Hello Friends!

I am a student of Computer Science Engineering at Supreme Knowledge Foundation Group of Institutions, located in Mankundu, Kolkata. Being in the third year, my college journey seems akin to reading an old novel that is filled with twists and turns—every chapter with unexpected discoveries. From the overwhelming emotions of being a freshman to the more purpose-driven steps taken as a junior, each moment has deeply impacted my journey. Not much different from how every reader finds their story within the pages of a book, every college student discovers themselves in these years.

First Year:

Actually, the feeling of elated nervousness was first felt on the day of my first day at the college. Everything around me was new: the place, the people, and even myself in a sense; for this was a fresh beginning. At first, it felt like too much for me to bear but with the elapse of time to the day, it began to become more manageable. It was easy to make friends because classmates were easily accessible, and becoming friends made group assignments, fun dorm events, or exam reviewing at midnight even better. It was not long before these relationships turned into some of the things I cherish most about that particular year of freshness.

From an academic perspective, the first year was largely characterized by discovery. I undertook general education subjects where I found out that there are subjects that interest me in school. Managing working and college together with the new social life was not easy though very fulfilling. Nevertheless, a rather challenging experience during my first year was the COVID-19 pandemic occurrence in the middle of my exams. The pandemic began, all the countries went into lockdown, and my college life was changed. Originally, I could go to college for only one or two days a week, which affected the transition to remote learning and overall social life. This period was particularly difficult yet was a good learning experience regarding the importance of being strong and flexible. However, by the end of first year, I was a little less anxious and thus prepared for whatever challenges may come my way.

Second Year:

During the second year, I adjusted to the environment and the situation in the University, I became more self-assured. After the restrictions were lifted activities returned to normalcy, although there was marking and wearing of masks for precaution purposes. This was when group competitiveness started to heat up, not just in terms of performance and trying to outdo each other academically, but also in making an impression on our teachers.

Apart from that, new friendship was established with senior students who helped and provided assistance regarding placements and how to get it. This kind of interaction not only broadened my knowledge but also contributed to my gaining valuable experience for future simulations.

Despite the competitive ambiance,

• The college fests and events left me with good impressions and this I will always be grateful for.
• Involvement in the fresher’s program as well as planning of the same nurtured leadership skills and fostered cohesion among people.
• Participating in various activities such as sports, workshops, coding competitions, and bridge building was helpful to balance with experiences.
• As much as fun as it may be, being part of the team that won the first prize in the bridge-building competition showed me how useful my studies are in the real world as well as building my confidence.
• I also got a chance to solve various programming problems during the All India Hackathon event which was beneficial in enhancing my problem-solving skills and I also got an opportunity to work with students from all over India in making new inventions and ideas.
• For instance, different guest speakers came to our college with a prime aim of boosting our morale. One of the guest speakers was an employer at Microsoft who delivered a motivating speech to us where she spoke about the need and need to innovate as well as the need to persevere within the technology field. This brought home the fact that learning was something that I had to do which was motivating me to continue with my studies. Also, number of guest speakers from different fields our college also came and delivered their inspirational words and experiences which in turn made us more motivated and energetic.

Education-wise, the classes remained more demanding but at the same time, I found it more interesting to proceed with the studies. It was the time I started focusing in a particular area of study and came up with a major that laid down the path for the rest of the college years. This made the balance or the interplay between academic work and social life less of a challenge and an increased feeling of being on the right track, of having something to do.

Third Year:

This is the third year and finally I feel that I am really experiencing what I’ve chosen my major to be. I am actively completing work related to specific courses and engaging in research projects that seem so cool. This year is important for college students because employers begin to visit our campuses in search of candidates to join their organizations and to assess our readiness for the market. This is a critical period which is characterized by interest and hassles.

Moreover, besides the commonly prescribed curriculum, the college teachers have always been very helpful, letting us know about good internships and insisting we apply for some of them. They have also included other courses to enable us grasp more knowledge of the field. Courses like these have been of great help in furthering my learning and readiness for practical use.

Right now, I am finding myself in this crucial stage, in search of a suitable internship where I can apply all the knowledge and progress further. This year has been about implementing what I have learnt through internships, research, and further education. It has been quite a learning process and I have benefited from it, meaning I have really had to apply my brain and work in a team. Apart from academics, I get to improve on personal growth, time management, and relationship with fellow beings.

Before I evaluate my college experience up to the third year, it is also important to appreciate how this college has facilitated infrastructure to support new settlers. Here are some points :

1. Campus Facilities: The college has all kinds of infrastructural facilities which have been recently developed to match modern standards. We have LCDs in our best teaching labs, computer teaching labs and a well-equipped library with all the requisites.
2. Sports Facilities: Likewise, residential students get access to well equipped gymnasiums, tennis court and football ground for physical activities that can enhance the quality of their health.
3. Technology: Across the university, the best and fastest connectivity is availed besides relevant and appropriate computer’s formations designed to boost student performance.
4. Dormitories: They help provide well developed liveable spaces, services related to amenities are also well developed. For the students who may want to live within the institution there are hostels for the students to live in.
5. Cafeteria: Some of the distinctive features that stand out include a well-organized canteen that offers delicious foods and snacks of varied nutritional value. It also fulfils working staff nutritional needs. It also meets the nutrition needs of working staff.
6. Laboratory Facilities: Electronics Lab and Computer Science Lab are used for working on various models, practicing assignments, executing research of natural Science streams and Verbal Application Lab is used as application and demonstrated modes.
7. Workshop: Mechanical workshop is well equipped to address all requirements; it supports engineering courses and can offer practical experience for the courses’ respective students.
8. Auditorium: Functioning as a multi-purpose hall, the college auditorium holds functions, lectures, cultural activities, and professional performances that create a lot of value to the students.

Also, the college environment is so awesome with a beautiful garden under which different flowers grow during the winter season. Also noteworthy are such infrastructure facilities as a playground for football, which is also located on the territory of the campus.

Thus, considering my comparison with my college years, it is pertinent to state that I was offered support and received benefits due to our college facilities in numerous circumstances that contribute to positive changes in regards to our achievements, learning progression, and the future.

To all students currently in their college or postgraduate programs I have admonition to start doing something significant from your third year that will enable you get a job when you are through with your studies. Do not burden your parents’ pocket, rather look for opportunities like interning, freelancing etc. This also way not only helps you add more experience in your resume but also makes you financially independent.

From my own experience, I believe that college life is the best journey time that you will never forget and which you will not be able to get back. Thus, live your life, have fun, and at the same time, train yourself in order to attain employment. As I approach my last year of college, I feel thrilled and at the same time apprehensive about what lies ahead.

Despite the fact that the future is uncertain, I can be sure that all the things I have learned and all the skills I have gained now will be useful for me no matter what I want to do in future. As I savor all the dynamism that comes with the college experiences, I appreciate the challenges that have led me here and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you , dear readers, for taking the time to delve into my article.