Navigating the Gauntlet: A First-Year University Student's Journey

By Nilabho Chakraborty

My first year of university life, from March 15, 2022, to February 21, 2023, was a mix of triumphs, failures, and unpredictable changes. As I reflect on my academic and extracurricular journey, I share my experiences and insights with fellow freshmen to help them navigate their own gauntlet.

Academic Challenges

My academic journey began with a whirlwind of disorientation. Entering with a minimal understanding of the expectations and challenges, I found myself struggling significantly in the early semesters. Anatomy, a subject I was able to master, was a blessing amidst the tumult. However, my performance in subjects like Biochemistry and Physiology was abysmal. Each dissection class brought me immense discomfort, while practical sessions often remained a struggle.

Despite these challenges, I managed to pass all my PCT (Practical Competency Tests) with relative ease. However, my initial hesitance in viva exams gradually transformed into a clearer, more confident interaction with professors. Admitting my struggles and asking for help laid the foundation for my academic growth.

A deeper realization struck me while preparing for my professional exams. Studying under WBUHS requires more than mere rote memorization. Additional efforts—such as understanding concepts, practicing with different question types, and learning time management—are essential. While I remain uncertain about the outcome of these exams, this realization marks a significant milestone in my academic journey.

Co-Curricular Activities and Extracurricular Participation

Co-curricular activities played a limited role in my first-year university life. Despite the university's vibrant Student Union, I was not involved in any club or society, reflecting the busy academic demands and personal challenges that crowded my calendar.

However, I did participate in some political activities, such as protests and rallies. This immersion in political activism exposes the benefits and challenges of being part of a politically engaged college community. It provides valuable experiences and insights into the dynamics of student activism and can shape one's political awareness and involvement.

Personal Growth and Reflections

While I attended most of my classes, often finding them uninteresting, it helped me maintain a relatively good attendance (65th percentile). This diligence marked a significant personal achievement, as it aligns with my efforts to stay on track with my academic and personal goals.

Other highlights included participating in college and hostel convocation programs, college fests like Kaizma, and freshers' welcome events, known as Dokimasia. These events provided opportunities to dance, meet new friends, and build a support network. Despite initial reservations, I gradually formed closer relationships with my seniors, transitioning from a submissive novice to a confident and involved member of my college community.

Academia was just one aspect of the change in my life. Emotionally, the journey was challenging. I attempted to form new relationships and connect with others but faced unforeseen difficulties. The spectrum of personal growth encompassed not just scholastic endeavors but also emotional regulation, from seeking validation and attention to developing self-assuredness and independence.

Looking Forward

As the stress of my first year begins to fade, I am left with a sense of mixed emotions. My academic and personal life have seen remarkable transformations, often reflecting the struggles and triumphs of growth.

However, as I prepare to face the upcoming years, I am acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The stress of exams, the pressure to succeed, and the continuous quest for personal fulfillment are just the beginning. My journey so far has been marked by gauged progress and significant setbacks, yet it has equipped me with resilience, determination, and a deep understanding of my surroundings. As I prepare to step into the next phase, I carry the lessons learned from this first year with pride and determination.

Au Revoir.

Nilabho Chakraborty

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Personal Image from First Day of College