Mystory@Priyanka Mall: How I chose my course and college

Mystory@Priyanka Mall

Like majority students of Cass X, I too had no idea of how to go about finding the right career path for me. So, I chose Humanities instead of Commerce, as it offered a variety of options. I always loved subjects like History and Geography and this helped me firm up my choice of opting for Humanities.

Coming to the last two years of my schooling, I realised that I wanted exposure; exposure to new ways of learning both education and practical work. I didn’t want to learn with books and the same old system. I always had a love for advertising and PR and the concepts behind it. This made me look out for colleges in and around Kolkata, since my parents were not convinced about sending me out of the city for my under-graduate course. At Shiksha and even people in my neighbourhood also suggested that  I consider Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development (iLEAD), Kolkata, which offered a comprehensive course in Media Science, covering journalism and mass communication, media management, advertising, PR, video production and much more. The amount of practical exposure offered by this institute under this program was a WOW factor, due to its immense industry oriented nature. This made me choose iLEAD.

How I cracked college admission

It would be injustice to say that getting admission in this college was easy. Honestly, the night before the entrance exam was a nightmare for me. I was nervous yet excited and looking forward for the new phase.  I was told earlier that the examination would cover areas like English proficiency, logical reasoning, general knowledge, current affairs and basic media aptitude. I had prepared thoroughly for the same.

On the day of the examination, as soon as the written paper was over, I was made to sit for a group discussion with ten unknown faces. As horrifying as it might seemed, the session was quite interactive and enjoyable. Then finally came the interview round. The tension was at par. I was totally blank. The executive director of the institute was scheduled to take my interview. My hands and feet went cold, yet I entered the cabin and had a very amazing conversation with him. I didn't require taking any tutorial classes for the entrance, but yes, I had to prepare myself for the same in a very dedicated manner. Besides iLEAD, I had also tried for admission at St. Xavier's College, and Shri Shiskhayatan Kolkata.

What I gained from my college experience

College life has been one hell of an exciting journey for me.  It’s been a rollercoaster where I have seen too many ups and downs. The past two-and-a-half years have made me fall in love with my college in every possible way. My classroom is full of positive energy and fun loving; thus it’s the place where I spend most of my time on campus. If not the classroom, one can find me on the terrace, which is like the chilling zone of my college. One can also find me in the canteen because good food relates to good conversations and that’s the best part of the college. Our college library is yet another interesting place for me, as it contains books on every topic the reader wants to read.

In our media science course, the subjects change every semester, so it would be difficult to say which classes I like to attend the most. There are subjects like Film and Television Practice, Media Scene In India: Radio, Television and New Media, Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations etc, among these I like Advertising and Public Relations them the most and in the sixth Semester I am pursuing it.

The college continuously hosts a series of extra-curricular opportunities to students and also expects them to be a part of the same. Apart from being actively involved in college activities, I am a proud member of the college's students' council as the Corporate Relations Head. I have also taken up interesting internship opportunities offered by the corporate department of the college, which has helped me to improve the professional qualities in me.

Here, I learnt all those subjects which I dreamt of and always wanted to explore and the amazing mentors of the college have even made me see the better side of subjects which I was scared of. This also helped me to gain the quality of respecting everyone’s personal traits. College has made me realise how it feels to be  a person who is down to earth and rejoice without pride, as well as how to accept, acknowledge and use criticism for your own development and betterment. I have become mature, responsible, and strong and also know how to tackle any situation in pressure!

About the Author:

I am Priyanka Mall and I am pursuing my degree from ILEAD. I am in my 3^rd year in Bachelors in Media Science course. My hobbies are writing, photography etc.  I am more of ambrovert person; I am a social media freak yet a socially responsible person.

Talking about my strength, I am more of observer and very hardworking. I do all my work with dedication and loyalty. I am a huge fan of Virat Kohli and F.R.I.EN.D.S TV Series!