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In this 37th edition of As We Leave, Anshika Singh, a Y20 student graduating in the Department of Material Science and Engineering, shares her inspiring journey. She reflects on the challenges she faced during online semester and how her life took a magical turn thereafter. She reminisces about her cherished college moments, friendships and her experiences at Prayas, which provided her the with the best memories of her entire college life.
Disclaimer:- The views presented below are the author’s own and are not in any manner representative of the views of Vox Populi as a body or IIT Kanpur in general. This is an informal account of the author’s experiences at IIT-K.
After so much contemplation, I’ve finally decided to share this. Let’s start by introducing myself. This is Anshika Singh, a girl who comes from a very small village in Uttar Pradesh where modern facilities are scarce and very few have seen higher education or significant success. Our village struggles with frequent power outages and limited internet access.
Early Struggles
Like every other student, I was very excited to join college, though my excitement was tinged with apprehension. Before joining IIT Kanpur, someone told me that my branch, “Materials Science and Engineering,” had little scope in India, which was very disheartening for me. So, I joined IIT with the goal of working very hard, getting decent CPI, and switching to a so-called better branch.
Due to Covid, classes were held online. From the first lecture on the Hello IITK platform, I knew I had to work extra hard. My limited internet access made attending classes and exams very difficult. While others enjoyed Bulla sessions, family meets, and department meetings, I battled to download lectures, open quizzes, and submit assignments.
To solve this issue, I discovered a spot near a pond about a kilometer away from my home, where internet access was slightly better. Every day, I walked there to download lectures then returned home to watch them. This routine was exhausting, but somehow I was managing. During exams, things used to get more difficult. Without a proper place to sit and with inconsistent internet, I often couldn’t submit my answers on time.
I vividly remember the PHY103 mid-semester exam, held on the Codetantra platform. Despite having a charged laptop, my battery ran low during the exam. I ran home for a charging point, plugged it in, and continued the test, but there was no internet access at home. Still, I tried to submit my answers, but it took around 20 mins for a single answer to upload, and then the submission failed.
Then came the MTH101 exam. It was my first day of contracting Covid, and my body was weak. The fever and body aches were intense, but I had an exam scheduled. Under the scorching sun, I sat in the open, struggling to focus on the questions. My internet connection was poor, and it failed despite submitting my answers 5 minutes before the submission time. I took screenshots and emailed them, but my efforts went unrecognized, and my grades suffered.
The rainy season brought its own set of challenges. During one exam, it started pouring heavily. I had no shelter, and my waterproof bag could somehow protect my laptop. My exam papers were completely soaked, and I could not write anything. My phone screen became wet, and it stopped working. I couldn’t submit my answers and had to run for cover.
These and many such incidents left me devastated, and my grades suffered despite my hard work. At times, I felt hopeless and considered giving up.
Adapting to Challenges
As I faced these challenges, I knew I had to find better ways to adapt if I wanted to succeed. I started waking up earlier and staying up later to find moments when the internet connection might be more stable. I contacted professors and explained my situation, hoping for some leniency or alternative submission methods, but their hands were often tied by rules.
Despite multiple adversities, I always tried to find ways to adapt. I began seeking help from family friends, and acquaintances in town who had better internet facilities. On exam days, I would travel to their homes and give exams. But this wasn’t a perfect solution, as it was awkward to impose on them, but it was necessary for my education. These adjustments, though small, started to make a difference.
Initially, my biggest insecurity was my lack of proficiency in English. Because of this, I would avoid speaking with people who were fluent in English, fearing that I would embarrass myself in front of them due to my poor language skills. So, I used to talk only to those who mostly spoke Hindi. I met many good people here. It was the first time in my life that I met such broadminded people, who later became my very good friends. It is very big thanks to these supportive friends that I began confronting this insecurity. They encouraged me to start interacting with everyone, significantly boosting my confidence.
Expanding My Horizons
Realizing that I needed to diversify my college experience beyond academics, I sought other avenues to excel. I joined several clubs and took up various roles to broaden my horizons and gain new skills. These activities allowed me to meet new people, make friends, and learn from my seniors. I became the Secretary of the Design and Animation Club and the Secretary of the Photography Club. I joined the Student Placement Office as a company coordinator and became a student guide at the Counseling Service. Involvement in these clubs helped me a lot to strengthen my leadership and interpersonal skills. It has helped me interact with many seniors and connect strongly with them. These Seniors have always guided me and helped me to navigate all the challenges.
I also joined Prayas as a Volunteer. Prayas is a society that aims to help underprivileged students near the campus by providing them with free educational facilities.During Covid, Prayas classes were running Online. I vividly remember my first class with Prayas. It was a science class for third and fourth grades. It was raining that day. I stood under an umbrella at my network spot and conducted the class. The eagerness and enthusiasm of the children were contagious. The students of Prayas were a constant source of inspiration. They faced numerous challenges yet never gave up on their education. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by my struggles, I thought about these children and their unyielding determination. It gave me the strength to keep going.
Although there were many challenges but, with the support of my seniors and batchmates, college life has been incredibly rewarding. Their motivation and encouragement have always helped me stay positive and made my life much more beautiful. I started enjoying things. In Fact, I started enjoying the challenges I was facing. Instead of feeling demotivated, each challenge strengthens my determination and boosts my confidence to tackle it.
Returning to Campus and College Life
In October 2021, students with resource constraints were called back to campus. I was selected after submitting numerous proofs of my struggles. Seeing IIT Kanpur for the first time in person was surreal.
