BS (Electronic Systems)
As a curious child, Sonali often found herself asking questions – how does a fan spin, how does a bulb glow? She didn’t always find the answers, but that curiosity stayed with her. Years later, when it was time to decide what to do after school, she also faced moments of doubt, like many students do. But instead of letting that uncertainty hold her back, she chose to trust her interest in Electronics. After discussing it with her parents, she decided to take a step forward and pursue the IIT Madras BS Degree in Electronic Systems – a path that allowed her to explore the very questions she had carried for years.
When she first visited the campus for her Lab Session, it was a big moment for her. Travelling over 2000 km on her own felt overwhelming. She wasn’t sure what to expect – the place, the people, the environment. But once she reached there, things felt different. The space was welcoming, the teaching assistants were supportive, and slowly, her nervousness turned into excitement. For the first time, she wasn’t just reading concepts, she was actually applying them. That’s what made the biggest difference for her. The labs were not separate from studies – they were connected. What she learned in theory came alive in practice. Working with tools, experimenting, and understanding things step by step made learning feel real and interesting.
Over time, she noticed changes within herself. She became more confident while speaking to others.
Through group activities and events, she interacted with people from different parts of the country – different cultures, different languages, different backgrounds, but all connected through the same learning journey.
These experiences helped her open up and become more comfortable expressing herself.
Beyond academics, Sonali immersed herself in student life and community activities. She took on a Public Relations role in the WebOps team of the IITM BS student community and became a member of Jarvis, the AI & Programming Society, where she explored domains related to Electronics and Analytics. Pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, she participated in Paradox 2025, securing first place in the Campus Run and reaching the semifinals in Badminton. She later contributed to the organizing team for Paradox in Margazhi 2026 as well. Together, these experiences played a significant role in shaping her confidence, teamwork, and personal growth beyond the classroom.
Her learning led her to secure a remote internship at ISRO where she worked on designing an aircraft model. It was her first exposure to finding solutions for real life problems – an experience that gave her the confidence to persistently apply for more roles without worrying about the outcome.
But managing everything at once was not easy. Some days she completed things early, and some days she worked till the last moment. But she kept going.
What stands out most for her in this journey is the support system. Whether it is doubt-solving sessions, discussion forums, or guidance from instructors or TAs, she never felt alone in the process. That made a big difference.
Looking ahead, she wants to continue learning and move into higher studies. She hopes to work in Electronics and do something meaningful in the future. For Sonali, this was never just about getting a degree. It was about understanding her curiosity, building confidence, and slowly finding her own path.
– written by Pushpanjali
