I am proud to have been a student at St. Thomas College, a revered institution nestled beside the meandering Meenachil river. My seven-year journey (1996-2003) at STC, where I completed my PDC, B.Sc and M.Sc was truly transformative. The college’s knowledgeable teachers, other supportive faculty and staff, and well-organized events helped me build confidence and gain invaluable experiences that have motivated me throughout my career. As an All India Service officer (AIS-IFS, 2012 batch), I attribute my success to the strong foundation laid by STC’s faculty and management, particularly the Botany department. The learning experience in Botany has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my career, influencing my performance in exams and various assignments and to achieve the culmination in my career. Notably, I joined STC after completing my X^th standard in Malayalam medium, but I emerged as a topper in both my degree and PG with proficiency in English, thanks to the college’s exceptional education and support.