‘Going to college keeps me motivated to dream big and continue to work towards my goals’ 

Shobhna Aggarwal, a second-year student of Psychology, Political Science, and Elective English at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, is making the most of her college journey through academics, leadership, and creative pursuits. An active member of multiple student forums, she serves as the President of the Language and Literary Society and Vice President of the Psychology Forum. Passionate about reading, writing, poetry, and Kathak, Shobhna credits ACFA’s supportive faculty, diverse opportunities, and vibrant learning environment for helping her strengthen leadership, communication, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Read edited excerpts:

Why did you choose ACFA for education? 

Apeejay College of Fine Arts provides an array of diverse courses and programs that contribute to the holistic development of its students. Even though my primary motivation for joining ACFA was its proximity to my house, the multitude of opportunities and the highly supportive faculty have made me feel comfortable and confident in my decision. 

What has been your learning and skill development? 

Over the past couple of years, I have remarkably developed a blend of both soft and hard skills. Being an active member of multiple student forums, along with serving as the President of the Language and Literary Society and the Vice President of the Psychology Forum, has helped me strengthen my leadership, task management, communication, and critical thinking abilities. In addition to that, I have significantly benefited from opportunities in public speaking, debating, and creative as well as academic writing through platforms provided by ACFA, such as the Youth Festival, serving as the editor of my college magazine, and handling the stage in front of hundreds of people during prestigious events. 

Do you have hobbies? How does ACFA encourage you to pursue your hobbies? 

I am an avid reader and a passionate writer. I’m also deeply inspired by poetry, which became the driving force behind my published anthology. ACFA has always been incredibly supportive in providing me with numerous opportunities to practice and refine my craft. Apart from that, I also hold a deep interest in art forms such as Kathak. I enjoy exploring multiple disciplines that allow me to broaden my horizons, and I’m grateful to have the support and encouragement of the highly accomplished faculty at my college. 

What has been the best part about going to college? 

Going to college keeps me motivated to dream big and continue working towards my goals. Stepping into college every day has inculcated in me the drive to build a successful life and continuously grow, not just as an individual, but also as a responsible member of society. 

What is your next goal?

My next goal is to continue building my academic and professional profile by pursuing opportunities that align with my interests in psychology, public policy, human rights, and literature. I also aspire to represent my institution at larger national and international platforms while continuing to grow as a writer, speaker, and socially responsible individual.