The Journey to IIT - Part 1

I have always wanted to become a lot of things. I wanted to become

a Bharatnatyam dancer when I was 6 years old. And I was famous for my dance at that time! I used to perform solos and performances with college students, always getting a 'Once more!'. (And I m not boasting :P, just wanted to narrate the story of my changing goals)

After that, I became interested in Western and Bollywood dance. So I left Bharatnatyam after 3 years of practice. 

Then I wanted to become a doctor till seventh grade. I also had my own first aid kit which I treated as my doctor's bag. I had painted it white and my name in red, "Dr Vedika Kulkarni". 

My mother was always very particular about my studies and grades.  

It all started with the seventh standard scholarship of Maharashtra Gov. I had secured it in the fourth standard. Still, the seventh-grade scholarship caused the domino effect, taking me to IIT. 

After seventh, my mom forcefully made me appear for MPrakash Academy's (MPA) selection test. It was for their foundation program, not limited to IIT etc. Just a program to take you on the next levels of science and maths.

 MPA is one of the most esteemed coaching centres in Pune. It's one of it's kind. An institute whose tagline is 'Success is not a destination, but the journey'.  Before entering the institute, I was just as sceptical, 'Ek aur IIT coaching'. But they have taught me life, and I can't imagine what I would have turned out to be if there was no MPA in my life. 

I promised my mom to give the test but on one condition. If I get selected, it would be my decision to take admission or not. I was never going to take the admission.

Anyways, so I went for the exam. The paper seemed tough. But I was trying. Suddenly, everything around me started to look blurry. I was fainting. I called for help. They took me outside where I lay on the bench. They called my mom. I was sweating, I began to cry. My mom asked me what was happening, and she consoled me to not cry, it will be fine. I told her I wasn't crying in pain, but because I couldn't give the paper now. I had prepared a lot for this. My mom had put in so many efforts. And leaving without finishing the test, that idea was utterly painful.

All this conversation was being heard by two men, who have played a massive role in shaping my personality, and I will be forever thankful to them. Subodh sir and Raj sir. I didn't know them at that time, nor did they know me. But they allowed me to take the paper home, complete it and then submit it in the office by evening. 

I couldn't believe it, I was given another chance. My mom gave me electrolytes. As soon as we went home, my mom sent me to a quiet room to write the paper. I wrote the test with honesty and sincerity, and we submitted it. 

On the results day, my mom called me. I had come 47th among 1000 students, out of which 300 were selected. I felt victorious, so happy! 

My mom asked me what I wanted to do. Without a second thought, I told her I m going to this academy. 

Till now I thought I wasn't very capable, but that rank, it gave me the confidence. I thought this was a chance given by God, and I was curious to see what happens after I accept it.

This is how I landed at MPrakash Academy when I was 13 years old. My Alma Mater.