Ladder of Learning

Oklahoma State University, 2015 - 17

Mastery in Computer Science

I was given the rare opportunity to dive into the new and upcoming fields of VR / MR / AR and play and discover worlds inside the HTC Vive and the Microsoft HoloLens. I was exposed to Unity3D and proceeded to develop video games (racing, puzzle, FPS and other similar genres). What I have realized in these two years is, the astounding potential technologies like an VR or AR application have in fields like gaming, medicine, education or manufacturing (I do love a fun project from time to time though).

Doctors can teach residents complex procedures without the use of cadavers. Engineers can develop and assemble prototypes of the next Mars Rover and make major design changes without any hassle. We might end up getting some exercise playing a VR based Counter Strike or Call Of Duty.

When you see a 3D entity "in 3D", the brain processes what it sees in very different ways, making it a lot more realistic and accelerating your understanding of its geometry, topology and more importantly functionality. The impact of these fields is yet to be seen, but I can bet you it will be humongous.

BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, 2010 - 15

Lessons in Class. Lessons in Life.

I obtained my first Master's degree in Chemistry simultaneously while studying towards a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, the former out of mild curiosity and the latter as a passion. To convey what I have gained and learned as a student at BITS, I borrow a poem from our college newsletter,

"I zip up the last of my suitcases and take one final look at the empty room. The air is dense with memories, and my heart heavy with psentiment.

My wing. And the lives we led behind each of those doors. I remember the 2 am maggi, the 4 am gaming, the movies, the desperate studying.

I dawdle across the football field and pass the mess, bru, the benches, the lawns, the stage, the rock garden, the philosopher's stone, and that stupid infinity pool.

It is physically impossible to be sad, because my body and mind are still so heavily in denial.

And how do you say goodbye? How do you make your heart understand the concept of last time ever?

I smile and give my 17 year-old frenzied self from 4 years ago an encouraging nod, as he enters and I leave the same iron gate. 'You'll be alright kid'.

The denial wears off and the feeling hits me like an avalanche. But amidst the whirlpool of emotions, there's something else. There's the person that this place has taught me to be.

And that's the one thing I'm not leaving behind. And that's the only thing that really matters."

Courtesy: @thedailybitsian