An overall look into the journey

Life in Kota is an experience. You learn to survive under pressure and responsibilities. The pressure to complete the course work, the DPPs, sheets and n number of other study materials, and the responsibilities to deliver on the task that you are required to do (crack the competitive entrance exams with a good rank) makes you tough enough to solve any problem of life.

While Kota has a lot to offer, they are not all positives. With the humongous amount of inflow of knowledge and science, comes a lot of peer pressure. Yes, there is a lot of pressure to perform well in the tests, keep progressing in the right direction, improve your scores and so on. There is competition among the best of friends and worst of enemies to score better.

A lot of people are unable to handle the stress in the right light. They take to habits like smoking, drinking, drugs etc. Yes, they take to these habits and worse. There have been instances of serious depressions and suicides. In fact, the number of suicides have been rising in Kota for the past few years. Hence, this particular piece of article is included to show you the bigger picture; to keep you motivated and think positively about yourself.

There is only one and one you! And that is your power. So, first of all, don’t try to be someone else. Don’t try to be the person living across your room, who might enjoy an occasional smoke and/or drink, while still performing well in his exams. I mean why would you like to live their life. Just enjoy being you.

There might be times when things seem impossible. You may feel that you won’t be able to make it into your dream college. It’s OKAY! Happens with everyone. The top rankers and the last ones all have it. You just need to believe in yourself and keep pushing the boundaries. Even if you don’t make it, there are hundreds of things that you could do. Life in Engineering is a lot about discovering and chasing your passion. So, don’t worry. It’s all going to be fine in the end!

If negative thoughts begin to overpower you, seek some help from the professionals. There are a lot of counsellors available (some at the coaching centers and many outside). Go and talk to them. Share your problems, whatever it is. Even if they don’t come up with solution, just sharing your problems with someone will make you feel relieved.

When things seem impossible, just go out with some friends, enjoy a good meal, share some laughter, listen to some good music, watch some motivational videos or simply take a nap. Wake up with relinquished energy and fight for your goals. Remember, you need to believe that you are the best! And you really are.

Whether you are in IIT or any other college, there are ample opportunities. I don’t mean to lower your enthusiasm, but yes, there are opportunities everywhere. In fact, a large number of people studying engineering end up working into something nowhere close to it. Strive for the best. So, life has a lot to offer; a lot! Don’t get discouraged by one setback. There are many more opportunities to come.

Before taking any drastic step, just think about your parents. Just remember the smile on their faces, and how because of you, it could vanish. I know I am quoting from the movie 3 idiots, but then it is the truth.
Any problem can be solved. So, let’s get into the race and fight our way through!

All the very best with your preparations. Wish you success and happiness in life!
Cheers!

List of essential contact numbers in Kota for students

Doctors

1)      ENT Specialist : Dr. S.K. Bhatnagar

Address: 1-KA-7, Vigyan Nagar, Kota, Rajasthan 324005

Phone: 0744 242 5454

2)      Eye Hospital: Suvi Eye Hospital

Address: C-13, Talwandi, Suvi Eye Hospital Road, Kota, Rajasthan 324005

Phone: 093514 12449

3)      Orthopaedic(Bone): Dr. Tanay Sharma

Address: 5 A 1, T T Hospital, Rangabari Road, Talwandi, Kota, Rajasthan 324005

Phone: 075689 07887

4)      General Physicist: Dr. Vineer Jain

Address: Plot No 8- A- 4, Mahaveer Nagar III, Kota, Rajasthan 324009

Phone:  0744 514 9010

5)      Dematologist: Dr. Puja Sharma

Address: 5 A 1, T T Hospital, Talwandi, Kota, Rajasthan 324005

Phone: 096363 14061

6)      Gynaecologist: Dr. Raksha Sharma

Address: 3-f22, Opera Road, Opposite hanuman mandir, Talwandi, Kota, Rajasthan 324005

Phone: 082092 04668

Motivation: Where Magic Happens!

You know what happens when you step out of the comfort zone and start trying things which you thought you could never do? Yes, you guessed it right. MAGIC HAPPENS!

It is only when you step out of your comfort zone to sail into the sea of unknown, you land upon the island where Magic Happens. From where you look back and realize that you have come a long way on this journey and accomplished the impossible.

This journey may seem one such tough thing. And there can be other things in life too, which we ain’t able to figure out. It is during these times that high spirited people don’t give up. They show up every single day, they work hard, push themselves harder and refuse to take “No” for an answer. And that is the secret sauce of their success.

LIFE, whether you make it or not!

Life is a continuous process. There will always be new challenges and new opportunities coming your way. Whether you make it through your respective competitive exams or not, it is not the end of the world. In fact, it is just the starting of it. There are many more things that you will realize along the way. There would be bigger challenges, bigger road blocks and better opportunities in life. And that is something I can assure you about.

