SOLS UPES offers a Formative Experience for Everyone, says Jahnavi

I am Jahnavi Kumar, a second-year undergraduate student at UPES. I am currently pursuing Politics and History with Economics and Literature as my minors. I enjoy reading, singing, writing, baking and songwriting. I am always on the lookout for new endeavours I can meaningfully contribute to. I am currently working on some prose during the summer.

Q1. Why did you choose to pursue your undergraduate studies in your current program?

After tenth grade, I tried to find a place for myself in the stem field and realized it was not my calling. I understood that my interests lie in other areas. I had always been fascinated with political science and history, so when I saw the combined program being offered, I opted for it. This is a research-based program that helps you to shape your perspectives on issues by utilizing the different methodologies that are present within both disciplines. Rather than just covering a subject through one lens and subscribing to that form of deduction, we combine approaches. I was very interested in this form of teaching and because UPES had this program, I thought I should go for it. It was indeed very daunting to make such a switch particularly because the path in such a field is not perceived as very concrete, but I would argue, the status of any kind is an illusion. If given the chance to redo the entire process, I would still opt for the very same field because I believe I can bring a lot more to the table in these areas. Rather than seeing it as limiting, I choose to see it as an avenue that can allow me to try new things.

Q2. What advice would you give to your peers who are applying for this program?

I would ask those applying to approach the subjects with an open mind. The power of ideas is greatly explored in all the courses offered. Nothing is spoon-fed. After being exposed to multiple perspectives, it is up to the students to make a cohesive inference from what was discussed. While it still remains quite a task, I think the process provides a very valuable insight which would be unattainable otherwise. My lectures are very interesting this semester and they covered a wide assortment of subjects. I would also recommend expanding the number of sources you have on hand about any topic. Moving beyond the readings that were assigned definitely helped me with my class presentations and assignments. It also enabled me to further the process of learning previously mentioned. If you have any questions, please ask them. Our instructors entertained every query I had despite how insignificant or pointless I thought they were. They also answered them with a gravitas I honestly, did not expect for questions asked in passing. This is true for all the programs I opted for including my minors in literature and economics. Don’t forget to have fun!

Q3. How you spend your time at college? Which classes do you like to attend? Which extra-curricular activities are you a part of in college? If given a chance, what else would you want to do? How has your college experience changed you as a person?

I live on campus, so I plan my day accordingly. After attending my lectures and grabbing some lunch, I either catch up with my friends who are pursuing other courses or settle down in the library. I finish most of my work there because once I head back to my room the bed feels a tad bit too inviting for any productivity to manifest. During the afternoons, on some days activities like the flash mob are organized by students in the other schools to boost morale. They ironically rarely happen during exam season when the campus gets substantially quieter. After staying in the library, I head to the food court or sit on the benches that dot the campus. I am not a very social person, I would like to describe myself as a person who is selectively capable of mingling so, I spend some of my time sitting around, finishing my readings, or listening to some music.

There are plenty of active clubs on campus. They host events you can participate in, or you can become a member can contribute to making these events possible. I participated in the singing event that had taken place in the first semester. I have also recently gotten involved with the debating society of the university. We are also working on creating our own clubs with the help of our faculty. Everyone brings different skills to the table and these clubs provide you with an outlet that can help you showcase your talents and take a break from the work that is assigned to you. College is undoubtedly a formative experience for everyone. I have learnt to live with myself. This might sound trivial to some people but learning to take care of myself has been quite the task because I was very used to taking myself for granted. So, when I saw my body failing because of my own negligence, I decided to change things. This kindness is something all of us must learn to extend to others and ourselves and my friends have undeniably changed me for the better. They teach me to be more present and cherish what I have. I hope everyone is blessed to have such gems in their lives.

About the author:

 

 

Jahnavi Kumar is a second-year undergraduate student at UPES. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha