A Dilemma - Part one

 As I said, I want to pen down my own journey to Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, I am here to share my dilemma in choosing the right university for my life. Many of my friends might know that I am originally from a small town called Cuddalore, which is nearer to Pondicherry. Though, Cuddalore provided mediocre education for very competitive world, I chose the hard path of switching my board from State to CBSE in 11th. For many who is reading this article will definitely see  this as a weird decision considering the fact that many students go vice versa. The sole reason for doing that is to challenge myself analytically and emotionally to equip myself for some great challenges later in life.

Getting into IIT was my dream, which ended as a dream mainly due to the lack of fundamentals while the kids from privileged background gets drilled from their tender age. Anyway my hard preparation of one year of my life gave me immense analytical sheer. The world of maths, science was not enjoyable for at least one year since I need to internally motivate me to slog long hours in solving some complex problems. I wouldn't say TN state board is bad but certainly it doesn't encourage students to solve problems so I really faced humongous challenge while comprehending the  IIT JEE problems first. Eventually, that experience was a real learning experience which tested my patience, perseverance in learning new things. Since, I was not actually preparing for CBSE board exams for one year I got damn scared before the commencement of board exams. So I took voluntary leave from boring schools and buckled down for exams. My memorizing capacity which I garnered from State board curriculum was a real savior.

I was able to master the theories of all subjects pretty well and confident before board by solving past 5 year board papers. Apart from English, I was able to score  well, particularly thanks to a friend of mine who helped me to score good marks in Computer Science; the subject which I abandoned until the exams. So, I was able to crusade the board mess with my good state board hand writing skills and presentation skills. But, still I have to prepare for engineering entrance examinations particularly AIEEE and JEE. Though, I totally gave up the confidence of clearing JEE, I did prepare well for AIEEE. I also applied to two Singapore universities mainly due to the advice of a Senior friend. After the exams, both the universities called me for pre-assessments.

I went to Bangalore to give my NTU entrance examinations. That trip to Bangalore was made awesome by friends of my Uncle who were damn funny commenting on the girls who wrote the exams. One of the guys during that time got an admit to IIM Calcutta. So he told me to take the NTU entrance exams seriously. Right after my NTU entrance, I had to write my AIEEE exams but I really screwed up the exams since I completely juggled marking of chemistry paper. I was shattered right after the exams because I definitely know that my chances are very slim. So, I returned home with a heavy heart. Then, there was huge fuss about TN engineering entrance. Ultimately, they did conduct it. I received my offer to join NTU, Anna university and also NIT (Some NIT in north).

I always wanted to pursue chemical engineering since chemistry was always my passion in life. I got chemical engineering in Anna but I forgot to put chemical as my first option in NTU. NTU offered me mechanical engineering. I had little guidance about NTU those times. So I called up that IIM dude asked for his guidance he urged me to go to NTU for exposure and learning. I solely decided to come based on his wise decision. I dropped my plan of joining Anna which was my comfort zone naturally. Hence, the beginning of different life in a new environment.

murphy's laws...

I am starting to my college, so it started to rain heavily. as soon as i was inside the safe confines of my department, the rain stopped. The rains are always different when you walk. its rushing into your face, creating a tremendous amount of precipitation right in front the glasses so that you have to take your glasses off in case you need to see the 18 wheel trailer that would have squished you had you not taken them out at the right time. as soon as you go stand in a bus stop, the bus driver knows you are there, and somehow manages to drive slowly (by telepathy,i think), very slowly, so that you are totally drenched. the instant you get inside the bus, your pockets respond normally, by holding the change in. you would find every other currency note except the dollar that is very much necessary; it is usually during this time that you can hear the people breathe very heavily, the whole bus waiting for you. you are responsible for their delay. if they are late for a meeting, its you. if they are late for the flight, you should pay them their fare.

computer labs are god's way of playing chance games on mortals. i am shocked by the utter simplicity of the algorithm though. if you are desperate to do something for your assignment in the lab, you will not get a system, it will be full. depending on the % availability, you have to reassess your assignment's importance. if its very important, sorry man, tough luck. if its not, you just might find a space. if you see an empty space,

#1 there is a person on the other door waiting for the system and he is close to the seat

#2 the computer just crashed

#3 you forgot your password and you hear heavy breathing of the other 'waitees' from behind.

#4 the guy next to the seat has reserved the seat for his girl friend.

just before the day of the exam, you would feel like you have to absolutely sleep, in the absence of which your head will explode into a million and eight pieces. but the day the exam is over, not even a million gallons of cough syrup would put you to sleep.

so much for normalcy in life...

Coming Up

I have plan to write chronicles of my NTU life from May onwards. This 10 part series will have some fictional elements but mostly based on my own reflections of NTU life. NTU has given immense opportunity to network with varied minds of diverse cultures and distinct backgrounds.

Coming soon........