When I first stepped into IIT Kanpur, I was a curious student from a small town in Haryana called Hisaar. Today, as I stand on the brink of graduation, I can’t help but reflect on the long road that brought me here—one filled with challenges, turning points, and moments of transformation.

Growing Up in Haryana: A Culture of Competition and Sports
Life in Hisaar was vibrant but competitive. Like many kids around me, I was steeped in the local sports culture and dabbled in long-distance running. Academics weren't always my strong suit—until class 9, I often scored below 70%. But things changed because of one teacher who saw potential in me when I couldn't even figure out simple calculations. His persistent encouragement lit a spark. I started putting in the work, and from there, my academic trajectory began changing.

The Engineering Dream: Movies, Mentors, and Motivation
My decision to pursue engineering wasn't sudden—it was influenced by many small nudges. A cousin who was an engineer often traveled abroad, and the idea of seeing the world excited me. Movies like 3 Idiots added inspiration. Eventually, I cracked JEE Advanced with a rank of 3500, despite a modest performance in Mains.

I had the option to choose between Computer Science at a new IIT and Electrical Engineering at IIT Kanpur. Thinking ahead about post-graduate opportunities and overall reputation, I chose IITK - and there has been no looking back.

College Life: Best Memories and Lessons Learned
Some of my fondest memories were forged in the summer of my third year. A few friends and I stayed back on campus, took a summer course, coded by day, and played sports by night alongside interns. It was simple, unfiltered joy.

Academically, Power Electronics taught by Prof. Parthasarathi Sensarma remains my favorite course. He was strict but deeply committed to making us understand the material by forcing us to ask questions, exactly the kind of teacher who changes how you see learning.

I was involved with robotics initially and later with Udghosh. Though I had to scale back sports and extracurriculars in my final year, these engagements shaped my thinking.

IIT Culture: The Good, the Gaps, and the Growth
IIT life teaches you a lot beyond the classroom. The seniors, the hostel nights, and even the intense placement seasons, each experience adds layers to who you are.

One area I believe that could improve is the interaction between BTech and MTech students. Fostering more mutual respect across years could create a healthier dynamic.

Looking Ahead: Aspirations Beyond Placements
I’m placed now, something I’m grateful for, but that is not the end goal. I see myself pursuing an MBA in the future after working for a few years, something my parents would also like. There is also a spark in me to one day build something of my own, perhaps an education-focused startup that bridges the gap in school infrastructure and curriculum, especially in sports and specialized learning. Because I believe education will always be a priority for families, and there is a lot of scope to improve it in India.

Advice to Freshers: Don’t Stay in Your Room
A senior once told me: Don’t waste your time locked in your room watching reels or movies. Go out. Explore. Talk to people. You’ll learn more from experiences than from PDFs. And when you interact more, you’ll not only grow intellectually but emotionally too.

Final Thoughts: If I Could Do It Again...
If I had to do something differently, I would have taken my first year more seriously, even if it was online. Early academic focus gives you more freedom in later years to explore other passions without the constant pressure of catching up.

Also, one realization I have had: real friendships begin after second year, when the first intern race begins and you see who stands by you.

And if I could relive one day? My 20th birthday in Hall 3. Let’s just say it was unforgettable, chaotic, and beautiful in all the best ways.

To everyone just beginning their IIT journey: enjoy the process, don’t isolate yourself, and never underestimate where consistent effort can take you.