Maureen Morris

2nd Year, B.Tech. CSE

“Give me a call when you start missing college”, these were the exact words uttered by one of my friends as we prepared to depart for our summer break. When he mentioned it to me at that time, I couldn’t help but wonder how I could feel nostalgic for a place in which I had lived for less than a year, when I would be in the comfort of my own home. One week later, although with quite a bit of hesitation, the realization dawned upon me that I have actually started missing college.

Of course I would! My first year was filled with unforgettable memories. Some might question the ability to create lasting memories or form friendships that may not last beyond the first year, but they are unaware of the incredible journey I have experienced over the past year.

Allow me to begin from the start. I must admit that attending KIIT was not my original plan, and this had nothing to do with it being a private college. I had heard about the weather in Odisha, the cyclones, the coastal climate, and the food. As a North Indian, it seemed like quite a challenge.  My father was initially opposed to it, expressing concerns about my safety. He believed I would be swept away by a cyclone, just like Dorothy and her dog Toto in the Wizard of Oz!

After much persuasion, he reluctantly gave in and allowed me to go to KIIT. And so, my entire family packed their bags and on July 21st, 2023 and embarked on a journey to drop me off to college. On my first night in the hostel, I had a moment of doubt. I felt overwhelmed and considered reaching out to my parents to express my concerns about my decision to stay here. I found myself sitting in the mess, thinking deeply about the choices I had made and how I would navigate through this unfamiliar territory of living with a stranger.

Before heading to Lucknow, my dad embraced me and softly advised me to stay safe and make the most out of my college life. After my orientation program ended, I fell sick and had to return home. During this time, I couldn’t help but wonder what others would think of me. It bothered me that I had to leave college so soon and I worried that I would fall behind. I thought by the time I would return, everyone would have formed their own friend groups and moved on without me.

After completing my first year, I celebrated by going out for an ice cream date with a close friend I had made in the hostel. She asked me if my first year turned out the way I had expected, and I honestly replied with a “No”! Initially, I had this notion that I was already lagging behind and that my life would revolve around shuttling between hostel and campus, or worse, getting caught up with the wrong crowd and partying excessively. However, life has a way of surprising you in the most unexpected ways. I had the pleasure of meeting numerous individuals and forming meaningful connections during my journey. Many of these individuals were locals, and through their company, I had the opportunity to truly immerse myself in the vibrant college life. Whether it was gathering at the MBA garden for group discussions or offering each other academic support, these experiences enriched my time in college. Be it exchanging funny anecdotes with each other during class, or the detours we would take between campus to indulge in some delicious food, I cherish them all very much. Throughout the day, all of us would be glued to our phones. However, during lunch, we would put our phones aside and engage in conversations, have fun, and before we would  know , time would have flown by. It’s hard to ignore the spontaneous plans we made during mid-semester – heading to Udaygiri and Khandagiri, enjoying the cancellation of our chemistry lab, and finding solace in the peaceful presence of Naraj river. I can still vividly recall the time when our end semester examination was just two weeks away. We were diligently studying in the MBA garden, with the clock striking two. We were about to take a break and grab some lunch, when out of the blue, one of my friends suggested going to Baliyatra. For those not familiar, Baliyatra is the renowned trade fair that takes place every November in India. With very little money in our bank accounts, we impulsively decided to leave without thinking about how we would return on time or how we would get around. I had the opportunity to partake in campus festivities during Diwali and Holi, which turned out to be some of the most memorable experiences I have had.

In the second semester, we ventured to Pandava Bakhara for trekking and enjoyed a relaxing picnic at Deras Dam. Visiting all of these places made me realize that Odisha had more to offer than just Puri beach. The KIIT Fest captivated all of us, pulling us out of our rooms for the entire day. We found ourselves either dancing to the electrifying EDM music of Nucleya or singing along to the soulful tunes of Jubin Nautiyal.

Prior to our mid-semester and end-semester exams for the second semester, one would find all of us diligently studying in the library. Because of the scorching weather, sitting and studying outside with each other was a bad idea. Surprisingly, hostel life wasn’t as terrible as I had expected. We would dance to wild music whenever we felt down, make late-night Maggi, or enjoy a comforting cup of hot chocolate with those who became our home away from home. I began with numerous uncertainties. However, there are moments when our narrative is already predetermined, and all we need to do is embrace each new chapter, regardless of its highs or lows.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, home is described as a place where one resides or lives. We have spent an unprecedented amount of time sheltering in a place this year, which makes us wonder: What is the true meaning of home?  Home would be each time I laughed without shyness this year. Home would be each time my heart’s tears dried at their own pace. Home was filled with boundless joy and laughter as I spent time with my friends throughout the year. Each time I found solace and a sense of belonging in this new city, I felt like I was home. It seems that the true essence of home lies not in a physical location, but rather in the presence of a special individual. After all, home is not a place, but a person!