Albert Einstein 9 - Albert Joins Federal Polytechnical Institute Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

The Federal Polytechnical Institute, Zurich
Is reputed to be one of the best research institutes
In science and engineering in Europe;
Attracting students from different countries of the world.
Albert was jubilant to gain admission to this Institute,
As he had the choice to pursue his interests in science.

Though Albert settled down in Zurich most amicably,
And enjoyed his personal study, research in the Institute,
To pursue his interest in physics most earnestly.
He was not considered as an affable college student.
He looked bored and spent time on his own,
As he could not tolerate people with lesser intelligence.

Albert spoke arrogantly with his classmates and professors.
Hardly attended any classes, most often, bunked his classes.
As he preferred to sit in the library to read and study.
In physics, he had an innate sense of solving problems.
He enrolled himself for nine mathematical courses,
Apart from philosophy, economics, and politics.

Albert got into the habit of borrowing mathematical notes
From a fellow classmate, perhaps, his only friend -
Marcel Grossmann, - a sincere, diligent student of the Institute,
Who was ever kind to share his math notes.
Later, Grossmann became a collaborator in Einstein's research work,
Supporting him with complicated mathematical formulas.

From October 1896 until fall of 1900,
Though Albert continued his studies in the Institute,
He spent more time in physics lab than his classroom.
He hated exams but mugged up at the last moment,
And finally managed to give his final year exams.
He just about managed to graduate with no special distinction.

On the topic of final exams in schools and colleges,
Albert Einstein had a strong opinion.
And spoke of it as "The Nightmare"!
In an essay that he wrote, he emphasised the need
To abolish exams, as they were both useless and harmful.
It created trauma among students and falsely lead
To believe that their entire future depended on passing it.

A Biographical Poem