I am upscaling myself by learning the most in-demand programmes like Tableau, R, Excel, etc.: Anvita, St. Xavier’s

These are first-hand student accounts on how our young population is managing to keep their exam prep or college course work going from the confines of their homes. In case you want to share your lockdown study experience, write to us at publish@shiksha.com.

Wouldn’t you all agree with me when I say once you prayed that all days should be Sundays and wished not to go to the school/college and for the final year students, as the college is about to get completed you feel you could spend some more time with your friends, but we never realised that all these wishes would be granted.

Never had I ever imagined that my graduation would be completed in bits and pieces. We were done with the practical exams, viva and project submission. As we entered the week of final exams on March 16 2020, after writing the first exam in the morning we got to know that the Government of MAH has announced the closure of all schools and colleges and all the exams stand postponed.

Since we are at the closure of the semester in my college, so, we do not have any online classes. The college has been very supportive through the lockdown period, a special helpline has been set-up called Corona Conversation which connects the students to the counsellors to help them during these difficult times and keep them motivated.

Our Principal has helped us with a lot of information on online courses which we can pursue to upscale ourselves.

These courses are from platforms like Swayam, e-PG Pathshala, Coursera, EDX, etc. Most of the recommended courses are free of cost. Apart from this, each department of the college is sending its student, the links to relevant courses which are either available at the minimum or no cost.

Like everyone else, I too have a lot of leisure time and I am also trying to do the best possible things. Since I am an outstation student, during the lockdown I am spending a lot of time with my family, and also, I am trying to cook a few recipes. At times, I paint (ignoring the fact I am really bad at it) as it gives me happiness. Apart from all these fun things, I am also upscaling myself by learning the recent and the most in-demand programmes like Tableau, R, Excel, etc. I am also making a habit to follow the stock market and news every day, this helps to be well prepared for the interviews (job or education).

I am one of the students who plan to work after graduation and then go for higher education. I have been placed also through campus placements. My job would start in July (if things get better). Some of my classmates are preparing for Masters in Statistics or Mathematics or Economics. On talking to them I realised that they are so thankful for this lockdown, as they have got ample time to prepare for the entrance exams during this time. They even mentioned that they have less distraction now since they are bound to stay at home. Different people, different stories!

Lastly, talking about my exam preparation, then honestly, I have never felt so detached to my college studies. With no date schedule to look forward to, I have no motivation to study for the exams. Also, I don’t think there is a need to study a lot, as my exams were already commenced due to which much of the syllabus was covered.  Thorough revision once or twice before the exams shall be enough.

About the Author:

Anivta Rastogi is a final year student at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai batch pursuing Bsc statistics.