stone steps

At the end of the year, these photos remind padyatri of his school days. The stone steps lead to the main entrance of the College of Pharmacy, evoking mixed feelings for him.

After graduating from high school, he decided to pursue studies to become a pharmacist. However, after entering college, it did not take long for him to realize that studying pharmacy was a significant challenge. Subjects like chemistry and biology felt like steep summits to climb. In truth, pharmacy did not align with his natural aptitudes or interests.

Moreover, the College of Pharmacy had a stringent grading system: students were required to achieve a certain number of credits each year to avoid repeating the year. During this period, he often contemplated quitting college. Nevertheless, he resolved to persevere, believing that since he had already enrolled, he should at least see it through to graduation.

Every day was a struggle until the day he finally graduated. For him, graduation felt like a true liberation. He chose not to attend the formal graduation ceremony. Instead, he celebrated his newfound freedom by climbing a mountain—a fitting way to mark the end of his arduous journey. 

Graduation also meant a new beginning.