The third year of my college journey has come to a close, and looking back, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. It’s been a good journey, a rewarding experience, and a time of growth.
When I first entered college, I had an image in my mind of what it would be like: a place to get a degree, yes, but also a place where I would experience things beyond what school could offer. Now, after three years, I realize how much I have learned - not just academically, but about life itself.
College is not just about getting a degree. Sure, it’s part of the equation, but the true value lies in what you gain from the experiences, the people you meet, and the lessons you learn outside of the classroom.
It’s a place where you get to explore yourself and the world in ways that were simply not possible in high school. I’ve come to understand a word that I’ve only heard of in passing before - maturity. In these three years, I’ve witnessed my own growth in this area, and I now have a better understanding of what it means to be mature.
In high school, life was simpler. You were either studying or hanging out with friends, but everything was within a boundary. You followed a set routine, and while there were experiences, they were often quite contained. But when you enter college, that boundary expands.
The world outside your school walls starts to open up, and you’re no longer in the same little bubble. The challenges you face are different, and you start to meet people from diverse backgrounds.
You learn things you’ve never encountered before. For me, it wasn’t just about gaining a degree; it was about gaining the experience of the outside world.
I’ve come to realize that I have changed over these past three years. I’ve learned to be more comfortable with who I am and what I stand for. While I’ve always considered myself a “lone wolf“ - someone who enjoys their own company and does their own thing - this journey has introduced me to people who have become important parts of my life.
Some of them are now very close to me, and I didn’t expect that. College has this way of bringing people together, and the connections you make can be meaningful in ways that go beyond casual friendships.
I’ve also heard many people say that a degree doesn’t really matter in today’s world, but from my perspective, I think it’s more nuanced than that. While it’s true that skills and experience play a major role in determining success, the years spent in college contribute to something intangible yet important - memories and maturity.
The friendships, the long conversations, the ups and downs, and the knowledge gained outside of textbooks all combine to shape who you become. The degree itself may not define you, but the experiences during those years, the growth, and the learning process absolutely do.
College is where you start to explore different parts of yourself, and for me, that’s been just as important as any subject I’ve studied.
One of the things that has stood out in my college life is the fact that ragging and bullying are strictly banned in my college. It’s refreshing to experience a college campus where such toxic behaviors are not tolerated.
Unlike what you often see in movies and TV shows, where ragging and bullying seem to be almost a rite of passage, my college has made sure that students can have a positive, inclusive experience without fear of such issues. It makes a huge difference in how you interact with others, and it contributes to a healthy and supportive environment.
Another unique aspect of my college is the temple located inside the campus. It’s right next to my dormitory, and I’ve found solace in visiting it regularly.
Being a spiritual person, I’ve always sought out places that provide peace and reflection, and this temple has become a special part of my college life. It’s a quiet spot amidst the hustle of college, where I can find a moment of calm and reconnect with myself.
College is also an excellent place to discover a little bit of everything. I’ve learned not just about my field of study, but also about things I never thought I’d be interested in. From psychology to business, from engineering to the basics of medicine and arts, college opens doors to a variety of subjects.
You begin to realize how interconnected the world is and how learning about diverse fields can enrich your perspective. It’s not just about mastering your core subjects, but about becoming a well-rounded individual.
As I approach my final year of college, I reflect on the purpose of this journey. For some, college is a stepping stone to a successful job, while for others, it’s a place where they may find their life partner. It’s different for everyone, and that’s what makes the experience unique.
Personally, I’ve learned that college is as much about personal growth and understanding as it is about academics. The connections you make, the lessons you learn, and the challenges you overcome shape your future in ways you can’t always predict.
With one year left to go, I’m excited for what lies ahead. I’m ready for the placement season, ready to step into the professional world, and ready to continue learning and growing. The journey so far has been incredible, and I know that the final year will be full of new experiences and challenges.
The memories and lessons from college will stay with me long after I walk across the stage to receive my degree. As I look forward to what comes next, I’m grateful for the past three years and the opportunities to become the person I am today.