Chemistry Pracs in XIIth, an exam to remember

Today, I am writing about the experience I had in my Chemistry practicals in Class XIIth.

The day started brightly as I went about doing the Volumetric analysis. After performing it quite nicely, went onto the second part. This one involved 8 marks for Acidic radicals and 2 marks for nature of chemical compound. As I went to the acidic radical part, adding some compound (I forget its name) gave me lot of effervescence showing presence of carbonate. With one radical already found, I didnt take much time to get the other one. With the acidic radicals done, I went on to the nature of organic compound question. The white chemical smelled a lot like naphthalene and I was quite sure it was just that. This meant that it was neutral in nature. But being the sincere student that I am, I went religiously over the different tests that we needed to perform. With the mind quite sure about the answer, it didnt take me much convincing to write the answer as neutral. With all the experiment done and the results tabulated in the answer sheet, I proceed to leave the hall.

I dont know what made me do this, but as I reached the entrance, I turn back and head to the internal examiner, Mrs. Paranjpe. I inform her that I completed my exam and could I leave. She feels that I should verify answers before I leave. (Dont ask me why she did it, even I am wondering the same all these years. I was the only one with whom she confirmed the answers and she didnt even know me. I surely am thankful to her for doing so.) In a confident manner, I give her my results from the volumetric analysis and acidic radicals. As I come to the nature of compound question, I get informed that my answers to the previous questions are correct. As I tell her that the compound was neutral in nature, I see a horror filled look on her face. I get shocked to know that my answer is wrong. I am informed that I should go back and do it again. But the problem is I have already submitted my answer sheet.

As I worry about my 2 marks (and 2 marks mean a lot in PCM), Mrs Paranjpe talks with the external examiner about my mistake and requests her to give me another chance for that experiement. Fortunately the external examiner is a very kind lady. She agrees to giving me a second chance on one condition. That I show her the results after every test. As I await the compound to be given to me by the peon, I am quite worried. As I add a basic solution to it, I get a small effervescence. I show the external examiner and her first question is "Pehle kahaan tha effervescence?" (Where was the effervescence when you did it earlier?). I give a smile and tell her that I have no idea how I missed it.

The fun is not yet over. Now that I have done the experiment again, I need to write the results in my answer sheet. And the external examiner cant find my answer sheet. After searching for five minutes, I finally get it. Making the necessary changes, I finally submit the corrected answer sheet again.

As I look back, I really want to thank both the examiners for their kindness. Those 2 marks meant a lot to me and decided the path that I took. When I had decided to shift to Sathaye, I was told by many people that since there are hundreds of students in Mumbai Colleges, the examiners are not that linient and helpful towards students. Hence I should have continued plus two in Boisar. But having this experience has made me understand one thing. However number of students may there be, when a student needs help, teachers are always there to provide it.

7 terms 7 memories...

Fall 07 - My first quarter at Drexel. I still remember that day. John Walsh's lecture. I had difficulty understanding what he was saying. Eventually by end of 3 hr lecture, I was getting a hang of things. In the second lecture, I remember telling him, the zed-transform of ... A few mins later, had him saying zed transform instead of zee transform. Of course, he immediately corrected both me as well as himself and suggested we stick to the American zee rather than British or Canadian zed. The big break came on my birthday, when seeing my performance in the midterm, Dr. Petropulu took me in as a TA/RA beginning Winter. This term had my first short visit to NYC as well as a weekend spend in camping and hiking with Shyam. Cricket was a hectic activity during this term. I cant forget that evening during the Fall tournament. Afterall, how many can claim to drop three catches in a single 7 over game? The entire winter break, we played regularly and I continued my legacy. The big break came during our last match in the winter, where I finally held on to one. Overall, was a fun filled quarter. Jay had also visited during the winter break.

Winter 08 - Fun time over, serious time starts. It takes me the entire 3 months time just to understand something about the paper Dr. Petropulu had given to me some time in Fall Quarter. After trying out different things, finally work out something and look at it. And then realize what I am trying is surely going to finish off wireless communications. I am trying to send an infinite bandwidth signal over a finite bandwidth channel. Now I realize why they call research as 90% rubbish in the hope the remaining 10% works. I was looking forward to snow in the winter, but am disappointed. It snows only once, and the snow melts immediately next day. The break is used for regular CS sessions in Bossone. The CS craze sweeps through Drexel.

Spring 08 - The quarter begins with a bang. I have to commit for a PhD or leave the lab. Since I am not ready for such a major commitment, take the decision of leaving. This quarter I thought was the most relaxing. Only TA work and 3 courses. The 3rd one is of Kevin Murphy. One of the coolest profs I ever saw. Whatever your performance, grade is guaranteed to be A. TA work was also fun. Electronic Devices under Dr. Basu. The quarter ends with me getting an interview call from Motorola for a summer co-op. After a nervous interview, I still manage to get a co-op. Overall, this remains my favorite quarter at Drexel. Not too much work, good enjoyment and decent pay.

Summer 08 - The start of Motorola. Work for 5 days and then enjoy over the weekend. This term had my visits to Ocean City, Niagara Falls and Cleveland. This was the term that got me involved with the corporate life of the United States.

Fall 08 - Motorola co-op continued. And the term concluded with a visit to India in December. I celebrated my birthday with first visit to Pittsburgh. And really liked that place. Remaining term was the same. Work on the weekdays and relax on the weekends. Due to winter arriving early and low temperatures from second half of October, not much roaming around on the weekends. But the time was spent as a countdown to December trip to India.

Winter 09 - The terms first week was spent in India. Returned back to chilly Philly on Sunday of week 1. Two heavy courses meant that I was mostly busy with course work throughout the quarter. Nikhilesh came in early March and his visit coincided with the worst weather I have experienced in Philly in two years. It was so cold that we had to cancel our NY trip. Poor Nikhilesh felt really bad about it.

Spring 09 - The term I complete my MS. Commencement is on June 13th. I have decided to pursue a PhD. Before I get totally involved there, I thought I should compile a small para for each of the 7 quarters I have spent at Drexel. Not much happened in this quarter other than that big decision to go for a PhD. And of course, the convocation.

Thanks a lot....

Yesterday, I completed my MS. As I look back at these fantastic two years, I would like to express my thanks to people who helped me a lot during this time with their constant support and help.

Madhavi Tai, Ratnakar Dada, Manasi, Sanika, Kaka and Kaki : They were my guardians for this span. Without their help, I would not have settled down here so fast. Whatever be the situation, they were always there to help. Thanks a lot. A huge part of the credit for me completing my MS goes to you and I will always remember your kindness and help.

Shyam Dada, Deepali Vahini and Sarang : They were my other guardians. Thanks a lot to you for your help during this time. I did learn a lot about America from my interactions with you. Your home was again a home away from home for me.

Mrinalini and Ardhendu : Thanks a lot for being such good friends. Thanks a lot for always being there when I needed help or advice. Thanks a lot for convincing me to make that big decision of pursuing a PhD.

Siddharth : Another wonderful and helpful person. Always there to help you see the fun side of life.

Charitha and Uday : Two fantastic roomies from my first year. Had a real good time with you guys.

Amitrao : Another friend who was always there for help and advice. (Another thing that I usually never ended up following them).

Pramod, Khushali, Atman, Tushar, Uday and Arezou : I had a real wonderful time on the IEEE Board along with you guys. I learnt a lot from you guys.

Vamsi and Sagar : Two people with whom I took most of my courses. Thanks a lot for your help.

George, Kim, Mai, Halal food carts : My saviors in the afternoon. Lunch was mostly taken from them.

All my friends and relatives, thanks a lot for your help and support