Class Apart (1996 – 1997)

The fun of college started only when I started going to my class regularly. Our batch was the 3rd batch of the college so there was less than 500 students in the campus. My class had some 25 guys and 3 gals(Not to mention how beautiful they are). I was curious to know what the subjects that will be taught. Not because I learnt from my mistake of 12th standard but to gauge when I might complete my degree. I was happy to know there were no math and no practical. This itself meant that I don’t have to break my brain on figuring out what is dy/dx (I haven’t figured that even now) and also that I don’t have to fear any of my lecturers for internal marks.

All I had to learn was accounts. Having passed out 12th I thought this wouldn’t be a major issue. My first semester had some basic accountancy as core paper and economics. After 1 month of class I couldn’t understand the basics of accountancy. So I went for tuition to understand the subject. I went dutifully for 3 days. Then I thought what am I doing to myself? Am I in college or school? Its high time I move out of this school syndrome and become a hard core college student who doesn’t care about results. Above all I didn’t pass my 12th to be geek.

Just a day before my first semester accounts exam I asked my friend to teach me accounts and how to solve the problem? He gave me the biggest insight which I still think is the easiest and most convenient way to solve complex accounts problems. He said draw a straight line and divide your answer sheet into two. Whatever the money goes out prefix with “TO: and whatever comes in prefix with “BY” . “TO” to be written on the left side and “BY” on the right side. Tally both the side, whichever is lesser add the difference amount and mention that as balance carry forward.

My exams got over without much pain. I attempted or rather solved the entire problem as my friend had taught me. Though I didn’t care much about my results but back of the mind I always had this urge to know about my accounts results. The day result was announced I fainted. Even I couldn’t take the shock of me getting through the financial accounting exam. Out of the 5 papers I wrote I flunked only in economics. I was super duper elated. Even my fellow classmates and hostel mates applauded me for the brilliance I had and how quickly a science student could learn accounts that too without going for tuitions.

Post my results I never really cared about any subjects. The second semester had a bit higher version of financial accounting. But by now I knew to solve any accounts problem with ease. My second semester results made me to realize that it’s not all that easy to clear the exams every time. Though the college was 3 year old and didn’t had much history, I created one. This was revealed to my mom by my lecturer when she was asked personally to collect the mark sheet. I was the first person in the history of college to score less than 15 marks in financial accounting. I had another feather added to my cap; I also flunked again in the economics paper.

Hey by the way landmarks have to be broken that’s the challenge thrown in front of any champion. But for now I’m a CLASS APART.