Why I chose to do English (Hons): Ashutosh Chauhan

Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi

Your dreams come true after 12th class. As parents commonly are, my parents are also concerned about my studies. They always tell us to study hard up to 12th class and then there will be no burden of study in the college. They say these things so that we can focus on our studies.

Your parents are always concerned about you. They stand by your side every time. Parents have more experience than you. So, always listen to your parents. My parents always ask for my opinion in every matter. They are always concerned about what I want.  We all live under the guidance of parents up to Class 12. But after class 12^th, we are likely to find the solutions for ourselves. Parents can only prepare us on how to deal with a problem but ultimately, we have to face the problems on our own. So, always be ready to give your best in every condition.

 We live in our fantasy world with our own thoughts and imagination up to class 12th. We are the kings and queens of our own worlds. But our parents teach us how to face the real-life problems.  After class 12^th, every student becomes mature enough to differentiate between right and wrong. Parents are always right because they have seen the world already and know how it behaves. Parents always work as a shield for their children.

My Career Decision

Everyone was giving their opinion on what I should do. But my parents asked me what I wanted to do. This boosted my morale.

Our parents are like pillars; they always stand up for us in our bad times and good times also. They always think about what is the best for us. So, always listen to them and work according to their opinion.

I belong from a paramilitary family. My schooling was done from different places of India. Up to 5th class, I studied in Uttar Pradesh, and then, up to class 9, I studied in Jammu and Kashmir. Then, up to class 12, I studied in Delhi. So, my schooling journey was from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi but the school remained the same – Kendriya Vidyalaya. These schools are made especially for paramilitary children.  I gained the experience to cope up with the environment of new schools and mix with new children.

After 12^th class, every student is able to take their decision by their own. They face the real situations and learn how to tackle them. They learn how to stand up after giving up. A problem teaches us many things.

After class 10^th, there is confusion and hustle-bustle to choose the stream which you want to pursue in your class 11^th and 12^th. I had an interest in Science. Then, there was another problem – what to choose out of Biology and Maths. I didn’t like both the subjects. But the subject I hated more was Biology. So, there was only one option left ‘Maths’. So, I pursued my 11^th and 12^th in science with non-medical subjects. But in class 12^th, I felt that I had no interest in Engineering. I had an interest in Literature, so I went for literature in graduation. I got to know that Delhi University offers admission for English Honours on the basis of class 12^th marks.

To pursue graduation in English Honours from this university is very difficult, because the cut-off for this course is above 89%. So, I had to score high marks in class 12^th to get admission in Delhi University colleges. I prepared very well and hard for class 12^th exams.

When class 12^th result was to be announced, I was really scared. My parents told me to relax and not panic. I checked my result. I was very happy with my result. Then, I downloaded the last year’s cut-off and got a sigh of relief to see that I could get admission in English Honours course.

How I Selected my College

Real college life is different from the college life in movies. Up till school, we live in our own comfort zone. But after class 12th, all of us come out of our comfort zone and prepare to tackle real life situations, problems, and hurdles. Every situation teaches you a lesson.

More than 75 colleges come under Delhi University. It is one the finest universities of India that offers 25+ under graduation courses.

Admission to north campus colleges was not possible for me because I belong to general category. The cut-off of north campus colleges for general category is usually above 95%. And this is a popular course in Delhi University. Most of the applications submitted in Delhi University are for English Honous. So, I had to get admission in an out-of-campus college. Out-of-campus colleges means colleges other than north campus colleges.

The first month of college is very awkward for every student. The environment has changed for every student. To make new friends is a task for freshers. The seniors welcome freshers.

Delhi University’s first cut-off got released. The cut-off for English Honours was above 96% for all the colleges. I was scared and kept thinking whether I would get my favorite course in Delhi University or not. Ultimately, I secured a seat in Political Science Honours in Satyawati College (evening). Then, in the 4th cut-off, I got admission in English Honours but in a lower-ranking college of DU, Swami Shraddhanand. But I was very happy with that. Also, I got my favourite course. Later, the official cut-off closed on 20th July and the session began. There were many seats left vacant and many students cancelled their admission and chose other colleges of DU for admission. So, finally, in the 7th cut-off, I got Zakir Husain Delhi College. It's one of the most prestigious and disciplined colleges of Delhi University.

The faculty members are very helpful and their teaching methods are very effective. The students can understand the difficult portions in a very easy way. Every month, there is a session held for discussion on a topic and great scholars from prestigious universities come to discuss that topic.

I learnt many things here. College life is a golden period of life. You get new friends. College life is very different from school life.

I participated in the college fest and departmental fest, and participated in many sessions as a contestant. I also submitted a research paper on the topic of ‘Draupadi’ but it was not selected. I decided to try my luck the next time.

Connaught Place is near our college. Me and my friends go out and chill there in our free time. Our college is about 300 years old. Our college is an old college of Delhi University. This college started running even before Delhi University was constituted. Our college has now became a heritage site.

Many companies visit our college regarding placement. I’ll try my best to get a job in a media firm or a publishing house. Let’s hope for the best.

About the Author:

My name is Ashutosh Chauhan and I am pursuing BA (Honours) English from Zakir Husain Delhi College, Delhi University. I am currently in the 2nd year. After completing my graduation, I will go for preparation of government jobs and may even pursue MA in English.