Mystory@Kunal Panchamia: How I chose my course and college

Mystory@Kunal Panchamia

I was in a premiere ICSE school in Kolkata and consequentially, I had to select my stream of studies in class VIII itself. Being clueless about where I was headed in life, I opted for Commerce stream on my father's suggestion. I was always expected to join the family business and hence, never thought of changing my steam of studies till the twelfth grade.

As they say, inspiration can strike you from even the most hopeless of places. All of a sudden, I developed a keen interest in Hospitality. Meeting new people and having engaging conversations with them was what I always liked, but the passion of pursuing it as a career was something I never imagined. Unfortunately, even after getting selected for a reputed international school of hotel management in Geneva, I couldn't pursue my career in that field due to my parents’ disapproval.

In the end, I had to settle for BCom (H) course. But, as a year of my course passed by, I started questioning myself that what was I doing with my life. The budding photographer in me started jumping, and I purchased a DSLR camera, to explore my new passion. As I gained confidence in clicking pictures, I had a word with certain relatives and friends of mine, who told me about the Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development (iLEAD), Kolkata, and the infrastructural brilliance of the institute. Once I visited the campus, I became sure about where I had to be. All that followed, are just cherishable memories.

How I cracked college admission

Admission in iLEAD was a very simple procedure. As applicable for all students, I filled the online application form and got a call from the Head Counselor, Media Department, to come down to the campus and have a campus tour. On my visit, she even explained to me the course fees structure, the career opportunities and how could I make the most of my stay at iLEAD. I was given a specific date for my IMAT (iLEAD Media Admission Test). The test was based on English proficiency, general knowledge, logical aptitude and basic media aptitude. I didn't require to prepare anything as such for the exam, however, I had to obtain knowledge of current affairs from newspapers and TV channels. I also looked up the Internet for basic media knowledge that any aspirant of this field should have.

The test was easier than I expected it to be. For the group discussion and the personal interview rounds, I was already prepared, as I had gone through them for the Hotel Management course. The only coaching I took was thorough reading of newspaper, which helped me immensely. After being confirmed as a media student, the only college I tried for was iLEAD.

My college experience

Time in college just passes by in the classes. After classes, I go to the cafeteria (Casablanca) to have lunch and spend some time with my close friends. Since we have different subjects in different semesters, I have a different favourite every time. Over my four semesters, the best subjects, according to me were Press Photography practical classes and Advertising. The brain-storming that we had in advertising classes was immensely enriching. We got to see a lot of new as well as old advertisements, and that was something I thoroughly enjoyed.

I have volunteered as a photographer at various college events, and was consequentially chosen as the Film and Photography Assistant Head in the Students Council 2016-17. I have also opted in a lot of Internship opportunities that have come across during my stay here at iLEAD and had a wonderful experience working for big corporates. 

What I have learnt here at the campus is that even if you don't start off right, you always have time to bounce back, till the time you have faith in yourself and your inner desires question you. Apart from the industry oriented exposure, I have also learnt not to be too complacent, and not to take any opportunity for granted. Ups and downs, happy and sad days are a part of every campus life. It's all about how you make the most of it.

About the Author:

I am a student of Bachelors in Media Science at the Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development (iLEAD), Kolkata. I have keen interest in photography and have done several professional photoshoots and event photography. I like reading about science and technological advancements. I am also a Hollywood movie buff.