Things I wish someone told me when I started college.
It has been 4 years since I started this wonderful journey of learning and self discovery. During these 4 years, I have made friends, been embarrassed, experimented with food and fooled around in general. But I also have learnt to be resilient and maybe worry a bit less about the future :-).
Here I am making a list of things I wish to tell my past self which I think would have made life in college more enriching.
Share your work
While learning that shiny new JavaScript framework or implementing a cool algorithm is fun, try to share your work through various means. Upload your code to Github and write a good Readme. Blog or make a video about the new algorithm or project you have done. Write a paper on the research you are doing, even though it may be published.
Pay it forward
Your predecessors have put forth a lot of effort in making your college the place it is today. They have started and organized clubs and activities which you enjoy. They have written the notes and made the solutions you refer to. Be that senior to your successors and share the things you have learnt with others.
Learn a new programming language, teach it to others. Solved that difficult calculus problem, explain it to others. Are your fellow classmates having a problem with electronics, take initiative and try to help them. Start the French club you have always wanted to, there are others who want the same.
Be Social
While sitting with your clique of friends discussing your interests is fun. Try interacting with the wider world whenever the opportunity presents itself. Alone in the cafe, sit with that stranger and ask his name and what he’s doing. Talk to another group about the project they are working on. Talk about your work and courses to your juniors.
Learn to write and speak
Writing is the one of the most effective and commonly used communication tools. It is how you are going to communicate with your professors, as you submit the project report or answer the question in the exam. It is one of the best ways to refine your thoughts and getting them into the world. This ties directly to sharing, as you have to be a good writer to be good at sharing your work.
Speaking is another way to share your work. Give a talk to a small group about the cool prototype you hacked together over the weekend. Continuously speak to your friends and professors about the project your working and get their feedback.
Talk to your professors
Your professors were once students and they understand your situation. Being professors, they also have an intimate understanding of the system your are navigating. They can help you with any problem you are facing and if they cannot, they can point you to someone who can. All your worries about the future will be greatly reduced once you speak to them.
Take an interest in all your courses
All knowledge you gain contributes to your development as an individual. You never know when the thing that is being taught, which you ignored, might be useful. You don’t lose anything by taking an interest in the course, even if you find it difficult. You only gain another set of skills to add to your toolbox.
What do I mean by “take interest”? Don’t study to pass the exams, study to understand the subject and ingrain the concepts within yourself. Do the projects with the same dedication you would show to a project of your liking.
Support your schoolmates
Your schoolmates will take part in various activities over the course of the year such as sports, cultural activities, quizzes, etc.. Be there to show your support. You want them to be there for you when you need it.
I would like to thank Gaurav, Priyansh, Anuj, Nandan and Lavanya for their contribution in shaping these points.