Success is defined differently by different people. For you, it might be cracking this exam, for someone else it might be losing 10 kg of weight while for a third person, it could be landing themselves into a job that they love. So, if you think this exam is the end of the world, I am sorry to say this my friend, but you are wrong. You are just starting out life and the possibilities are immense.

When I was in Kota, all I thought about was IIT and making it through this exam. Life would be all easy after that. That is an over-statement. I also thought about the repercussions of not making it through the exam. It terrified me. But when I got into college and faced the life thereafter, I realized that it was all an illusion. There would always be new challenges in life. And the best thing about this city of Kota is that it teaches you how to fight, to not give up, persevere and emerge as a winner in all walks of life.

What you learn in class about life is more valuable than the academics that will be flushed out after you appear for this exam. What remains with you is the experience. That’s what matters. It is your attitude that determines your altitude.

There is always an option to make your life better at any point of time you choose to. Change your thoughts and you change your actions. Change your actions and you change your habits. Change your habits and you change your results. And this is valid for everyone, whether you are 16 years old or 60 years young.

I won’t pour out much about life here in this article and would rather let you experience things on your own as you walk along this journey of life. All I wish to say is YES, try it! Give it your best! Put in the efforts like you never have and the results will come.

But just in case things don’t seem to work out at the time, it is not the end of the world. There are better things coming your way, there are always better opportunities, good things waiting to happen. You just have to go out and grab them!

Life Hack

Life Hack is the special section of the book where we have something that will stay with you, your entire life. Whether you choose to implement it or not is something you have to decide. These are basic tips, tricks and life hack for anyone who is willing to improve their life by a small or large amount.
Since this is an age where you build up on things and can make a healthy habit out of this, we prefer to share it with you.

The Importance of Breakfast

It is very important to realize the importance and value of breakfast and how it can drastically increase the quality of your life, while your stay here in the city of Kota. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. In the hustle and bustle of the early coaching classes and waking up late for the classes, it is possible that you may start skipping breakfast. Which is why I wanted to take up this topic specifically.

The easiest way to convince you guys to have breakfast daily is to tell you that it helps in your preparation and with cracking the exam. Lol! That sounds cliché? However, it is true.

Quoting this from a website:

“A good breakfast fuels you up and gets you ready for the day.
In general, people who eat breakfast have more energy, do better in studies, and eat healthier throughout the day. Without breakfast, people can get irritable, restless, and tired. So make time for breakfast!”

With a ‘Poha’ stall in every second lane in Kota, have a quick grab of the light and healthy breakfast before proceeding for studies. Better yet, a glass of milk or corn flakes helps. This gets you start your day in a power packed manner and develop a lifestyle that is disease free and long-lasting.

The Importance of Deep Breathing and Exercises

Deep breathing is one of the best things that I can advice you to bring into your routine. It is more of a meditation where you focus on your breathing for 10 – 15 minutes a day. That is it! You take deep breaths and focus on the breathing process for 10 minutes daily. Here are the benefits of deep breathing:

1)      Makes you better focused

2)      Quiets the mind and makes it peaceful

3)      Helps with development of a better memorizing power (for Inorganic Chemistry). Yeah, I’ve been there, done that! ;)

4)      Releases stress and tension

5)      Relaxes the mind and the body

6)      Relieves you of emotional problems

7)      Strengthens the immune system so that you remain healthy

8)      Better digestion

9)      Improves your energy level and boosts stamina

10)  Elevates your overall mood

With so many benefits attached to it, there is no reason not to spend your precious 10 – 15 minutes daily over this. From my personal experience, try this and you will definitely feel the difference in your stress level, have a better mood and overall memorizing power.

Practicing a little stretching exercise and scheduling it into your daily routine helps too. It makes you emotionally stronger and develops stamina and the mindset to face the world with higher confidence.

An Interview with Ms. Shilpa Srivastava, VIT Vellore (AIR: N/A) Works at Philips

1)      Hello. Thank you for talking to ComfiStay. How are you doing these days?

Hi, Thanks for contacting me. Life is going great. Never been better.

2)      Let’s start from the beginning. How was your academic and social life before you shifted to Kota?

Yes, I did my schooling from CBSE board and of course was above average. That’s why I came to Kota and yeah, social life was normal as it was just after 10^th boards when I came to Kota.

3)      What was going through your mind when you were deciding on moving to Kota?

If I speak frankly, it was kind of routine in schools that if a student is scoring well in 10^th class, he/she most likely will join some competitive institutions. So even I wanted to study outside my hometown and score well in IIT entrance exam and to join some prestigious IITs.

4)      What factors did you consider while choosing your coaching?

Mostly I saw the results from the previous years of that coaching institute and quality of teachers (which is more important).

5)      What were the initial changes that you encountered when you moved to Kota?

As it was first time living outside home and managing everything on your own, it was quite difficult in the starting but eventually you learn everything.

6)      How did you manage to maintain the academic and entrance preparation simultaneously?

I won’t lie but it surely affected the 12^th board exams and the pressure was too much. Also, because you scored well in previous boards, so you have to live up to those expectations. That was a lot of pressure.

