Mystory@Vishal Agnihotri: How I chose my college and career path – Challenges and learnings

I was a decent student in school, scoring 85-90% marks. However, I had great interest in mathematics and was always drawn towards science subjects. I loved to find out how things worked and thus driven by my interest, I took up Science stream in class XI.

After taking up PCM along with C++ as my subjects, I was into the world of science. I loved physics, mathematics, coding (I can say, chemistry was not my thing though). I managed to get above 90% in Class

XI. Then came the final year of school. Totally, focusing on my studies I prepared for my board exams. But unfortunately, scored only 87%. That was pretty low compared to the hard work I had put into my preparation. I was not very happy with my results.

I also blew up my JEE Mains exam and didn’t make the cut in my first attempt. I knew that with this kind of results, I won’t be getting any good college out there, so I decided to give another shot to JEE. This time, with more effort. So I dropped a year after class XII, joined a coaching class and started putting more and more effort. I worked hard this time, really hard.

How I prepared for my college admission ?

Drop year is not a very motivating period for an aspirant but I kept my mind focused at preparations for competitive exams. My first attempt (which was not up to the mark), gave me some idea about which type of questions are asked in these examinations. But still, I needed more guidance and that’s why I joined a coaching class. Teachers were very helpful and they totally made all those typical questions and concepts look easy. They always mentored me in my studies and they also taught me some ‘smart’ ways of attempting questions. It was fun learning under them. I worked very hard and gave my 100%.

In the year 2015, I again attempted JEE Mains and JEE Advanced, this time clearing both the entrance exams with good marks. Unfortunately, my JEE Advanced AIR was not good, so I didn’t get any of the IITs (which were definitely, my first choice). But I knew I will get some decent college, and I feel colleges really don’t matter, when you really want to learn.

As I was inclined towards machines and industries, mechanical and chemical engineering branches were my first choices. Initially, I got IIIT- Srirangam (Trichy) with Information Technology as my branch. But in further

rounds of counselling, I finally landed in BIT Mesra, Ranchi with chemical engineering. As a “machinery enthusiast”, I was more than happy, getting a good branch, in a very good and established college.
Right now, I am studying chemical engineering in Birla Institute Of Technology – BIT Mesra, Ranchi, which is a very nice college, with established departments and all the facilities available to students.

What I gained from my college years ?

BIT Mesra has a large number of clubs and societies providing students a place to enjoy their free time in some creative and interesting way. Some of the cultural clubs include – Literary Society, Photography Society, UNESQUO, LEO club, Ehsaas Dramatics Society, Music Club, etc. There are also a number of technical clubs, like Robolution, Team Firebolt (the SAE racing team of the college), IETE, and much more. Students, invest their leisure time in these clubs and activities, and it helps them develop their overall personality.
Photography is my hobby and I am a member of PSOC (the official photography society of the college ). I have learnt a lot working for this club and have got a lot of exposure. I have made a lot of contacts, and people know me in college because of my club.

I am also a member of Team Srijan (the official Formula One racing team of college). I am in the management sub-team and learning a lot of management skills while working here. My participation in these clubs and college activities has made me more confident, it has increased my communication skills, and has given me more exposure towards the “professional” area of life. And because these activities are linked to my interests, I enjoy them. Literally, I have been learning while enjoying every part of it. I also try to participate in different fests and competitions, organized in my college. They are so much fun and offer learning opportunity at the same time. If one knows how to spend leisure time in college effectively, one can learn a lot of things without even noticing.

College days are the best part of one’s life. These are the days, when we transform from carefree teens to responsible people, to face the society. College transforms everyone. It shows you, how you can be different in a crowd. College is the place, where you learn how to invest time and energy in the correct and useful direction. Talking about myself, I can say that my 3 semesters in college, have shown me that I have a lot of potential in me and I can do lot of things on my own. I have grown up. I have my own professional circle, which includes a lot of people from reputed fields and companies. I have learnt how to live life to the fullest, and how to work and enjoy at the same time. The most important thing I have discovered during my college life is ME.   

About the Author:

I’m a budding 2nd year student of chemical engineering at BIT Mesra, Ranchi. I passed 12th student with decent marks and cleared JEE Mains and Advanced in the year 2015. College made me more professional and I was able to work in the areas which I definitely enjoy. I believe that college days are the best in one’s life, and one should enjoy them fully.

Mystory is a new Shiksha initiative to provide students a unique platform to share their experiences right from college admission to career selection. Here’s your chance to get published on India’s leading education portal. We’ll be happy to publish your story.   Write in to us at: mystory@shiksha.com