The Importance of Honest Intentions in Alumnus, Neha Khandekar

Online, September 24, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Neha Khandekar's fascination for travel and the urge to go on nature trails made her contemplate a career along similar lines. That's the reason the Biotechnology student from Kota wanted to do a course in wildlife management or environmental studies. Not making it on time through the wildlife management course at another university worked as a blessing in disguise for Neha, because that made her opt for TERI University, which she believes has made a huge impact on her learning and who she is.

"Kota is known for coaching institutes for pre-medical and engineering entrance tests. It is funny when some people ask why I left Kota when everybody is going there to study further," Neha recalls. "But TERI U was offering a course close to what I wanted to study. Besides, I'd studied about climate change in my Bachelor's programme and wanted to delve into it further in order to contribute to the field," she explains.

Neha pursued the Water Resource Management programme at the institute. "I do come from Rajasthan, which has water problems in many parts, but I had no insight or exposure to the issue whatsoever," she says. "I had little idea what I was getting into when I chose this programme, apart from the fact that I wanted to study more about Water Resource Management. I had a long discussion with the programme coordinator about the course. I took it up thinking it's going to have a technical bend and I liked studying mathematics," Neha adds with refreshing honesty.

She also felt encouraged by the fact that TERI U allows students to choose from various courses in the third semester. "I thought I would take up a course in biodiversity later," says Neha. "But it all worked out for the best and I took up courses more suitable for the Water Resources Management programme," she adds.

TERI University exposed Neha to many exciting experiences, which also broadened her horizons along the way. "I have learned so much from the discussions amongst students and with our professors. I had several doubts about the complex nature of resource management versus the development issue and all of them were addressed over the period of time, helping me understand, analyse and conceptualise better" she remembers today.

Neha feels grateful for different "learning points" at the university, which she hopes to carry forward in her professional career. "I learnt so much about the importance of making an impressive and effective presentation. I owe all my technical skills to my professors. I also developed research abilities through various exercises and courses," she says smilingly.

Being in a classroom with students from different backgrounds helped Neha acquire different perspectives. "I learned to be flexible about discussions and it has made a difference to my approach towards research and work. And the connections I formed are a gift which I will always cherish." As classmates they stay in touch with each other through social networking, which keeps their bond going.

Neha is quite optimistic about the future in her field of work. "There is immense scope for growth in this area. I have just started; there is a long way to go still. I am fascinated by the idea of learning more at the moment, and that is driving me further," she says, brimming with confidence. And is there any advice she has for future students? "Intentions and honesty matter," says Neha, who has clearly got her intentions and heart in the right place.