My ISA Journey: From College Workshop to International Scholarship
Discovering the ISA Community
During my second year at VESIT Mumbai, I attended an ISA student workshop. Initially, ISA was just another engineering acronym. However, the hands-on learning environment and supportive seniors immediately captivated me. Our mentor Gopalakrishnan Sir provided constant guidance and belief in our potential.
Competition Breakthrough and Personal Growth
The India Automation Games marked a turning point in my third year. This two-day event featured robotics, pneumatics, and PLC programming. LabVIEW became my unexpected strength. Despite never using the software before, I completed the assignment first in my batch. This achievement built my confidence in problem-solving under pressure.
Learning from Seventh Place
When competition results were announced, I placed seventh – just one position from qualifying for international games. Initially disappointed, I soon realized the true value lay in the experience itself. Celebrating my friend’s bronze medal victory brought perspective. The journey mattered more than any single result.
Applying Lessons to Advanced Projects
This realization motivated me to pursue more ambitious projects. With friend Bipin, I developed a VR-controlled autonomous mobile robot using SLAM technology. ISA’s workshops and network provided essential support during this challenging but rewarding college project.
Mentoring the Next Generation
As my skills grew, I began teaching others. Through ISA VESIT, we organized robotics workshops on ROS2 for junior students. Guiding them through problem-solving proved equally rewarding as competition success.
International Scholarship Achievement
The ISA International Scholarships represented a defining moment. When Bipin, Drushti and I all won $2,000 scholarships, it validated our entire journey. The recognition from ISA President Scott Reynolds confirmed that our efforts and growth truly mattered.
Passing the Torch Forward
Now in my final year of automation and robotics studies, I mentor juniors for competitions and lead workshops. Seeing their excitement reminds me of my own beginnings. ISA’s legacy continues through this cycle of guidance and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the author first discover ISA?
Through a student workshop during second year at VESIT Mumbai, which featured hands-on learning and supportive mentorship.
What was the significance of placing seventh?
Though initially disappointing, it taught that the journey and relationships matter more than any single competition result.
What technical skills were developed through ISA?
LabVIEW programming, robotics, pneumatics, PLC programming, and developing autonomous mobile robots using SLAM technology.
How did the ISA scholarship impact the author?
Winning the $2,000 international scholarship provided recognition that validated the entire learning journey and growth process.
How is the author now contributing to ISA?
By mentoring junior students, leading workshops, and preparing newcomers for automation competitions – continuing ISA’s cycle of guidance.
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