I enrolled myself in Amity University Mumbai (AUM) with the main purpose of studying away from my home-town and in a city that I wanted to experience living in. The decision changed my life. For Good!
For an average high schooler like myself, college seemed to be a place where you redeem yourself as a student and as a person. As you opt for that one subject that piqued your interest in school and you’re nearing the end of your teenage years. Gradually with the realization that the next step out of this level (learning/education) would land you in the professional career stage and station in life.
In 2015, after the much-awaited end of the ISC board examinations, I found myself exposed to a whole new feeling of independence. My interests always lied in psychology since grade 10th and after much contemplation; I decided to get my bachelor’s degree in psychology honours from Amity University Mumbai.
I wanted to experience life outside - away from the known vicinity and comfort zone. Thus began my three-year journey as an undergraduate in AUM.
I went to the college with some basic knowledge about my subject with a quiet confidence that I know what I must - the basics - to be able to do well here in this degree. I was oblivious to the in-depth learning of psychology that would follow and a few of the things I was aware of included the basics of different fields of psychology that I studied in school and from my casual reading given my fascination for human behavior.
That at home feeling!!
By the end of the term, I was well versed with the different theories and approaches of my subject and it felt like I had a fairly clearly made up mind on the specialization that I wanted to opt, for a career. I was given recipient of several good things that propelled my learning experience like the internship opportunities, variety of workshops, special lectures from legends in the fields of psychology, and several projects that honed my abilities as a student.
There were few field visits that helped raise my interest in the subject even more and also gave me an insight into what a career in this specialization area meant... and how I might have to shape up my skills for the career ahead. Other than academics, on a personal level, it helped me figure myself out as a person.
I made friends with those who had similar interests from all over the country which also helped expand my ability to interact, understand and work together. In a way, I was able to break the shakles of restricted thinking and embrace a widended horizon. I was able to appreciate the differences. And empathize.
In the process, I myself got to realize who I am better - I found a little bit more about what I liked and disliked (and why?). I became more responsible. Definitely, more independent. And most importantly, my self-awareness and self-esteem seemed to have skyrocketed to a whole new level altogether. It was hugely satisfying.
The experience of it all... meant more
With several projects that were delegated to me, I learned to respect my duties and execute them in a proper manner. The exposure I got to new people, lessons, learning, observing, feeling and experiencing and living in general led me to discover discover many new hobbies, interests, and skills.
I was also given a platform to practice my skills. Thanks to the several clubs that I joined, I interacted with people in similar fields, sharpened my skills, and got a better understanding of what interested me, and the inherent strengths I had until then not discovered in myself.
Conflicted...
The Covid-19 pandemic has meant a lot of changes to a lot of people... virtual classrooms, workplaces and meetings are touted to be one of the biggest new developments. And a future way of learning and work.... I doubt if virtual learning, solely, can actually give the learner the student-life experience. Of course, as an enabler, virtual and elearning can be a huge advantage because it is anytime, anywhere, any number of times, etc. But, if somebody only got his "lessons" online and a "certificate" online, would it be sufficient enough because life and workplaces are far more than "technical lessons" and "qualifications".
I believe that every student should go through the college experience... shake off the inertia... discard the comfort zones and realize one self experientially... This will helps grow on a daily basis and serve as a guide to prepare with a clear vision for the competitive world of work ahead.
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