Journey To College

My Journey to College: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

It was an unpredictable moment for me. After two years of staying at home preparing for the NEET exam, I faced constant questions from relatives about my choices. They would visit my parents and ask why I was always at home, claiming I was ruining my life. I smiled and remained silent, but deep down, I vowed to make my parents proud one day. That day finally came.

On the counseling day, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. My parents had always dreamed of me becoming a doctor, and I had worked hard for this moment. I took the NEET exam and scored 404, which unfortunately wasn't enough for an MBBS or BDS seat. But I wasn’t ready to give up; I turned my attention to AYUSH, which stands for Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—traditional medicine systems that I found fascinating.

I was particularly interested in Siddha, a traditional Tamil medicine. I decided to pursue a seat in Siddha college because it was popular in Tamil Nadu and I felt a connection to it. On October 21, 2024, I went to the counseling center in Arumbakkam, Chennai, with my parents, sister, and Jeeva. We stayed at a relative's home, and they helped us navigate this stressful day.

As we traveled to the counseling center by auto, I felt a heavy weight in my heart, filled with nerves and anxiety. My parents were also on edge, worried about whether I would secure a seat. When my mother cried, and my father looked disheartened, they returned home, leaving me and my sister to stay with relatives. I tried to distract myself by going street shopping, which was surprisingly enjoyable.

On October 23, I participated in the next round of counseling. When I didn’t get a government seat for Siddha, I suddenly thought about choosing a government Unani college instead. The fees were low, and even though I wasn’t familiar with the course, I felt a sense of relief. I secured a seat in a government Unani college in Chennai, and my parents were thrilled. I had finally taken a step toward achieving their dream.

After completing the admission process, I met my roommate, who was a quiet but enjoyable girl. Once the admission was finalized, a professor informed us that classes would start in ten days. On the evening of November 4, my roommate called to remind me about the college opening. I was shocked; I hadn’t prepared anything! I hadn’t bought any clothes, accessories, or stationery for college yet.

Feeling anxious, my parents and I rushed around buying supplies. The next day, we traveled to Chennai by train, which took nearly twelve hours. I soon learned that Urdu was important in Unani studies, a language I struggled with. Although I could understand some words, speaking it was challenging.

In college, I initially felt like one of the laziest students. I didn’t know how to survive the workload, and I found it tough to adapt. Most of my time was spent in the hostel, where I often felt lost. However, I enjoyed going out with Jeeva. Our outings were some of the most cherished moments I had in Chennai, and I developed a craving for panipuri, indulging in three to four plates each week at various stalls.

Then, on November 26, one of my professors announced that two Siddha seats were vacant for my community and encouraged me to participate in the counseling. I shared this opportunity with Jeeva, who urged me to take it. He reminded me how much easier Siddha would be for me compared to learning Urdu. After consulting with my sisters and roommates, who also encouraged me, I felt more confident about making the switch.

However, leaving my friends was difficult. But I eventually made the decision to take the seat in the government Siddha Medical College in Tirunelveli, close to my home. My father was overjoyed when I called him with the news, and my mother was ecstatic. I felt a wave of happiness wash over me, but it took time for me to believe it was real.

Within three days, I had to join the new college. Jeeva and I hurried to the railway station, excited yet anxious. During the trip, I noticed Jeeva talking and laughing with a girl. My possessive side flared up, even though she was just six years old. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the journey and was grateful for Jeeva’s support throughout this process.

Upon arriving home, my parents beamed with pride. I had finally taken a significant step toward my future. The college opened on November 6, and even though I felt unprepared, I was determined to face the challenges ahead. This journey taught me valuable lessons about belief in myself, trust in my preparation, and the importance of resilience.

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that life can be unpredictable, but with perseverance and support, we can achieve our dreams. I learned not to compare myself to others but to shine in my own way, just like the sun and the moon. This journey, filled with emotions, challenges, and fun, has medical field.