Someone asked me the other day, what would be the most memorable moment or what would you cherish the most after these two years. I was not in a position to reply immediately, as I was surprisingly at a loss for words. Two years had whizzed past, carrying me along in the current. It is wrong to say I drifted without any purpose or sense – I swam, sometimes making a futile attempt to fight against the current and trying to go in another direction but eventually routed in the direction I was meant to go and the path I was supposed to tread by God’s grace.
Looking back, I realize that I have met and encountered people from different backgrounds, cultures and totally diverse outlooks on life. I have learned about languages, sometimes made a mockery of myself in my various attempts; relished on food that I learned to enjoy and now miss terribly; celebrated festivals of all sorts after satiating my inquisitive mind with the stories behind it; and visited places that I have read in history books or seen in National Geographic channel. Many had warned me in advance to expect a culture shock when I got here. But what I experienced was what I would call a pleasant surprise. I loved the freedom – it made me responsible and mature and I respect my alma mater for that.
I experienced what it was to know the value of time – to have quizzes, assignment submissions, project presentations and event deadlines all at the same time. The lesson of juggling between of all of this and yet having the stamina to survive through sleepless nights solely because of a high from caffeine! On the other side, the guest lectures, open houses, club meetings and activities. The getaways to Delhi, watching sitcoms & movies through the night on laptops, shopping sprees during sales, trips across India, coffee & DLP breaks at 3 AM, sumptuous lunches and dinners outside campus and the many parties on campus makes me want to turn back time.
Appreciation of the beauty of nature and of my surroundings also came to me here. Be it the dewdrops on the surface of the grass on the football field or the stormy showers marking the end of summer or the chilly foggy nights when visibility was about a meter, the comforting warmth of rays of the sunshine on winter afternoons, the blooming flowers during February and even the squirrels scampering around the amphitheatre.
Last but not the least, the people that I met here who have made a difference in my life. Strangely when I started these two years, I had this preconception in my mind that I should be prepared to accept everyone around me as acquaintances – that was all to change. My girlfriends – the good times we had together – the lunches, dinners, birthdays, parties, trips – words cannot describe how I loved it all ! My event teammates – have learnt a lot from them and working was always fun! My groupies – the art of last minute work but a superb presentation I have learnt from them. My other close friends –for always being there and bringing a smile on my face. My mentors – the ones I have looked up to and still continue to do so.
These years were a potpourri of emotions, events and what not. I have changed a lot from what I was but have kept the principles I believe in and have grown as a person. I have experimented, tried new things that I always had the inhibition to do and become mature as a person. So if you ask me again what was special about 2008-10? For me it was a complete package and I would love to relive those days!
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