Seven students from different streams shared their insecurities, challenges they are facing in college, why they took up the courses, and about the road not taken.[break]
Akshyeta Amatya, 19, is studying Bachelor of Dental Surgery at People’s Dental College; Hemantika Palikhe, 18, is an architecture student at Kathmandu Engineering College; Bindhya Shrestha, 22, is currently in her seventh semester of Bachelor of Business Administration at Shanker Dev Campus; and Shriya Shrestha, 19, is currently in her second semester of Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Advanced College of Engineering and Management.
Similarly, Sambridh Ghimire, 18, is doing a five-year Bachelor in Law at National Law School, Bangalore; Sushant Kafle, 22, is studying Engineering at Pulchowk Engineering College; and Dibesh Manandhar, 18, is a student at Apex College studying Bachelor of Computer Information System.
From L to R: Sushant Kafle, Shriya Shrestha, Akshyeta Amatya, Dibesh Manandhar, Hemantika Palikhe, Bindhya Shrestha, Sambridh Ghimire
Why did you pick the course and how were the first few classes?
Bindhya: I was a science student in +2 and I wanted to study medicine initially. When that didn’t work out, I applied for a BBA course because my father got me an admission form. The first few days of classes were intolerable but now that I’ve completed six semesters, I realized that had I taken up M.B.B.S. or Engineering, I wouldn’t have been able to sustain myself surrounded by books.
Akshyeta: I wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. I was weak in Physics, so engineering wasn’t an option. The tentative plan was to study M.B.B.S. but I looked around and realized that dentistry is common in my family, so I gave it a go.
Hemantika: I was interested in drawing and painting since childhood. My parents encouraged me by sending me to art and crafts classes. So when the time came to decide what I should study, my parents suggested that I take up architecture to hone my artistic skills alongside engineering. The classes are interesting and I get to use my creativity and imagination, but the second semester has been stressful.
Shriya: I was planning on studying M.B.B.S but my interest was architecture. My major in +2 was Physics, so I thought about Civil Engineering. The fieldworks are hectic and I can’t deal with it.
Sambridh: I took up law because it has scope and it was a safe option for somebody from an Arts background. I was disappointed after the first few classes; I thought law was more practical and less theoretical. It’s a five-year course, and to complete it within five years is deemed highly. Whoever does that is considered intelligent because most students take even six to seven years to complete.
Sushant: I hadn’t planned on what I would study. I went for preparation classes with friends after my +2 and sat through a session on Engineering. The man kept talking about professionalism and how engineering is a subject of creativity and problem-solving tactics. The teachers and the classes aren’t helpful, and I think subject matters aren’t concrete enough.
Dibesh: I’m interested in computer programming. I wanted to study photography but there are no photography schools here, so I went ahead with the backup plan.
If given a chance, would you change your stream?
Bindhya: I think profession should match personality. I find the subject matter too easy, it doesn’t challenge me but I’m fascinated by the idea of business management. I probably wouldn’t.
Akshyeta: I’m not good at writing, drawing or any other artsy stuff. I’m doing what I’m good at, so it’s a no!
Hemantika: I don’t have a business mind, I did think about taking up Fine Arts or studying animation in India but architecture isn’t bad.
Sambridh: Not the course but I’d probably change my college.
What’s the best thing about your course?
Hemantika: I like the concept of green architecture, delving into eco friendly infrastructure. I feel that I can make a difference. We get to design and make models using 2D elevation plans. When I watched Inception, I was overwhelmed with the scope of architecture.
Bindhya: The fieldwork and interesting subjects like critical thinking and decision-making, strategy management and options of Marketing, Finance and Industrial Management in the seventh semester.
Akshyeta: We get to make dentures by molding wax, polymer and monomer casts. My teacher says, “To be a dentist, you got to have a lion’s heart and lady’s fingers.” We get to use our creativity apart from studying anatomy and mugging up the theory portion.
Sambridh: In law, sometimes you have to prove right things wrong and vice versa. It’s challenging to come up with arguments, and at the end of the day I learn what’s right and what’s wrong.
Sushant: Computer Engineering is my interest and I feel that I have a virtual power I can use to create computer games which is another one of my interests.
What challenges do you see in your professional areas?
Bindhya: Business environment is dynamic and we have to build scenarios and strategies to sustain. My plan is to go for MBA after completing my Bachelor’s degree.
Sushant: Computer Engineering has a lot of scope in the sense that there’s so much to be done. I want to go abroad for graduation program first.
Hemantika: I’m enjoying playing with lighting and spaces for now. I haven’t planned on anything.
Akshyeta: There are limited seats for Masters in Dental Surgery (MDS) and it’s competitive. I want to complete my MDS even though there’s less opportunity.
Shriya: I’ve heard that civil engineers aren’t paid well, so I’m planning to switch to Masters in Business Administration after my undergrads.
Sambridh: To study Liberal Arts and Law is a big challenge in itself. After the completion of the five-year course, I’ll probably sit for my Bar exam and get my license for practice. I’m also planning to go to the States for LLM Program.
Dibesh: I think I’ll work as a system analyst in the future. There are other scopes in this field as well.
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