‘I had an excellent mentor at this institute’

For some people, their career path is very clear. But it is just as important for them to have Plan B if things don’t go their way. After all we are all aware of the saying: Man Proposes, God Disposes. People can make as many plans as they want to; God determines how things will turn out and where one’s destiny lies. And nobody knows this better than Surekha Rani, alumna of Apeejay Stya University-School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

“I took Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in class XI with an aim to sit for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. Unfortunately, I could not clear the test and my aim to become a doctor became a pipe dream. But it didn’t deter me from pursuing a career in medicine even if meant that I would teach. I did a quick recon and decided to pursue BPharma,” Surekha said.

Excerpts from the interview.

How and why did you choose Apeejay Stya University-ASU?

Once I was done with my BPharma from an institute in Rohtak, I realised that I would love to teach. So I decided to pursue MPharma. But I was at a loss as to where I should enroll. That is when Naresh sir came to my rescue. He is with ASU-School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He told me all about the programme and how it would help me in realising my goal for teaching. So, that is what I did.

How were your campus days?

I enrolled when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. And yes, while for everyone else, the classes shifted online I had offline classes. And believe it or not, I was the only one in my batch! Those were interesting times. I was a day-scholar and while it was a chore to travel to and fro to the university, I got to learn so much from the faculty here.

How was the faculty?

As I mentioned, I was the only student so my mentoring was extremely personalised. It was great to learn from Dr Rani and even Naresh sir. They were excellent. In fact, Dr Rani was my mentor and really helped me hone my skills. I gained so much knowledge at ASU, it was truly amazing. I am grateful that I had such great teachers.

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Everything at Apeejay Stya University is excellent. The faculty is great and the personalised mentoring one gets here is truly amazing. You get to learn so much here that is related to the industry and you are ready for the job from day one

–Surekha Rani, Alumna of Apeejay Stya University-School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Are you working?

Yes. I am an assistant professor at Jeevan Jyoti Pharmacy and Medical Science in Palwal. It feels amazing to teach young minds. I teach Pharmaceutical but for now we are on a break. It is truly satisfying to impart knowledge that I gained at ASU to my students now. I am really enjoying every aspect of my new journey.

You joined in 2020. Were you scared with offline classes?

Yes, it was a bit scary to travel to the university. COVID-19 cases were rising and we didn’t know anything about the virus back then. But I was determined to complete my course and begin the next chapter in my life. I did everything to protect myself and finished my course and here I am today, teaching.

Would you recommend ASU to others?

Of course. Why not? Everything here is excellent. The faculty is great and the personalised mentoring one gets here is truly amazing. You get to learn so much here that is related to the industry and you are ready for the job from day one.