B.Tech Diaries: Lessons, Leadership, and Lucky Charms

Hello everyone! Welcome back.

In my previous post, I talked about how I found my feet at SVCE and unexpectedly became the Class Representative (CR). Today, I want to share how life started moving at the speed of a bullet train. Between organizing events and surviving lab sessions, things were getting very interesting!

The Apron Crisis

One afternoon, I realized I had left my lab apron at home—and I had a Chemistry lab session coming up! For those who don't know, you can't enter the lab without one. Rupa Mam was the main person in charge, and she was strict about the rules.

I asked for permission to attend without it, but she (rightfully) said no. In a bit of a panic, I called my dad. Without a second thought, he drove all the way to the college and handed my apron to the watchman at the gate. When that apron finally reached my classroom, I felt such a wave of relief. I’ll never forget how my dad showed up for me that day.

A Rose for Teacher's Day

As September 5th approached, we wanted to do something special for Teacher’s Day. To get things moving, I went to see our Year In-Charge, Venugopal Sir. I accidentally walked in during his lunch break, but he was incredibly kind.

"Sir, we want to celebrate Teacher's Day," I told him.

"As long as it isn't just noise and chaos," he replied with a smile. "What are you planning to give them?"

"We're still deciding, sir."

"Let me give you an idea," Venu Sir suggested. "Give them red rose plants. Years ago, my students gave me one, and even this morning, I picked a flower from it for my prayers. It’s a gift that keeps growing."

I loved the idea! My friend Chandu took the lead on the heavy lifting, and together we collected funds and bought seven red rose plants and sweet boxes for our faculty.

The "Surprise" Speech

I had prepared a speech on a piece of paper, but I was too nervous to volunteer. I whispered to Akhil during Chemistry class that I had it in my pocket. As soon as we went up to present the plant to Rupa Mam, Akhil shouted, "Mam! Ganesh has a speech in his pocket!"

I signaled him to be quiet, but it was too late. Rupa Mam smiled and said, "Please, Ganesh! Go ahead and give your speech." Standing there, heart racing, I delivered my first-ever B.Tech speech. Her appreciation afterward meant the world to me—she was the first person in college to truly recognize my efforts.

Engineer’s Day: The Lucky Charm

Ten days later, it was Engineer’s Day. My friends and I signed up for the Technical Quiz, and I decided to join the Essay Writing competition as a "spot entry." I didn’t even have a pen! I borrowed one from my friend Neeraj and scribbled down my thoughts.

We lost the quiz by a single point, which was disappointing. But then, the HOD announced the winners of the Essay Writing contest... and I won Second Prize! It was my first-ever award in B.Tech.

Before the event, Rupa Mam had seen us heading out and gave us some motivational tips and an "All the Best." I truly believe she was my lucky charm. 

From My First year Memories...

"First Prize in My Opinion"

The next day, during lab record corrections, Rupa Mam asked how the competition went. When I told her I got second place, she congratulated me. But after she looked at my lab record, she turned to the entire class.

"Ganesh got second prize in the competition," she announced. "But looking at this record—the pattern, the handwriting, the neatness—he gets first prize in my opinion!"

When a classmate asked why, she told them to come and see the quality of my work. Having a teacher who stands by you, motivates you, and treats you like a younger brother or a friend is rare. She pushed me to be a better CR and a better student.

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I know it sounds like I’m praising myself a bit much today, but these moments were the foundation of my confidence. They taught me that being a leader isn't just about a title—it's about the effort you put into the small things.

Thanks for reading, guys! Keep rocking!

Have you ever had a teacher who completely changed your perspective on a subject? Let’s talk about it in the comments!