Welcome to Engineering
Welcome to Engineering! It has been a long journey for you from school to high school; through entrance preparation classes finally to Engineering. The road has been difficult with lots of twists and turns along the way but you have persevered through hard work and dedication. For that alone, kudos to you!
I do not think very fondly of my first days at college. But rest assured, it is only me. Almost every single of my friends and peers get a delightful look on their face whenever we start talking about their first days. They talk about excitement at finally arriving to the place where they belonged; about their relief at successfully overcoming the hurdle that is IOE’s entrance examination; and about how they looked forward to new adventures with new friends.
However, there were a few of those who couldn’t share on the aforementioned sentiments. They were afraid. Uncertain. Unlike others who had arrived with a set goal of becoming this and that engineer, they had just “gone with the flow,” so to speak. They joined simply because there wasn’t anything else that they wanted to study or because all of their friends were joining the engineering preparation classes and they didn’t want to be left behind.
It could be that you identify with these groups and are similarly anxious about your future at a subject that is hailed on social media as the most difficult one. I’d say: don’t be afraid. The friends that I mentioned before, all of them did exceptionally well for themselves. I am sure that you will do too. You will just have to believe in yourself and persevere.
There are certain events in one’s life which makes you feel more mature. Your school and high school graduation, your first bike, first girlfriend! The list goes on and on. Starting your Bachelor’s study is one such milestone of your life. You feel mature, more independent. Some of you have come from your hometown to Kathmandu and are on your own for the first time. You are probably homesick. My heart reaches out to you. I would say, however, that as you make new friends, this homesickness will fade away, replaced with an impatience: just when will you go home and regale your adventures to your friends and families.
While I am sure that you will not abuse this independence (let’s be honest though, you will), I’d still like to offer some words of advice. Like many things in life, this freedom also comes with responsibilities. In this case, this responsibility is towards yourself. These are the days when you define yourself. I find that it is very easy to let go if you are not careful. So do be careful. Of course, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have fun. You absolutely should. But be sure not to lose yourself.
You know what the most difficult thing that I found in engineering was? (Actually, this only applies to some colleges so it might not apply to yours) You will not have a proper academic guidance throughout the course. That is not to say that you won’t be taught classes or labs. You will. But, only a few will bother to check your works and offer you criticisms. This was one of the biggest hurdle for me. I found it most difficult to maintain my self-discipline (I still doubt if I actually did) and I can’t help but think whether you’ll fall into the same trap too.
What do you do then? How do you improve yourself when it is so easy to let go? Can you improve at all? Of course, the answer is yes. Yes you can improve. But not on your own. You will require a little help from your friends.
Your peers are probably the most valuable resources that you will have. There’s a diverse group of students who come to study engineering. Some are musicians, some painters, dancers, computer wizards, and so on. Association brings involvement; so go associate with them! They will help you along the way to learn new things, and improve upon those which you already know. Of course, the trade goes both ways. In return for their help, you must offer your expertise on whatever you’re expert of.
Actually, it need not even be expertise, just your insight will suffice. Imagine an entire class of people dabbling on all sorts of things, helping each other along the way to excel in their respective fields. Looks promising right?
Another such resource are your seniors / alumni. They have been there and they have done that. As a college freshman, you will have multitudes of question about the courses, administration, culture etc. Your seniors will help you understand. Don’t be fooled by Bollywood’s portrayal of engineering colleges. Here, no one rags you. Yes, you will be pulled here or there in the waves of student politics (a different topic for a different time) but no one is going to disrespect you. Seniors are helpful. After all, they too needed help at one point. This culture of helping your juniors is what defines most of the engineering colleges in Nepal. We were helped and we also help. So it will be with you.
You might also want to contact the alumni of your college. They know the market as well as various job opportunities inside that market. Connect with them on social media. You will find that the mere fact that you belong to the same college will make them accept your friend request. Chat them up and ask them about various things: their work, market trends; what might be a good skill to have in your field; what might allow you a better chance at a better job? Ask and you will be answered.
At the end, engineering is all about learning while having fun — at least until the exams come over. But hey, those are months away right?
