Back to school?

Last few days I have been in Ann Arbor, a college town in Michigan State. Mrunmay is now studying his Comp Sci undergraduate course in the prestigious University of Michigan, College of Engineering. 

After he moved in to his dorm, Meghana and I have been roaming around the town and campus, either to help him complete his shopping or to seek few moments with him before we go back to India. We attended the parent Orientation in the big and beautiful auditorium - "Hill Auditorium", walked across "The Diag", visited some cafes and watched the students from across the globe walking the lawns and roads of this beautiful town.


While sipping the frappe from Sweetwaters (BTW - this beats any cold coffee I have had so far!!) in the building of Michigan Union, I was wondering about college life now and automatically went back in the past. 



The UMich campus is about 3200 acres. The students now have access to college WiFi, huge libraries, countless study spaces, big stadiums, and beautiful lawns. This literally means they have freedom to study whenever they want, wherever they want, and however they want. The university boasts about 2500 clubs of various kinds, allowing students to pursue their interests outside the curriculum. Students have freedom to choose courses of their liking (obviously under a prescribed list), ensuring a balance of classes across the weekdays. 



Now contrast this to my college days.

My college campus as of today is just about 70 acres (that's almost after 30 years!!) Our library was rudimentary; there were practically no study spaces outside the classrooms. The internet was still a new concept; WiFi was not even heard of. The curriculum was set for the entire class/stream, except for one or two electives in 3rd and 4th year. On top of that, my college also had a uniform on Mondays!!

After watching all the kids in Mrunmay's college, the freedom and facilities they are enjoying, I felt the urge to join the college again. Sitting at some random place surrounded by other kids, sipping cold coffee, listening to music on your earbuds, and focusing on your studies... Sounded real fun.

When I mentioned this to Mrunmay, he said - Why don't you think of doing a PhD or something here itself?? Only on one condition - take admission; only after I am out of here!!

Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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