The university experience
This issue is a retrospect of my university life, scrutiny of my escapades and some nuggets to get you going. Sit tight!
On March 15, 2020, the government abruptly closed all learning institutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After switching to the Zoom classes, it was evident that something the antique brick-and-mortar campus offered was lacking — the university experience.
I thought it better to talk about this unique experience now that I will be graduating!
The experience one gets in college is more than just anything a school can offer. It is the chance to have your eyes opened up to new things, let go of old ones and start anew. It is about the people you meet, places you visit, new ideas you encounter and moments you treasure.
Sam Zeloof, the guy I mentioned in issue #1 who fabricated an IC in a garage, is glad to have gone to college!
My time at JKUAT is not an exception either. I often find myself reminiscing about my college years and thinking about what I would change if I could go back in time.
It's been five months since I formally left college and five-six years since I started. The memories are still vivid - making it hard for me to accept that it's over. And even though I have moved on, it is something that will always be part of my life.
Class
Being an engineering student, the classes were challenging but very rewarding.
The first year felt like a walkover. We covered the foundations of engineering, mostly mathematics, physics and chemistry - which were my fortresses. I had never felt so at home in my life!
It was not all about wins, however. As the years progressed, then came the real deal. We took core electrical engineering courses diving deeper into electronics, power systems, communication, machines, design, advanced mathematics, control, computer systems, programming and several complementary units - which were not a walk in the park, in my opinion.
I needed to put in extra work to maintain my status quo. It sometimes amounted to sacrificing my weekends or studying outside class hours. Anyways, I am not complaining.
Despite this, I appreciate the support and mentorship we received from our lecturers. Their words of encouragement kept us pressing on.
Outside class
Here was my best part!
You see, I was never an extra-curricular type of person. I would always be among those watching, if not cheering. But then, toward the end of my second year, I found the spaces that led to my tremendous growth.
I also got into leadership!
JKUAT Gavel Club was the kiln where I honed my leadership skills (I'll save that for a separate issue). By the way, I never missed any of their meetings until I left school. I noted somebody already spoke on my behalf: the energy.
I also organized events and hangouts, built projects, attended hackathons, visited places, watched movies, played games, delivered speeches, led discussions etc. The nostalgia is overcoming!
Circles
A university is a place to meet people, make friends, find mentors or partners, or just someone who truly understands us - networks that can be very helpful.
I have made true friends while in college. Friends I can reach out to during tough times. People I consider my family even when away from home. I met my mentor and mentees while in college. I have a clique that creates time to catch up even after school. I got persons who will challenge me or even say the truth, even when it is bitter.
While you find people with different characteristics and personalities in college, the years spent there are enough to swipe right until you find your match!
Nuggets
I wanted to spend the last section of this issue sharing some tips that will help someone manoeuvre through their college years. Here are my four nuggets of wisdom:
Always show up
One of the most popular mindsets in college is that you can save the semester in two weeks - or even less for some! As much as I am not dismissing the opinion, it is much easier when you have been showing up.
I managed to go straight from the first semester to the last without failing any course because I religiously attended all the classes. Revising is easier if the content is familiar.
Upskill
Make a continuous effort to improve a niche skill.
Honestly, the college professor will not teach you everything. The content is also likely outdated relative to current trends and what the industry expects from you. Don't wait.
Explore
Immerse yourself into the university experience.
Clearly, from above, there's a lot more in college than just classes, labs and hostels. Explore to find what resonates with you. Is it that sport? Community of students? Particular group or activity? Join and make the most out of your college years.
College is the safest space to experiment.
Balance
Scott Galloway argued that balance is a myth - there are only trade-offs. I counter that by highlighting that, as a student, there are no trade-offs. You have to obtain a balance.
As much as we need to explore and try different things, that bell has to ring that you are also a student. A friend from Makerere Gavel Club said it.
P.S. Post-Mortem
My time in college was a great experience overall.
As any college student knows, it's hard to keep up with all the changes in academics, extracurriculars, relationships, money and life in general - but I made it.
The most important thing is that I came out better than I was. I have a different perspective on things now and even on myself.
Ꭱαɳԃσ𝓶 ᑭσട𝜏 ᙏσɾ𝜏ҽ𝓶ട
tinegachris