"IIT" in me

In the realm of academic excellence and technological advancement, very few names in India resonate as profoundly as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). These prestigious institutions have, over the years, acquired an almost mythical status, an epitome of intellectual rigor and promise. For people outside the IITs, they represent a sanctuary of knowledge, a cradle for budding engineers, and a conduit to a promising future.

 

Image credit : Hindustan times

 

As students embark on their journey in these revered whereabouts of learning, the expectations are high, and the stakes even higher. This journey at IITs is not just a progression through coursework; it's a transformation, an evolution of self, an exploration and modification of one's identity in the face of an intellectually charged and competitive environment.

In this blog, I would like to discuss about how my identity is influenced after entering IIT Delhi. Is the impact all positive or there are negative aspects too? As per a very pivotal theory given by McAdams & Cox in 2010, "I" may encounter "me" as a social actor, a motivated agent and an autobiographical author. I will analyze the impact of my college life on these three broad psychological categories.

 

Social Actor

I was shy before entering the institution and may be I am shy as compared to others even today. Stepping into the world of IIT Delhi was akin to walking onto a grand stage. The campus, a microcosm of diverse talents and intellect, unfolded as a different world altogether. The air buzzed not only with intellectual discussions and debates but also with an aura of camaraderie and laughter. It was here that the transformation of the 'was' to the 'may be' commenced. 

As per the theory of McAdams & Cox, traits and roles are the main currency of the self as social actor. With all the time spent in the campus and hostels and even the time outside the campus with my friends, I have come to discover my role in my friend's group. 

In this digital age, one's identity is no longer confined to the physical world. The advent of social media has introduced a parallel universe where individuals craft and project an online social identity. A person today is not just a social actor within the campus but also a virtual persona in the vast expanse of the internet. 

Image credits : The Hindu business line

 

Motivated agent

With a million student aspiring for IITs, you definitely have to be motivated enough to enter one. As per the theories put forth by Bandura (1989), Deci & Ryan (1991), and Markus & Nurius (1986), it's the intricate interplay of inner needs, desires, goals, values, plans, fears, and aversions that shapes an individual into a motivated agent. 

At IITs, this motivation takes diverse forms. For some, it's the burning desire to spearhead innovation and contribute to India's progress. Others are drawn to the world of cutting-edge research, armed with their mathematical prowess. Yet, the motivated agent isn't solely a product of academic and career aspirations. It's also molded by the intensely competitive hostel culture, the quest to establish one's presence on campus, and the pursuit of victory in various competitions. But is it all sunshine and roses?

As mentioned, fear is an integral aspect of the motivated agent's journey. Some grapple with the fear of being left behind, the fear of not fitting into a particular group, or the fear of failing to meet expectations. Hence, it becomes imperative to guide and nurture the values of these individuals during this critical phase of their lives when the wrong motivations can easily take root.

 

Image credits : Shiksha

 

Autobiographical author

The third perspective delves into a profound response to Erikson's 1963 challenge of identity. It revolves around the concept of achieving temporal continuity in one's life, fostering a reflexive understanding of how one has evolved into the person they are becoming. In essence, it is about becoming the autobiographical author of one's own life story.

Every graduate, as they stand on the cusp of their journey's end, has a unique and compelling narrative to share. These stories encapsulate how their identity, values, and goals have undergone transformation over the course of their four-year stint at the institute. As I find myself in my final year, I too can attest to the continuous and connected sense of my personal journey. It's a journey that encompasses various highs and lows experienced throughout my time on campus. We become the authors of our own autobiographies, narrating the chapters of growth, self-discovery, and self-definition, all influenced by the crucible of the IIT experience. 

Image credits : IIT Delhi

 

Conclusion

We as individuals must understand that it is not only the success but also the setbacks which make us who we are. While my identity will continue to evolve throughout my career, a permanent facet of it will forever bear the influence of my time at IIT Delhi.