Mystory@Shakshi Bhagat: How I selected my college and course

Mystory@Shakshi Bhagat

The sigh of relief after completing my 10+2 board examination created a rush of adrenaline for trying new things. Finding out new courses, knowing about them and still having the inability to figure out which course to be chosen. Counselling is what people usually recommend after completing your schooling. But does that actually help? I was plunging more and more into the well of discombobulation. I joined institutes for personality development since that was the only thing which would act as a constant asset and would help in any of my future endeavors. Hereditary blood of business ran down my veins but the constant urge to stand out didn't invigorate me to opt for that line. Social causes always gave that kick to do something for others and research work always instigated my thought process.

How I cracked college admissions

Pursuing Economic Honours and involving in social activities at the same time was what I chose. Here comes the last day to fill the application forms. Delhi University was the only option in my family's list with each person standing with a marker, counting the days when I would start my college life. This would have given you an idea of how expectations and confidence resided in everyone's mind when it came to my line of choice and future.

Delhi University (DU) forms were not out yet. My friend insisted me to accompany her in the selection process for Bachelor of Arts in Economic Honors. Researching about the particular course in that college made me fill the respective form. Christ University, Bangalore, there I was; standing with my friend (who badly wanted to be selected) and my father who accompanied me for a vacation. My mother’s statement 'enjoy to the fullest, you don't know when will you be traveling to south next' turned ironic. The Board results were out the day I had to sit for the interview. Receiving everyone's call one after the other congratulating me, rejuvenated my spirits. DU forms were filled but I wouldn't mind having a prior experience of a college interview.

Sitting outside the college fourth block and talking to people out there made me realise how important it was for them to get admission out there. Interacting with toppers from various colleges and knowledgeable professors on campus brought to my knowledge the importance of the course in that college. Before entering the room I reiterated to myself 'Anyways, am here just for fun. Not getting selected wouldn't bother me any day'. Half an hour later, there were three people sitting in a room opposite to me. The entire idea of fun took a 360 degree turn and I came out with a broad smile on my face, sharing with my father about how amazing the interview was.

The day of result was finally here. My vacation was almost over. Getting a phone call saying 'Dear Shakshi Bhagat, Congratulations to you on making up to our college' left me in a state of bewilderment. Immediately, I called up my friend and asked about her result. She wasn't selected. The condition to complete the admission procedure within three days of getting selected made my father suggest me that I go for it since he would get all the money reimbursed after a month.

My friend left for another place. My father, having completed all the selection procedure, booked the return tickets and my family members congratulated me on my return. Packing, shopping and thinking became the order of the day. Finally, it was time to leave and Christ University college life seemed to be so invigorating. Alluring campus, ardent seniors and omniscient professors seemed to be so ostentatious. A month passed and I started receiving calls from people asking me to leave for Delhi on the final list coming out. My capitulation to leave did shock them but I was never forced for anything. The level of exposure, enticing set of activities and never ending competitions involving a lot of learning made me stick to the place. Thus, began my piquant college life in Christ University, Bangalore on June 1, 2016.

Residing in a different place indulged a sense of mixed feeling of excitement and fear in me. Starting with unknown ice breaking sessions, the day came when seniors became so close to my heart that I felt I had known them for years. I still remember the first day when our head professor entered with a South Indian accent and I was filled with fear. The list of rules he announced was huge but the feelings of concern and knowledge he possessed was far more than that.

Days passed and one after the other came competitions, challenges, fests, assignments and responsibilities. Passing every interview and auditions to enter various associations gave me a sense of pride and confidence to do something every day. Waking up in the morning for street plays and acting for a cause on themes like women empowerment and child labor helped me bring forth my contributions towards the society. Sitting for the interview of Entrepreneurship Cell of the university and speaking out from the perspective of an entrepreneur made me reiterate my ideas again and again. E Cell made me implement new ideas.

Economic Honors isn't an easy thing to pass through, but the challenge to connect things, how economy functions, how you can bring about a change in the economy, how money can be created and destroyed, how you look from the perspective of an economist made me proceed with my research paper. All the lectures aren't just classes. They are an interactive session to share views, to debate on things we think are wrong and to end up with a satisfying conclusion. Questions pop up in my mind every time I sit and ponder on what life has given to me and vice versa. Professors were the ones to solve those queries, help me stand out from the crowd, go ahead with my perception and help me proceed with what I think was correct.

Participating in outstation fests like National Economics Competition, St Xavier's College (Kolkata), getting awarded in various National Cultural Fests like Unmaad (IIM Bangalore), Cul-Ah(Mount Carmel College), In-Blooms(Christ University) and Blossoms(Christ University) and participating in National Economics Fest(Christ University), Intra-College Management (Genesis) and Economics Fest(Arthotsav) not only gave me experience but also made me realize how significant and informative it is to meet new people.

Getting placed in the core committee of Entrepreneurship Cell and being assigned the position of the Head of Economics Association (Treasurer) not only gave me a new perspective towards life but also gave me a sense of learning and enhanced my leadership qualities.

Judging someone is what all of us do. This is what happened in my hostel life for the first time I entered. Facial expression, the way others talked, the way others expressed and their dressing sense made me think of how often would I connect with a few of them. Everyone turned out to be a blessing with some acting like a mom and others playing the role of a sister. From standing beside me in my highs and lows, supporting me, teasing me, late night conversations to making me feel at home is what made the difference. A year has passed. The jar of college life has filled with memories and it's strange to think of people becoming so important whom you haven't known a year ago.

About the Author:

I am Shakshi Bhagat, pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Economic Honors from Christ University, batch 2016-19. I am a socially active person, interested in interacting with people. I believe in active participation in every field of interest like management, understanding concepts and trying new ideas including research work and attending seminars. I'm interested in gaining knowledge from all fields possible. My source of time pass is reading journals and how Indian Economy functions. My hobbies are creativity in free time, conversing with people around, Game Theory, Economical Mathematics and Art & Craft work.