Kristu Jayanti: Transition to Deemed to be University and Opportunities for Student Growth

Jemima Jim Mathew 24ENGA04, Member of the Writers' Association Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University)

A student's journey is shaped by individual effort and the environment that nurtures and challenges them. My experience at Kristu Jayanti has been deeply intertwined with the institution's remarkable transformation from a college into a Deemed to be University. This change has elevated the institution's stature and expanded the horizons of opportunity, enabling students like me to grow in expected and unexpected ways. The elevation to university status represents far more than just a title change. It symbolises a renewed commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic education. With the academic autonomy of being a university, Kristu Jayanti can now design a curriculum that keeps pace with contemporary industry demands and cutting-edge research. This ensures that our education is not static but dynamic, preparing us to think critically, engage creatively, and respond effectively to the complexities of the modern world. The broader academic landscape created by this transition has made space for specialised programs, interdisciplinary learning, and advanced research initiatives, which directly enrich the student experience.

This institutional transformation was significant because it coincided with my personal transition into college life. The first year of undergraduate education is a crucial stage. It is a period filled with excitement and challenges, where students establish habits, values, and relationships that shape their future academic and personal journeys. At Kristu Jayanti, this transition was made smoother by a supportive and vibrant ecosystem that encouraged self-discovery, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity. I was not only welcomed into a strong academic culture but also given ample opportunities to explore my interests and build confidence.

One of the most significant aspects of my first year was my involvement with the Writers Association. It became the foundation of my extracurricular journey, offering me spaces to learn, share, and grow. Through workshops, seminars, guest lectures, and even an international lecture series, I gained exposure to diverse perspectives and honed my writing and communication skills. A particularly defining experience was representing Kristu Jayanti at an intercollegiate fest with a few of my peers. We secured second place, and though it was a modest achievement, it was a moment of immense pride and a tremendous confidence boost. It taught me the joy of representing my institution and the value of teamwork, and it sparked a determination to participate more actively in future opportunities.

Equally enriching were the activities within my own department, which hosted a variety of competitions, theatre productions, and performative events. These platforms allowed me to explore my creative side, step into roles on stage, and gradually overcome my hesitation and fear of performance. I often reflect on how these experiences, small though they may have seemed at the time, planted the seeds of self-confidence and courage that continue to guide me today. I remain profoundly grateful to my department and the Writers Association for nurturing these qualities during my first year.

When I returned for my second year, Kristu Jayanti officially recognised me as a Deemed to be University student. This transition had a noticeable impact on the academic rigour and the breadth of opportunities that began opening up for us. One of the highlights of this year for me was the chance to write and direct a script for a live exhibition as part of DELPHIA, the intra-collegiate fest hosted by the Department of English. DELPHIA is more than just a fest; it is a vibrant gathering of creativity, competition, and collaboration, where students from across the institution can showcase their talents and ideas. To see my script come alive on stage and to be part of something that resonated with a diverse audience was both humbling and empowering. It will be one of those experiences that reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of the arts and storytelling.

The Writers Association remained a constant companion in this journey, evolving alongside the institution. It now engages us through intra-collegiate events and regular blog posts, newsletters, and even book publications, each a platform to sharpen our skills, share our voices, and grow in confidence. Additionally, as part of Kristu Jayanti's larger academic vision, students are encouraged to participate in national seminars and conferences, providing them with the invaluable opportunity to publish their research papers. This level of academic involvement at an early stage of our education reflects the institution's commitment to preparing students to think beyond classrooms and contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse.

Another exciting addition to my second year was joining the Anchors Association, which allowed me to expand my involvement in college activities further. Anchoring events will hopefully cultivate spontaneity, poise, and presence of mind, all essential skills for academic and professional life.

Looking back, I realise that Kristu Jayanti's transition to a Deemed-to-be University has been more than just an administrative milestone; it has been a catalyst for student empowerment. The University has created an environment where students are equipped with knowledge and encouraged to take risks, discover passions, develop leadership, and build resilience. My journey so far has been proofing that education is not simply about acquiring degrees but about cultivating habits, values, and a lifelong curiosity that enriches every aspect of life.

Kristu Jayanti has been more than just an institution; it has been a space of discovery, creativity, and growth. And as I continue this journey, I carry with me the confidence that I acquired from the opportunities I've embraced here, from the Writers Association to Departmental work, to intercollegiate victories, which will remain the foundation of the person I am becoming.