Navigating Academia: From my desk to yours!

Hi there!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt the same way I often do: overwhelmed, juggling way too many things, but also excited about everything you’re trying to achieve. I’m Nensi, a 20-year-old Political Science student at the prestigious Daulat Ram College of the University of Delhi, trying to figure out how to balance academics, extracurriculars, personal goals, and life in general.

Spoiler alert: it’s messy. But it’s also fun (most of the time).

When I think about my academic journey, it’s a mix of victories, failures, and everything in between. Sometimes I feel like I’m crushing it—acing a task or completing a project I’m proud of. Other days, I stare at my notes on Political Theory and wonder if I’ll ever make sense of abstract concepts and debates. (Pro tip: you do, eventually. Just keep trying!)

So, if you’re in a similar boat, let me share a few things I’ve learned so far. (A visual of my very messy but very functional study set-up!)

Learning What Works for You

Let’s be real: not every subject will feel like sunshine and rainbows. Some will make you want to scream into your pillow (hello, Political Theory). For me, I’ve realized that breaking things down into smaller, digestible parts works wonders.

For example, when I’m studying philosophers or abstract concepts, I start with the basics. Instead of trying to memorize big debates, I try to understand the core idea first. Then I build from there. It’s a slower process, but hey—it works. Stay Informed: Keeping up to date with current events, political developments, and policy changes is crucial in the field of political science. Subscribe to reputable news sources, follow political analysts on social media, and engage in discussions with peers to broaden your knowledge.

Prioritizing Without Losing Your Mind

You can’t give equal time to everything. Trust me, I’ve tried, and it’s impossible. What I’ve learned is to divide my workload based on what needs consistent effort versus what can wait until crunch time.

For example, I give regular attention to my tougher subjects (again, looking at you, Political Theory), while others, like Constitutional Governance, I approach closer to exams since it’s more factual. It’s all about knowing what works for you.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Political science is all about asking questions and digging deeper. Whether it’s analyzing political systems or debating theories, critical thinking is your best friend. I’ve learned that it’s not enough to just accept ideas at face value—you need to question assumptions, look at the evidence critically, and consider all sides of an issue. The more you practice, the better you get at spotting the nuances.

Mastering the Art of Writing

Writing is such a big part of political science. Essays, research papers, assignments—you name it, you’ll write it. Over time, I’ve realized how important it is to make my arguments clear and well-structured. It’s not just about what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it. And don’t forget the technical stuff: proper citations and formatting can make or break a good piece of work. I might be boggled down by assignments and presentations myself, but if there's one thing that college and pursuing this course taught me? It's to write well, clear and concise.

Engaging with Academic Literature

Reading widely has been a game-changer for me. From textbooks to journal articles, diving into different academic sources helps you understand theories from multiple perspectives. It also gives you insights into how research is conducted and how arguments are built. Plus, the more you read, the better equipped you are to handle those tricky debates in class!

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Some of my biggest lessons have come outside textbooks. Whether it’s attending events like the NDTV World Summit (still can’t believe I was the youngest person there!) or preparing for creative tasks like my pollution speech for AYO, these experiences teach you things you won’t find in a syllabus.

For instance, the Summit reminded me of all the reasons why I am studying Political science in the first place - to bridge the gap between policy and people, to make a name for myself in the fast-paced, ever-changing world. Not only did it shape my view on many things, but it also gave me something very important in return for my time - my lost spark back.

Finding Your Voice

One thing I’ve realized is that academia isn’t just about grades or deadlines—it’s also about finding yourself. For me, that means exploring creative outlets like blogging or vlogging (shoutout to my YouTube channel, Simply Kiara), where I get to express my thoughts and connect with people.

If you’re considering starting something similar, go for it. You don’t have to be perfect. I’m still figuring it out myself, and that’s okay.

The Journey Is the Reward

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that academia is less about where you end up and more about who you become along the way. It’s messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises—but that’s what makes it worth it.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, just take it one step at a time. Celebrate your small wins, learn from your setbacks, and don’t forget to breathe. You’ve got this.

Until next time,

Nensi 😊

(I guess I have always been like this since Class 10!)