Navigating College Decisions: A Personal Journey in Dentistry
Choosing the right college is a significant decision that impacts many aspects of one's life. My story is a testament to the hurdles and triumphs that can come with the process. It's a tale of financial constraints, familial support, and the pursuit of passion, all wrapped up in a bit of coincidence!
The Drama Begins: Lost Luggage, Hopes and Tears
It all started in October 2017 when Air India mistakenly sent my luggage to Chennai instead of Kolkata. At the time, I was preparing for an exam and had important documents packed in the luggage. The situation was dire, and I was heartbroken. However, the Air India ground crew stepped in to help. My luggage was retrieved the very next day, marking the beginning of a unforgettable journey.
A NEET Journey with Unpredictable Outcomes
As we move to September 2018, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) counseling was in full swing. I had performed poorly in my exam, but still, I was eligible to get into a good private college. Ever since I was a child, I had harbored a passion for dentistry. The field appealed to me because it combined art and human science, two areas I loved.
Unfortunately, private dental schools in India were known for their hefty fees, and my family's financial situation could not support that. To mitigate the costs, my parents agreed to enroll me in a private institute, but I felt guilty. Therefore, in the All India Counseling, I set my sights on colleges with fees ranging from INR 1.5–2L annually. Unfortunately, I missed the cut-off in the first and second rounds.
Hitting a Setback and Seeking Alternatives
My father, becoming increasingly restless, suggested I apply for the Karnataka Counseling. To my surprise, I ended up getting into one of the best private colleges in Bengaluru - RV Dental College and Hospital, RV University. However, the cost was far beyond my budget, with an INR 1L non-refundable deposit to secure the seat, and the remaining balance due at the time of admission.
Tragic and Hopeful Moments: The Mop-Up Round
In October, after September came to an end, I returned to Assam. We had a mop-up round in NEET All India Counseling. I reached out to one of my brothers, begging him to help me through this tough time. I cried and felt like a burden on my father. My brother was understanding and encouraged me to apply for the mop-up round, even adding his own university as the first preference!
To my amazement, I got into the college that my brother had entered just a year before! It was in Chennai! The SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM University Chennai offered a yearly tuition fee of INR 3L. Now, I had two options to consider.
The Final Decisions and Aftermath
After careful deliberation with my parents, we decided not to take up the seat in Bengaluru due to the total expense over five years. The INR 1L non-refundable deposit was lost, and we considered it a donation. I was finally set to embark on my dentistry journey in Tamil Nadu.
The journey had a mysterious twist for me. This was the same city where my luggage had been sent accidentally during my trip a year back. Some might call it a sign from the universe, but I still believe that there was a higher purpose behind getting my luggage sent to a city with no prior connection to me. It was a play on the universe saying, "Your luggage and documents are ready for the trip you are about to embark on!"
Ironically, my sister now works as a professor at RV University Bangalore. She might have some interesting ideas on how to reclaim our lost deposit, but for now, it seems she should join us in the pursuit of dental care!
My experience highlights the importance of practicality, family support, and making difficult decisions based on available resources. If you are currently navigating the tough realm of choosing a college, you too can find strength in numbers and support from loved ones to help you make the best choice for your future!