Urvi Shetty, a 19-year-old sociology student at St. Mira’s College for Girls, feels she’s missed out on crucial experiences by not being able to visit her college for months. Similarly, 21-year-old Shubham Patil, missing his roommates at NIT Surat, admits to feeling ‘college-sick.’ Shravani Karape, a 16-year-old disheartened at not enjoying her junior college days, is among the many students whose lives have undergone significant changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With restrictions confining them to their homes and limited job opportunities, their once carefree college lives have been replaced by distress and anxiety as they strive to hold onto hope. Urvi Shetty expresses uncertainty about the possibility of going abroad for further studies, a dream disrupted by the pandemic.
Shubham Patil, a third-year B Tech student eyeing overseas education and employment, notes the impact of staying away from college on his overall development. Poorvi Bondre, a film student, finds it challenging to ward off negative thoughts, stating that staying motivated is difficult during these times.
Akhilesh Dhar and Ashwin Bhat, both 21 and final year students of journalism and mass communication at DY Patil International University, Pune, are now preparing for government jobs due to the uncertainties in private sectors. Dhar, pursuing journalism, faces questions about being home, and Bhat, originally aspiring for a career in advertising, now sees government employment as a backup plan.
Despite the challenges, these students are making efforts to help others. Urvi Shetty has initiated the Covid Resource Students’ Association (CRSA) to provide verified information on the availability of medical resources. Sherin George, a volunteer for CRSA, finds positivity in assisting others, despite acknowledging the emotional drain. She emphasizes that receiving positive messages from those they’ve helped becomes a source of motivation and positive energy, acknowledging that the experience, though challenging, is ultimately a positive one.