An MECian, I'll Be !

The day has passed, when my future for the next 4 years was written in stone. I had my first formal glimpse inside the halls of Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara, on the 5th of September, 2008. Arriving at 9-30 a.m., we were greeted by a short speech by our Principal Prof. Suresh Kumar. He highlighted the many reasons why we should look forward to the coming 4 years of our lives, pointed out what makes MEC stand out among engineering colleges in Kerala, or even India. There have been several studies conducted by different magazines and independent media sources claiming that MEC is among the top 3 colleges in Kerala, a fact that our Principal gladly repeated to us! Following his speech, was a brief address by the student members of the Placement Cell of MEC. Our seniors spoke well, and to an extent, helped wipe away some of the doubts that had lingered at the back of my mind. Following the address, we were drawn away to separate classes based upon our respective branches, and then divided into 2 batches within each branch. The faculty seems hospitable, and the general atmosphere around the college seems very conducive to learning. Far from the strict school-like environment I had imagined, the college seemed to have a far brighter, energetic feel! The extra-curriculars in the campus seem promising as well, with a host of clubs to express your every talent. Their Technical Fest, in particular, I hear, is almost as good as IIT-Madras' 'Shaastra'! Such signs bode well for the coming years!

I realize that empty rhetoric comes naturally to the staff of most colleges on such occasions, and I know not to get overwhelmed by all that I've heard. Here, is what I know : MEC was set-up as a model for other govt. colleges in the state. Over the last 4 years, it's infrastructure has VASTLY improved, with nearly 4.5 Crores being spent in the process. It is funded by TEQIP, which means that these very facilities shall improve further as the years advance. Along with the boost in infrastructure, the placements have increased significantly. A majority of the best known software companies, home and abroad, have made an appearance @ the campus over the last 2 years. Yes, the college is smaller than most colleges in Trivandrum, and visually unimpressive, but statistics do not lie. It is the most sought-after government college in Ernakulam, and surprisingly, most students I met there had ambitions of joining MEC ever since they began studying in the 11th. A reputation of that sort isn't easily built. Of course, being a far newer college than others, the direction in which it moves depends greatly on the Principal and the management. But overall, in my estimation, the POTENTIAL for growth of MEC is unmatched by any other college in Kerala! It has come a long way in a very short span of time, and God willing, should soldier on forward!

Yes, at the moment, I could imagine myself being in 'n' different colleges, but as yet, I haven't been given any reason to believe that a B.Tech degree from MEC would do anything other than add value and belief to an as-yet fledgling career. Inspite of how good/bad the faculty turns out to be, a little extra effort will ensure that I get to talk to the companies I need and intend to!