The beginning of a journey with an aim to convert an impulsive and irrational decision into a

triumphant and intentional one. The tides of time will discern whether it has been glorious or
disappointing. A B-school experience is perhaps the last time life beckons with the opportunity to be
your own, find new companions, explore the unravished ideas and anticipate for something glorious.
With a similar experience already covering few pages of my book, the thrill can never be replicable
as different roads have different grass on them. I did take the one less travelled by with a desire that
it will make all the difference.

The current situation has put everyone into a turbulent state with a strong eye. The events of today
will have a huge impact on the outcomes of tomorrow. Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow is
one of the most prestigious and reverend institution of the country. It is indeed an honour to get
associated with such a massive brand. There is a subtle difference between fear and excitement. The
psychological implications are somewhat same. It is often misunderstood and thus interchangeable.

Morning shows the day likewise the first day of anything is destined to create an indelible mark on
one’s mind. It is imperative to have a good long-lasting mark rather than having a misadventure. The
gait that will take us through is unknown and thus the anxiety creeps in to achieve perfection.
Despite having an acquaintance with the curriculum, it is implied that nothing will be able to make
peace with the mind until experienced. The general fear of class performance coupled with the
approach of the new teach makes it even more challenging. Adaptability is a very artificial term that
is often misused. Thus, to get that trait, you must live the life.

On a personal front, the excitement was there along with some fear owing to the unpredictable
nature of the outcome. It takes time to get acquainted with something and the pace depends on the
environment. The new normal is also confusing. It has its own set of pros and cons. Online mode of
education for Indians in still unexplored and to start something major like your B-school studies in
such a mode will automatically thwart a level of dilemma inside you. The feeling was same here. The
suddenness of the event did not allow to get us adapted to the system. I guess this was the major
challenge for mankind and gave some meaning to Darwin’s claim of the fittest surviving till the last.
The subjects are new, and the mode made it even difficult to comprehend.

Teamwork is another important part of B-school studies. In this virtual world, getting to know your
team without meeting them is another entity that strikes some confusion and fear. The thought of
meeting new people is glorifying till you meet them and continuously switch your own comfort zone
to align it with theirs. The struggle is real. Doing this over the web is something unexplored and thus
increases the excitement.

So, with all these factors, it is necessary to understand that the line between fear and excitement is
thick and both the terms are not interchangeable. I started my first day with apportioned amount of
fear and excitement. The curriculum, the mode of teaching, the teachers, new people all contributed
to it. I look forward to a relishing two years with a desire to reach the ultimate goal through this road
only.