how i would do my college differently
My B.Tech degree is finally coming to an end (except I still need to write a few retests and clear some backlogs, but it’s mostly over). Despite the feelings I have for my college — which were very much bittersweet — I think I would still want to give it a try again if we could rewind the dear time. But this time, I’d love to do things differently.
By "differently," I mean that, as someone with a hearing disability, I had to face a lot of hurdles and uncomfortable situations in college. It made me give up very early — probably in the second semester. The rest of the six were just me trying to ride the wave. College was difficult, and I’d admit I hated a lot of parts of it (except for the time spent with my precious people).
So let’s talk about things I’d love to do differently:
I’d love to be more optimistic toward learning the courses and try to be as curious as possible. I’d spend more time in the library, read about things, and then read more about them. I’d use my pen a lot and try to get a feel of what I’m actually doing — not just do a last-minute mug-up.
Talk to professors more. Approach them from time to time about my academic progress, exam marks, concepts, personal problems, suggestions — everything. In college, no one can guide you better than professors. Even if you believe they don’t understand your problems, you’ll only know how much they can help once you reach out.
I’d pick my friends wisely this time. Choose a small group and stick with them. Having a big group of friends is catastrophic everywhere — it creates unnecessary drama. It’s better to have a close-knit group of 3–4 people who stay with me till the end, so I wouldn't feel very isolated at times.
Participate in more cultural activities. Try quizzes, debates, lit events, design events, and whatnot. Don’t be blackpilled about everything in life. It’s such a bad way to live. No matter how futile things feel, there’s inherent joy in them — and our goal should be to find it. Of course, a lot of NSS and social service too!
Have good connections with seniors who can help me even after I've graduated. People to stay in touch with. Connections help, no matter how I think about it.
These pieces of advice look pretty generic, but it took me the hard way to understand that the simple advice is the best advice. The traditional ways always work. And above all, implement the "tried and tested" stuff — it saves time.
Note to self: I know you’re a dumb fuck who loves to FAFO, try to do things on your own — but once in a while, it would be nice to learn to rely on people around you who you can trust.