The last few weeks have been edgy for Machani Hema Latha, the first ranker in Andhra Pradesh EAMCET (Medical)-2016.
“But all’s well that ends well,” said the girl from Joharapuram in Kurnool district.
Minutes after the result was declared by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Ms. Hema Latha became the cynosure of all eyes. Media personnel almost jostled to grab a brief interview, posing queries on her study schedule, time management, and future plans.
“Immediately after the exam, I verified my performance based on the key, and was convinced that I’ll be among the top 10 rankers. But first position came as a real pleasant surprise,” the elated girl told The Hindu . She scored 156 marks and a combined score of 98.04.
After MBBS, Ms. Hema Latha plans to specialise in neurology.
Humble background
“I also want to sponsor the education of a few students from financially humble background like mine after I become economically independent. I know the value of education since I have seen my father struggling to fund our education,” she says, informing that her father Veeranna works in a textile shop.
The NEET conundrum came as a rude shock, she admits.
“After working so hard by putting in 17 hours of study every day, you are bound to feel upset when you come to know that the exam you appeared for may be declared invalid,” she said. Last year, the girl secured 245{+t}{+h}rank, but was denied admission because she was under-age (28 days younger than the prescribed age). “I am happy that NEET is not happening this year. Moreover, most students’ patience has run out after undergoing a prolonged period of exam stress. Starting a fresh preparation for NEET is not possible as focus would get diluted, and there is a chance that many students may slip into depression,” she said.
Ammakola Yagna Priya from Saidabad in Hyderabad is happy with her third position. She applied for both Telangana and AP EAMCET.
‘Best thing to happen’
In Telangana test, she secured a total of 160 marks.
“In the wake of NEET controversy, I had already started preparing for the national-level common entrance test. The ordinance passed by the Centre postponing NEET by one year is the best thing to have happened for us,” she said happily.
After MBBS, the girl plans to do specialisation either in cardiology or neurology.
The NEET conundrum came as a rude shock, but all is well that ends well
Machani Hema Latha
