Stepping into college life

College is not simply a continuation of high school. It is a new experience that requires you to approach success differently right from day one,” said the faculty and staff of St Joseph’s Pre-University College addressing the batch of enthusiastic young people on their first day as ‘College Freshman’.

The old stone walls of St Joseph’s resounded with the footfalls of thousands of feet as students familiarised themselves with the layout, explored the classrooms and
facilities and even got to know their classmates a little.

An orientation programme welcoming them on to the campus, some inspirational messages from their seniors, a pep talk and some words of advice from the Principal started the new Josephites on the right track to take on the challenges of the coming year.

Sudarshan Krishnamurthy is looking forward to exploring his musical talents and improving his language fluency and communication skills this year. “I want to become a teacher eventually,” he says earnestly. As for getting back to uniforms, “Well, we have Fridays and Saturdays to wear what we like, so it’s fine,” he says.

For Syed Nadeem from Himanshu Jyoti Kala Peetha, his dream of joining St Joseph’s has become a reality. “My brother studied here and I heard that it is an awesome place to be in,” he smiles.

Gabriel from Shillong has had to get used to a whole different City and culture along with the college. “From small numbers and cozy classrooms, this place is quite overwhelming. However, the students are friendly and have already made me feel welcome,” says the young guitarist, who hopes to play basketball and football for the college. Budding engineer in-the-making, Abhishek Bharadwaj is aware that moving on to college represents a significant step towards adulthood.

“We will have to be independent learners in college. High school teachers may check to see that we are doing our assignments and readings but college teachers will simply expect us to do them. And it is up to us to ensure that we do,” he says anxiously.

“College freshman will be confronted with abundant pressures related to social situations and academics. It can be stressful to analyse new social norms, learn a new set of behaviours and  adopt a particular identity. College does offer opportunities for both advancement and distraction. We try our best to help ease the way and make the right choices,” says Prof Sudarshan, a student mentor.