7)      How was your social life at Kota? Do you want to give any advice to the thousands of aspiring engineers who come to Kota every year? What to do and what not to do? If its not too personal, what was your lowest point at your life in Kota? How did you redeem yourself?

I would just say whatever is happening in your life, however low you are scoring in your exams or whatever be the situation right now that makes you think that nothing can go wrong beyond this. Believe me it is NOT the end of the world. Just focus on your own growth and your learnings  and you will be successful in your life.

8)      Do you regret that you didn’t put enough effort to get through IIT? Or is it all down to how you handle it on the D-Day? How was it dealing with the fact that you failed to make it to IITs, which in societal norms, is a failure?

I don’t regret going to Kota or giving significant time of my life in coaching institutes. Of course I was really disappointed over not getting selected into IITs. It was my dream to go to IIT Bombay but as we say, life goes on and so as the opportunities in life will always come to you, you just have to be patient.

9)      How did you shape your life after JEE? How did you arrive to what you are today?

Umm along with JEE I had given different All India level exams for different colleges. So, luckily I got into VIT University Vellore and then got a job offer in Philips, one of the better companies, which is pretty incredible J

10)  What are the 5 commandments that you live by in your life?

There are no predefined rules for living life. Just take life as it comes to you and yeah, be creative and follow your dreams, as my friend here Arpit is doing.

An Interview with Mr. Saransh Srivastava, IIT KANPUR(AIR: 121, JEE ADV 2013)

1)      Hello. Thank you for talking to ComfiStay. How are you doing these days?

I’m doing good, still getting used to work life.

2)      Let’s start from the beginning. How was your academic and social life before you shifted to Kota?

My academic life was good by most standards; I was consistently at the top of my class in school, and it required minimal effort for me to maintain that. My social life was restricted to a few great friends, but was healthy enough.

3)      What was going through your mind when you were deciding on moving to Kota?

This decision was pretty clear in my mind for two reasons: I wanted to leave home and be on my own, and I wanted to study Computer Science at the best place possible. Kota would help me achieve that. I was not planning on looking back.

4)      What factors did you consider while choosing your coaching?

I knew I wanted to join Bansal Classes because they started it all, and they would know how to guide students through every scenario. I was so sure if this, I did not even sit for any other institute's entrance exam.

5)      What were the initial changes that you encountered when you moved to Kota?

I saw thousands of students walking the floors of the institute, it almost made me dizzy. I realized how many people are here to achieve the same goal as mine. I also learned to deal with terrible food. I remember one of my first meals at my mess, I couldn’t swallow the food and just went back to my room that night. I wasn’t willing to admit it but I was probably homesick.

6)      How did you manage to maintain the academic and entrance preparation simultaneously?

I enrolled myself into a school that only required me to sit for their bi-annual exams. This is fairly common in Kota. So all I had to care about was JEE preparation at my coaching center. The syllabus is basically a superset of the CBSE curriculum, so there really wasn’t much to prepare for school exams. Contrary to popular belief, the teachers at coaching centers teach concepts with sufficient clarity so as to be able to write descriptive answers.

7)      How was your social life at Kota? Do you want to give any advice to the thousands of aspiring engineers who come to Kota every year? What to do and what not to do?

I took a couple of months to open up with people in Kota, but after that I was pretty social. There were a bunch of social activities one could do there, ranging from sports to playing Counter Strike at dimly lit cyber cafes.

My advice to the people who come as aspiring engineers is to really think about it and be really sure that want to do this. A decent, hardworking student can always get into an IIT, but I’ve seen far too many IITians with absolutely no idea why they are there, and it’s not a good feeling. Also, remember that your parents agreed to burn a whole lot of cash so that you can get some good education, don’t forget that before you start your 10^th FIFA game of the day. If you should be attending a class right now, be there.

8)      If its not too personal, what was your lowest point at your life in Kota? How did you redeem yourself?

The lowest point of my life in Kota was close to the end of my time there, when my old classmates were graduating from school. Seeing their farewell pictures and memories all over social media made me question my decision of leaving home and coming all the way to Kota. It was some sort of existential crisis. There very only a handful of people left in my hostel by that time, and the feeling of loneliness didn’t help.

I came out of it by deciding that now that I’m here, I will at least try to finish what I started. Even if the decision turns out to be not worth it, at least I wouldn’t have wasted two years of my life.

9)      For majority of the society, you are a success story, thanks to the fact that IIT is your alma matter. What role did IIT play in your life? Or do you think IIT is just another milestone, albeit a better one?

IIT has brought about a great deal of humility in me. There are so many brilliant, passionate people working on great problems in all domains. From a social standpoint, I am aware that many people consider it to be a great achievement, but for me it’s just a stepping stone. IIT has surely made me well aware that there are many, many things to be done.

10)  What are the 5 commandments that you live by in your life?

I wish I had 5 commandments to live by. Surely would make my life a lot easier to organize.