Friday, August 18, 2023

Fresh Beginnings: A Glimpse into the First Year of College and Student Hopes

As the new academic session begins, universities are buzzing with activity. For first-year students, this marks a fresh start and a chance to share their hopes and expectations for their college experience.

For many students, getting into a good university is a dream come true, especially for those from Humanities backgrounds. Emma Burman, a first-year BTech CS student from Guwahati, shares her feelings: "When I saw the iconic building, I was amazed. The building holds countless stories and a legacy, and now I'm a part of it. I hope to honor that legacy and carry it forward with me."

The First Day of College

The initial days are all about orientation, introductions, and a mix of excitement and nervousness. Emma Burman reflects on her first day: "Our seniors welcomed us with rangoli and warm wishes. It was an emotional moment as I had always dreamt of studying here. After the welcome, we had an orientation session where teachers introduced us to the curriculum, rules, and regulations. Seniors shared valuable qualities like punctuality, leadership, and teamwork. My first day was wonderful."

The day kicked off with speeches from principals and department heads, providing insights into college life. "They informed us about changes in rules, like the requirement for 75 percent attendance to sit for exams. Initially, I was a mix of excitement and nerves. I made new friends and got to know people. After orientation, we were guided to our respective rooms. An assistant professor gave us an overview of what to expect and how to navigate college. Later, we mingled over refreshments and explored the college campus," Emma recalls.

Aspirations and Dreams

Students like Ranjana Joshi from Bhuvaneshwar are looking forward to a different learning experience: "Unlike school, I expect classes to be more interactive, focusing on our ideas rather than rote learning." Ranjana, who is studying Food Technology, adds, "I'm hoping to find great friends, supportive faculty, friendly professors, and a college that offers opportunities for all-round development."

Clubs and societies play a vital role in college life, offering not just extracurricular activities but also a chance to pursue personal interests. They provide a platform for growth and a way to connect with peers who share similar passions. Clubs like film and dance are quite popular among students.

Emma Burman, with her interest in debating, shares, "I'm excited about the English debating society, having participated actively in school debates. I also love writing scripts, and I'm keen on art films. I even won a silver medal in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition–2021."

Future Aspirations

With dreams in their eyes and determination in their hearts, many students plan for the future. Some aspire to pursue further studies, either abroad or within the university itself.

Emma shares her aspirations: "I'm deeply passionate about research and diplomacy. I want to delve into policy-making and might consider studying abroad. Regardless, I plan to return and contribute to India."

As the academic journey begins, first-year students are full of enthusiasm, ready to learn, grow, and make the most of their time at university."

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