THE COLLEGE HAVING A FEW STORIES

Rigid. That’s the word which will come in people’s mind when you ask them about me. Throughout my school life, I had been known for my stubborn, inert and ‘mini- Hitler’ like behavior. Due to this rigidity, I had never mastered the ‘art’ of making good friends. I wanted to improve this aspect of my journey and thankfully I got a new chance, a new life- the college life.

I remember, when I was in the fifth standard, there was this fare-well arranged for the tenth grade students. Seeing them, I day dreamt of my boards, my farewell and how life would be in college. More than anything else, I was excited about the fact that I would have complete freedom to apply nail-paint and mehendi, whenever I would wish to! In this way, each year something new was added in the ‘what-to-do-after-school-life’ list. As the level of maturity increased, the priorities moved from childhood fantasies to improvement strategies.

Finally, the day of choosing a college had arrived. I had decided the college I would go to and had also written its name on the front page of the college note-books! But it seems that destiny did not go through these front pages and transferred me to a college which I was the most hesitant to go to- St. Xavier’s College!

Shocked, aren’t you? Even when it is the best for arts, why did I hesitate to become its alumni? The only reason was, my ‘rigidity’. I had stereotyped the Xavierites as students who were spoilt brats, having noodle-like hair, wearing tattered clothes and acting like modern-hippies. This was a perfect example of how stereotypes can make you take wrong decisions, but thanks to my family and friend’s persuasion, I at last got into Xavier’s.

As I got to know the college and as it got acquainted to me, I found out that the students here, were not different than me! The FYJC life was hectic, but fun. Loads of group projects, the nervous shivering while presenting them, the smiles we exchanged after exams ended and the most important part- the joy of having great friends! I loved the way we mixed! I loved the way we explored! I loved the way we defined life! Not only friends but also the teachers- each with their unique style of teaching. I never knew that college-professors take such a lot of interest in student-improvement!

The SYJC was even better! As friendships deepened and new friend joined in, my mind-set opened and the rigidity, surprisingly started dissolving. This college not only helped me to learn the art of friendship but also added a spiritual flavor in my life. As the interactions between us and the professors increased, I found a new explanation to the term ‘knowledge’- which was to learn more from beyond the four walls of the class-room.

This college was not a mere building, but was a care-taker, a knowledge-giver, a philosopher and most importantly a mother, my alma mater! I remember everything- the foyer, the libraries, the ‘Harry Potter’ steps, the chapel, the computer lab, everything! Everything!

This cozy little nest of ours helped us to come out of the shell. Tomorrow the birdies will glide away in different directions… but we will definitely not forget Xavier’s, who strengthened our wings…Hopefully after SYJC, I return to this nest to reach the higher skies in future.