My Academic Journey with Political Science: A Lifelong Love

As someone who grew up with a genuine love for learning, my academic journey was shaped by many subjects, but one that truly stood out was Political Science. This subject became my favorite not just in school, but in my very being, and has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of the world.

Infatuation with Political Science

My relationship with Political Science began as a typical student would, with my first encounter in Class 6, and it didn’t seem like a romance at first. As a CBSE student, I was diagonally opposite to those who were keen on subjects like Mathematics and Physics (PCM, or Science stream), and opted for English and Social Studies (SS), eventually shifting focus to Political Science.

It wasn’t until the last days of Class 10 that I realized my true feelings. In my last period of the last class, my eyes fell on the final pages of the Political Science textbook, and No! I cried. I had already decided to opt for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and to live the ‘Kota dream’, a not-so-wise decision, I might add. So, I went into an upward spiral, renamed myself Farhan, and trudged forward.

The Deep Feelings Develop

But fate had other plans. After many tumultuous, yet enriching years outside of school, I finally returned to the love of my life—Political Science—after completing Class 12 with PCM. It was during this time that I truly realized the depth of my feelings. It was as if I had taken someone for granted only to realize their value just when they were leaving.

Reasons for the Love

But why did I fall for Political Science? Here are the reasons:

Understanding Debates and Analysis: As an ENTP-A personality, I enjoy debate and analysis. Political Science is full of different theories, ideologies, and perspectives. I find the back-and-forth of arguments and the challenge of analyzing complex issues mentally stimulating. Real-World Connections: Political Science provides a framework to understand the news and the world around us. I like that it connects to real-world situations. Imagine using differentiation, integration, or trigonometry to put forth your opinion while the family is watching the news! Understanding Power Dynamics: Political Science delves into the core of how societies function, how power is distributed, and how we make collective decisions. It is all about how we shape our governments and societies. If you're not in love with power, you should be!

Of course, it is not the same as politics. Politics, both domestic and international, is the application part where the theories learnt in Political Science are brought to action. Isn't that fascinating?

A Personal Collection

To have a deeper understanding of Political Science, I collected several books. Here is a glimpse of my collection:

The Art of Politics by John J. Mearsheimer Understanding Political Science by Okun and Nash Theories of Politics by Robert Dahl The State: Its Theory and Practice in the Light of History by Hilaire Belloc

I hope that this journey with Political Science has inspired many of you to explore this captivating subject further. Whether you're an ENTP-A like me, or someone who believes that love happens without any reason, Political Science is a true treasure in the world of studies.