Embracing the Ashokan Journey: From Doubt to Pride- Chanda Kumari, ASP’25
"As you navigate through these years, you will find a new version of yourself emerging."
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I know you are doubting yourself, wondering if you’ll be able to meet your kind of people or make lifelong friends during this college journey. Deep inside, you know your mom is more worried about you travelling alone to Sonipat than you are. She’s concerned about whether you’ll be able to wake up on time for classes without her morning alarm, or how you’ll cope with the absence of the sweet, soft voice calling “mom” while working in the house. All these things will be missed while you make all those YES and NO decisions out there. But don’t worry, Chanda. Ashoka is all prepared to welcome you to your new home for the next four years, with a cute tote bag adorned with the Ashoka Chakra and a heart-touching red badge with white fonts declaring: “Proud Ashokan.” Now, give a big smile and say, “YES, I’m a proud Ashokan student.”
Transitioning from high school to university academics will be challenging. But remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. You will learn to manage your time effectively, juggle multiple responsibilities, and develop a newfound confidence in your abilities. By the time you reach your 3rd or 4th year, you will proudly list on your LinkedIn and Superset profile that you possess excellent time management skills and have had great experiences leading teams as a student buddy, cohort leader, and Resident Assistant (RA).
The women’s football team will be your sanctuary (as it was in Yuwa India NGO) whenever you need to kick away your sadness or anger or simply, unwind while watching a vibrant sunset in mess lawns. Through this team, you’ll connect with students from diverse backgrounds and gain the opportunity to compete in inter-college matches across various universities in India. Additionally, volunteering with societies will be an invaluable experience, offering unique perspectives and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to clubs/societies.
As you navigate through these years, you will find a new version of yourself emerging. By your 4th year, you’ll have grown immensely, both personally and academically. The friendships you forge, the knowledge you gain, and the experiences you collect will all contribute to your journey of self-discovery. And oh yeah, your mom will eventually feel confident enough to give you a SMILE at your see-off, instead of tearful and emotional eyes.
So, dear first-year me, embrace every moment at Ashoka. Trust in your ability to adapt, grow, and thrive. The journey ahead is filled with incredible opportunities, and you are more than capable of seizing them. Welcome to Ashoka, your new home. Say it loud and proud: “YES, I’m a proud Ashokan student.I know you are doubting yourself, wondering if you’ll be able to meet your kind of people or make lifelong friends during this college journey. Deep inside, you know your mom is more worried about you traveling alone to Sonipat than you are. She’s concerned about whether you’ll be able to wake up on time for classes without her morning alarm, or how you’ll cope with the absence of the sweet, soft voice calling “mom” while working in the house. All these things will be missed while you make all those YES and NO decisions out there. But don’t worry, Chanda. Ashoka is all prepared to welcome you to your new home for the next four years, with a cute tote bag adorned with the Ashoka Chakra and a heart-touching red badge with white fonts declaring: “Proud Ashokan.” Now, give a big smile and say, “YES, I’m a proud Ashokan student.