I still remember the day I was completing the paperwork at the Community Centre. A masked person was helping me with my luggage, and I assumed he was an official assigned by the institute to assist students. Later, I met Nishant, a senior and a very good friend of mine, and discovered it was actually him helping me. That moment was incredibly awkward yet memorable, marking the beginning of a wonderful journey.
After coming to campus. Life changed dramatically; I finally had access to resources and facilities I had only dreamed of. Finally, I had a good internet connection, no electricity issues with such a big and beautiful college campus, a proper study environment, and access to all the academic resources, etc.
Most of my friends were not resource-constrained, so they were at home. Initially, as an introvert, making friends was very challenging for me, and I had difficulty adjusting to the new environment. However, things changed when I met Khushi. I started hanging out with her. She is such a cheerful, happy, and fun-loving person who literally brought “Khushiya” into my life. Through her only, I met her friends Navneet, Swayam, Sahil, Akshay, Pratibha, and Mohan, and we all became best friends.
Campus life felt like a dream. Every morning brought new experiences and adventures. We were always together, exploring and enjoying life. Night outs, cycling around campus, discovering new places, watching movies, dancing and singing loudly in front of L20 at night, sleeping on the floors in front of lecture halls, and doing random crazy things—these fun activities defined our days. This was the first time I experienced such freedom.
With all the fun activities, I also focused intensely on my academics, and my grades began to improve. The experience of being on campus, with all its facilities and opportunities, was transformative.
Focusing on Prayas
Though I initially joined many clubs, I decided to concentrate solely on Prayas. Experiencing Prayas in its offline form was heartwarming. The dedication and selflessness of the volunteers and the joy and respect from the kids were unparalleled. Every day, as we entered Prayas, students would greet us with “Namaste Didi” with such beautiful smiles, respect, and love on their faces. This warm welcome always touched my heart, inspiring me to do more and more for them.
At Prayas, I took on the role of Manager. Throughout my tenure, we ensured that classes for the students ran smoothly and without any hindrances. We organized various educational and extracurricular sessions, such as Fine Arts classes, Sexual Awareness sessions, and Skating workshops. Celebrating festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan with the kids brought immense joy and a sense of community.
I vividly remember the Diwali festival when we visited the students’ homes to distribute sweets and celebrate with them. Celebrating with these kids and their parents made my day the most wonderful, filled with warmth and happiness, making me feel as if I were celebrating with my own family.
Visiting the homes of Prayas students to understand their family situations and manage their admission processes was a deeply fulfilling part. It gave me a deeper understanding of their challenges and always motivated me. The respect their parents give and how they welcome us is heartwarming. Every day after class, students eagerly asked, “Didi, Aaj mere ghar chaliye ..Mai aapke liye …(some dish) banaunga/banaungi.” And they also used to fight among themselves by saying “Didi aaj mere ghar jayegi”. These moments brought me immense joy and a sense of purpose.
I coordinated with various people to arrange donations for cycles, books, and stationery, which were critical to the students’ needs. These donations significantly impacted their lives, enabling them to come to Prayas regularly and study effectively.
One of the most memorable experiences was organizing the Annual Day event. It required meticulous planning and coordination. Students prepared various dances, dramas, songs, etc. The entire preparation period was such a good time when I got closer to these kids. On the day of the event, seeing the parents’ faces light up with pride and joy as they watched their children’s talents on display was completely priceless.
No matter how many years pass, Prayas will always hold a special place in my heart. The small excuses the kids made, their naughtiness, and their cute, innocent explanations and questions are unforgettable. The work at Prayas was immensely fulfilling, giving me a sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the value of education. The children and their families became an extended part of my life, and their progress and happiness are my greatest rewards.
Career Goals
My grades were finally improving. I also secured an internship through the Student Placement Office at Vedanta Resources. This opportunity provided me with real-world experience, allowing me to see how the concepts we learned in the lab are applied at the industry level. The experience was transformative. It gave me a real-world perspective on my field and allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I had gained..
I also received a pre-placement offer (PPO) from Vedanta. Given the challenging job market conditions, I accepted the offer.
Gratitude and Advises
Reflecting on my journey, the people I met at IIT Kanpur have been the best part. From struggling in my village to thriving on campus, the support and experiences I’ve gained are invaluable. I will cherish these memories forever. The support from my family, friends, professors, and the Prayas community has been instrumental in my journey.
The friendships I made on campus are priceless. I found a group of supportive friends who shared my values and aspirations. We studied together, participated in activities, and supported each other through tough times. These relationships have enriched my life and provided a strong support system.
The experiences at IIT Kanpur have been diverse and enriching. The lessons learned, skills acquired, and memories made will stay with me forever.
My advice to juniors is to stay resilient and never give up. There will be times when things seem impossible, but perseverance and determination will see you through. Embrace the challenges and use them as opportunities to grow. Focus on your academics, but also explore other areas of interest. Participate in extracurricular activities and join clubs. These experiences will enrich your college life and help you develop a well-rounded personality. Build strong relationships with your peers and professors. They will be your support system and can provide valuable guidance and advice.
Stay involved in community service and give back to society. It will not only make a difference in the lives of others but also provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Finally, believe in yourself and your abilities. You have the potential to achieve great things. Stay focused, work hard, and trust the process. Your efforts will be rewarded, and you will achieve your goals.
This is my story—a tale of struggle, resilience, and triumph. Despite the hurdles, I stayed positive and motivated, and I hope my journey inspires others to do the same.
Written by: Anshika Singh
Edited by: Sanchit Arora, Kaushal Jain
Designed by: Sanyam Shivhare
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