Introduction

Back in 2018, my journey into medical college started with a far cry from what I had envisioned. Joining late after the second round of counseling, I missed out on some initial classes, which only added to the mix of anxiety and unfamiliarity. This article chronicles my first day at medical college, highlighting the challenges I faced and the experiences that shaped a lasting friendship and underscores the importance of resilience in the pursuit of a medical education.

Challenges of Joining Late

Initial Classes and Lack of Familiarity

The first day at medical college was anything but what I had anticipated. Joining late after the second round of counseling meant that I missed out on some initial classes, leaving me unprepared and confused. The experience was further compounded by a roommate who was not exactly eager to be friendly. Struggling to adapt to this new environment and the distance from home only intensified my sense of isolation.

Despite feeling lost and lonely, I quickly realized that I would have to chart my way in this new setting. The dorm life, 1400 kilometers away from home, added to the feelings of separation and loneliness. Rooming with someone who wasn't welcoming meant that I had to find my own path and establish my identity in this new academic environment.

Solving the Roommate Issue

Striking Up Conversations

Enter the classroom, and my initial emotions were mixed. The environment felt strange, far from what I had imagined. However, to my surprise, it was more comfortable than my room. That day, I struck up conversations with a few classmates, and I little did I know that these people would become lifelong friends. Together, we made some unforgettable memories over the years that would stay etched in our minds.

First Lecture: anatomy

Overwhelming First Lecture

The first lecture I attended was on anatomy, a subject that was overwhelming. The information felt like someone had detonated a bomb of data in the classroom. Although I had managed to follow topics during my NEET preparation, college life was a different ballgame. Professors delivered their lectures but offered no room for questions or interaction, leaving me feeling both lost and isolated.

Second Lecture: Physiology

Leading to the Dissection Hall

Following the anatomy lecture, we moved on to the physiology class, which was much easier to handle. We then headed to the dissection hall, where I expected something intriguing. Grouped into teams, I remember being part of group 6, where I felt somewhat lost and overwhelmed. However, my teacher noticed my confusion and inquired if I was okay. That moment felt like finding a child struggling, and he offered me support.

Then, the cadavers arrived, and the strong smell of formaldehyde hit us. I must admit, I was not prepared for it. To my surprise, the session turned out to be one of the most fascinating parts of the day. The dissection offered a unique and in-depth understanding of the human body.

Lunch Break and Practical Sessions

Lunch at the Mess Hall

During the lunch break, I visited the mess hall. The food, although decent, provided a temporary respite from the intense learning experience of the day. After the break, we rushed to the practical session on hematology, which was challenging but doing it with friends made it more manageable. This day marked the beginning of a journey that I would cherish forever.

Inaugural Introductions and Senior Ragging

First Day Highlight: Introductions

After dragging myself back to the hostel, I spent time pretending to enjoy small talk with my batchmates. However, around 9 PM, we received a message in our group—an introduction session by the seniors. This was essentially a rite of passage but with a more polite name. The rules were simple: introduce yourself in either flawless English or Hindi. We lined up like soldiers, while the seniors lounged on the beds, thoroughly enjoying the show.

One by one, we nervously delivered our intros, stammering through what felt like an Oscar-worthy performance. The experience was awkward, mildly terrifying, yet oddly hilarious. Despite the chaos, it was an excellent way to meet the seniors and embrace the unpredictable nature of life in medical college.