Former College Teacher Surprised as His ‘First Benchers’ Become Accomplished Software Engineers at Amazon
Witnessing the success of one’s students is a deeply fulfilling experience for any teacher. Such was the case for an engineer at Google, who recently discovered that the students he had taught coding to during his college years at Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College in West Bengal had gone on to become accomplished software engineers at Amazon. Raj Vikramaditya, known as ‘Striver’ on Twitter, shared a nostalgic picture from 2017 when he was teaching a class, expressing his amazement at the fact that his once ‘first benchers’ had achieved such remarkable careers.
In the heartfelt tweet, he stated, I never thought that the first benchers would be in Amazon. Picture from a class I took when I was in my second year. The power went off in the middle of a coding class, everyone got their flashlights on. Some moments stay in your heart forever, this was one of them.
To further validate his claim, he shared a screengrab of a LinkedIn comment section where the former first benchers had commented, displaying the details of their current organizations alongside their names.
Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College, classified as a tier-3 institution, was not typically considered a prime choice for companies seeking placements. However, according to Moneycontrol, these same students managed to defy expectations and establish an impressive reputation for the college in terms of job placements. Vikramaditya also revealed that the college faculty did not provide much support, so the students took matters into their own hands and formed a coding club. Senior students would hold classes for the juniors after regular college hours, ensuring the continuation of their coding education.
Vikramaditya, who once worked at Amazon himself, recalled an incident during one of his classes where a power outage occurred. Despite this obstacle, he expressed his admiration for the students’ dedication, stating, They used multiple flashlights, and we finished the lecture because everybody was so interested in the class. Power cuts were apparently a regular occurrence at the college, but Vikramaditya proudly praised the exceptional performance of these batches, which ultimately led to the college having some of the best placement records in the state.
This heartening success story serves as a proud moment not only for the dedicated teacher but also for the college itself. It showcases the incredible achievements that can be accomplished through determination and self-motivated learning. The ‘first benchers’ who went on to become accomplished software engineers at Amazon are a testament to the power of resilience and passion for education.
As educators, it is essential that we recognize and celebrate our students’ achievements, regardless of the challenges they face. The story of these former first benchers from Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College is a powerful reminder that a supportive learning environment, coupled with mentorship and determination, can empower students to reach new heights.
In conclusion, the bond between a teacher and their students is a remarkable one, as it lays the foundation for the future. The success of these former first benchers is a testament to the impact a passionate and dedicated teacher can have on their students’ lives. Congratulations to the accomplished software engineers at Amazon who once sat in the first row, and hats off to Raj Vikramaditya for being an inspiration to them. May their journey continue to inspire others and pave the way for future generations of aspiring engineers.
