Resilience, Decisions, and Ambitions: My Story from Kota to JMI

From Small Town to Kota: A Journey of Resilience and Success

After deciding to take JEE Main, my biggest challenge was finding good coaching. Coming from a small town in Western Jharkhand, there were not many options available, and my father believed that I would not be able to live alone in a big city. However, my elder brother’s consistent efforts made it possible for me to move to Kota. It was my first time living away from home, and everything felt new and overwhelming.

Apart from my studies, I faced difficulties with food, maintaining a routine, and staying consistent. The busy schedule initially felt impossible to handle. But, with time, I started adapting with it. I learned to cook simple meals, plan my day effectively, and focus on my goals. Slowly, I became more independent and began to enjoy the process of learning. With dedication and hard work, I not only managed to adjust to my new life but also succeeded in clearing the JEE Main exam with a good rank. The journey was not easy, but, it taught me valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance.

A Tough Decision: Why I Chose JMI Over BIT Mesra

Now, it was time to choose the college. From my Kota experience, I learned that I cannot live anywhere because the taste of food affects me a lot. Besides this, I needed a college that also provides opportunities to learn and grow. After considering all this, I shortlisted two colleges, one was the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), and the other was BIT Mesra, Ranchi. As Ranchi was near to my home, BIT automatically became my first preference, and I even had pretty good chances due to the Home State quota.

The second list of selected students of Jamia Millia Islamia came up with my name in it. And, they gave only one week for interested students to come and take admission. After discussing it with my seniors, friends, and family, I and my elder brother left for Delhi. We went to one of my brother's friend, who lives in Okhla, Delhi, and was doing an MBA from JMI University. My admission process was almost completed on the first day, except for fee payment, which we did on the next day.

A few days later, BIT Mesra released its list of selected students, in which I got the Mechanical branch. And, in JMI, I got the Electrical branch. One of our seniors told me that JMI is easy in terms of education. After comparing both branches, I found JMI to be the best option for me. After two weeks, I came to Delhi and shifted in the same flat in which my brother's friend was living, as I did not get any room in hostel. The seats in hostels are limited. Our introduction ceremony lasted for 6 days, during which we were introduced to our professors, department, course structure, grading system, and different parts of the university.

College Life at JMI: A Perfect Blend of Learning and Fun

College life at JMI is excellent. Teachers guide and support us throughout the college journey. In the first year, we had a very busy schedule. But, from the second year onwards, the schedule became more balanced. We have four classes from 9 AM to 1 PM, and on certain days, we also have labs from 1 PM to 5 PM, depending on our group. This schedule provides ample time for personal growth. I use this time to learn new skills, focus on personal development, and study. After all this, we still have enough time to enjoy with friends.

One of the best aspects of JMI is that it provides a chance to connect with students from different fields. We can interact with students from the Law Department, MBA Department, Language and Literature Department, and the Architecture Department. The combination of academic learning, skill development, and social interactions makes college life at JMI both productive and enjoyable. It prepares the student not just for the career, but, also for personal growth and lifelong friendships. There are a lot of clubs such as IEEE, 180 Degree Consultancy, Enactus, E-cell, the Robotic Society, etc. The clubs frequently organize competitions, hackathons, and workshops, which are very beneficial.

A Vision for the Future

I want to study VLSI, Chip Designing, and Communication Systems. This is one of the major reasons for choosing Electrical Engineering over Mechanical Engineering. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I am gaining during my time at JMI will prepare me well for both academic and professional opportunities. With a strong foundation in Electrical Engineering, I look forward to contributing to the field and exploring diverse career paths in the future.

About the author:

Kasif Nawaz is pursuing B.Tech in Electrical Engineering at Jamia Millia Islamia University. He is passionate about designing circuits and learning about communication systems. In his free time, he likes reading fictional and adventurous stories.