Naga lad’s journey from struggle to ‘Focus Study Zone’

August 5, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Mercy Wangnao
Dimapur | August 4

In Nagaland, where the dream of becoming a civil servant is pursued by many, the journey often ends in disillusionment after repeated attempts. However, Asapu Swu, a 30-year-old Computer Science Engineering graduate from Nagpur and a civil service aspirant, decided to turn his experience into an opportunity for others. Recognising the challenges faced by fellow aspirants, who often lack proper study spaces and libraries while preparing for competitive exams, he established the ‘Focus Study Zone’—a dedicated library and study area providing a conducive environment for intensive study and preparation for exams.

Asapu Swu, proprietor of Focus Study Zone

Speaking to The Morung Express, Asapu shared, “During my college years, I struggled with ten backlogs. It was a daunting period, but it pushed me to seek a focused study environment. Joining a study library was transformative, helping me clear my back papers and finish my degree.”

“Realising the importance of a dedicated study space, I was inspired to create a similar environment for others preparing for competitive exams. This led to the inception of the Focus Study Zone in Dimapur,” he stated.

A dedicated space for aspirants
Focus Study Zone, established in March 2024, located in the heart of Dimapur but away from the city’s noise, not only provides free study material but also a quiet environment for aspirants to properly focus for civil service preparation.

Asapu shared that the journey has been fulfilling, with his sister and family helping to set up the library. The growing number of users benefiting from the resources and quiet study spaces, along with positive feedback, motivated them to continue improving the facility and supporting the community’s academic efforts. ”Focus Study Zone is more than just a library; it’s a dedicated space for aspirants to focus on their goals,” Asapu asserted.

What sets Focus Study Zone apart is its community-driven approach. The library provides customised resources for competitive exam preparation. “Our goal is to foster success by creating an environment where students feel supported and encouraged,” Asapu said.

On achieving balance between the demands of running the Focus Study Zone with his own civil service exam preparations, Asapu revealed that effective time management and discipline are important.

“I dedicate specific hours each day for my studies and follow set routines to ensure consistency,” Asapu said. He credits his family’s involvement in managing the library as a crucial factor, allowing him to focus on both the library and his exam preparation.

Overcoming Challenges
Setting up the Focus Study Zone came with several challenges, including securing a suitable location, arranging resources, and managing finances. A major difficulty was making sure the library met the needs of a diverse group of aspirants. Asapu and his team overcame these challenges by conducting thorough research and gathering feedback from potential users. “Collaboration with my family and careful planning were crucial in addressing logistical issues and creating a supportive study environment,” he explained.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciate the quiet, well-equipped environment and the supportive atmosphere. “The feedback has been encouraging,” Asapu noted, “with many expressing gratitude for the conducive study environment we have created.”

Flexible Plans & Amenities
The Focus Study Zone provides various subscription plans, including daily, monthly, three-month, and six-month options, and is open six days a week from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm. It accommodates up to 20 students and includes a cafeteria and self-service station, along with locker facilities.

On the comprehensive amenities available, Asapu informed, “We provide air conditioning, Wi-Fi, RO drinking water, newspapers and magazines, printing and scanning facilities and we also have a mini library with prescribed books for competitive exams.”

For others juggling work, personal projects, and exam preparations, Asapu’s advices is to prioritise time management and set realistic goals. “Consistency is the key,” he affirmed, “but so is maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”

The writer is a student of Master of Journalism and Mass Communication at Nagaland University, Lumami. This report was submitted as part of her month-long internship in The Morung Express.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/naga-lads-journey-from-struggle-to-focus-study-zone