College life

By: Ishita

3rd year, B.A(Hons.) Economics

Design: Ragini

When I first walked through the gates of Kamala Nehru College (KNC), it felt like stepping into an entirely new world. Coming from a co-ed school to a women’s college, I felt a mix of strangeness and curiosity. The sight of so many girls was overwhelming at first – it was something I wasn’t used to. I felt out of place on my first day, unsure of where I belonged.

The orientation was held in the auditorium, and I remember one of my first challenges: “arey bro, yaha to net bhi nahi chalta hai”. If someone had told me back then that KNC would become third home to me (second home being metro 🚇), I would have laughed it off. Yet, after nearly three years, this place has shaped me in ways I never imagined. College has been full of ups and downs, but every experience has taught me something valuable. I came to college as a shy, anxious girl, but I’ll be leaving as a confident young woman.

One of the most important aspects of KNC has been the safe, nurturing environment it provides. My anxiety from school days would sometimes creep up on me, but KNC has always been a space where I feel heard, where my thoughts and ideas are welcomed with open arms. I’ve found a haven here—a place to express myself without judgment.

It feels surreal when I think about how I once dreamed of being on the student council in school, a dream that never came true. Yet here, I’ve stepped into roles of leadership that I never imagined for myself. My younger self would have never believed this was possible. I was a bit of a nerd back then (maybe I am still), focused on academics. But if KNC has taught me anything, it’s that life is about stepping out of your comfort zone, giving your best, trying new things, and not being afraid of the consequences.

The friendships I’ve formed here and the sense of girlhood I’ve experienced are something no co-ed college could have EVER offered me. Every day at KNC, I learn something new from the incredible women around me—whether it’s my classmates, my friends, or even the faculty. We’ve all grown together, and I can’t be more thankful for the strength and inspiration each one has brought into my life.

In about six months, I’ll be graduating, and farewells will be in full swing. Maybe KNC is ready to let go of me, but I’m not ready to do so yet.