what you like is what you like.)

So, things happened typically as they do for a JEE aspirant. Step one – people direct you towards getting admission in a 'sarkaari college'. Step two – you decide you want to go for a sarkaari college. Step three – you join coaching because everyone wants that sarkaari college. Step four – the nightmare that is the JEE. And step five – JoSA. But before that, there's also this humongous task of deciding your branch (when you don't even know about half the branches that exist, and their present and future scenario. But, anyways).

So, when it came to branch, I had just one thing in mind. I knew I'd most probably end up at ISM. So, after going through the option, I shortlisted two choices – Petroleum and Civil. And I got Civil Engineering at ISM Dhanbad. Now, fast forward to college life, I got to know about the course of Petroleum Engineering, and I thank God even today that I ended up in Civil. And I have no plans of going anywhere else.

How I cracked college admission

"I don't know. It just happened." I know you are flustered on reading this, and angry at receiving the same pile of crap from everyone who clears JEE, but believe it or not, that is the truth. But I guess focused and guided efforts do pay off. Plus, I'd like to say it's not my feat. It's my mother's.

I joined Vidya Mandir Classes, Chandigarh, because of its reputation in my native region (Agra). Though this center was new, my parents decided to go for it. I trusted my parents, and they trusted the VMC brand. And that's how it went.

Time at VMC was fun, and frustrating at the same time. Thankfully, my parents are the most awesome ones you can find. And they ensured that I studied well (not 'studied a lot', 'studied well') and they also made sure I got enough time in the sun (Yup! They sent me out in the evening to play). And the biggest role in all of this was my mother's. My dad had to leave town since he got transferred, and my mother single handedly managed me, and it's all because of her that I am where I am.

I did not give many entrance exams. It was just JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, SCRA and couple of others. I was mostly relying on JEE Mains. And, I wasn't aiming for any specific college (I wanted to go for IIT Roorkie, but it wasn't a heartfelt desire or anything). All I had in mind was to give it my best shot, and leave the rest for later.

My college experience

Well, on regular days, it's just 'classes - Squash - sleep - repeat'. On weekends, it's gaming (as in computer gaming) and club meets instead of classes. Plus, there's also movies once in a while. All in all, it's a mix of everything. It's typically how people envision their college lives, and I am trying my best to be true to it. But sadly, it's not Student of The Year stuff. Most boys (including me) are like distorted balloons, and members of the fairer sex are a rare sight. So, it's no glam, no abs, no football-in-sprinklers, and all.
To give a detailed breakdown, on weekdays, it's classes, followed by Squash in the evening (unless something important comes up), and after a hearty dinner, it's sleep time at 11pm. (I ensure I get enough sleep, or I get really, really irritable). I manage to squeeze in some study time as well, but it's usually lost in writing files and manuals. Come weekends, I game at night, wake up at just before they close breakfast, study a bit, and it's club meets and procrastination in the evening. On Saturday, I attend LITC (Literary Club, if it isn't evident) sessions, and the people that are the ones I'm real tight with.

On Sunday, it's time for meet of Mailer Daemon – the official news letter of the college. (Yeah, typical journalism stuff, but not like NatGeo, and definitely not like Aaj Tak). You can call it a group that's bent on spreading worthwhile news, regarding the college, in the college, and also we raise our voices against any issues in the college. (It isn't all cream and strawberries in colleges). So, it's my way of making the college a better place.

Between all this is my study time. I try to keep a regular schedule for studying, but mostly end up ruining it and studying during last fortnight or so. (pretty typical, really). Still, I manage to score a decent GPA, and I'm happy. (Still, in a world ruled by marks, it makes you feel insecure not being the topper of the batch).
College brings about a lot of changes in you. The day you step in and just one semester down the line, you are a completely different person. You are exposed to so, so many things, and you assimilate them all in your system. Every day brings in new addendums to your experiences, and each is unique in its own way. The biggest thing it teaches you is how to live in uncertainty. All your life you lived in the shadows of your parents, and now, there's no one to guide you on what's right for you and what isn't. Every time you want to do something, you call home to ask whether it'll be okay, but end up doing what you want. And it all turns out fine.

To sum up, college is literally a crucible. You'll bear intense heat and pressure – and you'll love it all the same – and when you'll come out, you'll be changed so much, that you would yourself be surprised. In short, you truly grow up in college.

About the Author:

I'm a sophomore of Civil Engineering discipline, and there's only one thing I love (apart from puppies, of course), and it's having fun. I have just one principle – not to have any regrets as I grow older. So, when my life flashes in front of me, when it's time to say goodbye, I don't want to see even a specie of remorse. Another thing is that no topic is taboo for me. I can talk about anything, without getting disgusted or being politically correct on it. So, that's that.