JEE to IIT: A Transformational Journey

Back in the days, I was a carefree, moody, and extroverted individual who didn't fully appreciate the seriousness of life. However, my journey through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and then joining an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has significantly altered my life. This article reflects on this transformative experience and gains from it.

From Carefree to Mellow

My initial days as a JEE aspirant were filled with carelessness, mood swings, and extroversion. Life was about spontaneity and momentary pleasures, with little regard for future consequences. However, the reality of the JEE journey was far from my dreams. The intense pressure, uncertainty about the future, and the harsh realities of selection and failure made me introspect a lot. The nights were filled with tears of worry and self-doubt: will I pass? Will I get selected? The struggle was real, but it made me mature and introspective.

Today, I look back at my journey with a perspective that is quite different. The girl who used to require a lot of effort to become social, quiet, and introverted, now flexes her newfound attitude on social media. Although I jest about it, the transformation is genuine. I am now trying to be a more social person than I was, reflecting on the personal growth I have achieved through the challenges of JEE and my time at IIT.

The Hectic Life at IIT

The life at an IIT is nothing short of hectic, especially in the initial days. Everything happens so quickly that students are overwhelmed. A semester at an IIT is far more intense than two years of JEE preparation. Students study for a week before exams, cramming information at an unprecedented pace. The fast-paced environment is challenging but also incredibly enriching.

One of the first things that strikes a student when they enter an IIT is the sense of belonging and respect. The saying, "This is my college," truly resonates with IITians. IIT not only transforms a person but also instills a sense of respect and discipline. A real-life example that encapsulates this transformation occurred when I and my father went to a municipal office to get a certificate. Initially, the authority ignored us, but when I mentioned that I needed the certificate for admission into IIT Kharagpur, his demeanor drastically changed. He immediately started working to issue the certificate and even began discussing IITs with us.

The IITian Experience

Being an IITian comes with numerous perks, irrespective of one's branch of study. The IIT culture and experience are unparalleled. Not everyone knows that Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, studied metallurgy at IIT Kharagpur and was the topper of his department. He, like many other successful alumni, faced numerous challenges to reach the top of his field. This exemplifies that IITs do not make great individuals; rather, they are the hardworking students like Sundar, Jitendra, Kumar, Sachin Bansal, and Vinod Khosla who make IITs great. IITs transform individuals by providing knowledge and a culture that is difficult to find in any other top college in India.

Conclusion

The journey from JEE to IIT is a transformative one, shaping individuals in ways that are both profound and challenging. The lessons learned, the personal growth achieved, and the newfound respect one gains are invaluable. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that the struggles and hardships were necessary to forge the individual I am today. IIT, for me, was not just a place to study but a platform for transformation and growth.