If there was just one thing I wish I could convince my aspirant self, it would be to believe that the dark, rocky road she was travelling on-that dreadful ambiguity, is going to make sense very soon. But, then I would just be spoiling her about the best chapter of her life yet. I would tell her to once in a while, give herself the credit she was due for arriving at the decision that she wanted to pursue an MBA, finding the determination to chase it and moving past all the random hindrances in the way that had no business to interfere with her journey. The day she would realise that nothing was ever random, that everything was leading her to the moment she converted a top tier B-School was coming very soon. Until then, I'll write her a letter and hope that it finds her well.
Dear Aspirant turned Student,
You deserve every moment of happiness that convert letter brought you. You're human, and you won't realise how fleeting happiness can be. In this path that you have chosen, you will be at crossroads often enough that I hope you keep in mind the following:
1)
Think for yourself: You're going to want to belong, to feel like you have a place in this brave new world. You will be inclined to go with the masses, to conform. Find that voice, that small spark that makes you, you. And when the time comes to make choices about whether or not to speak up to express a reasonable opinion, to try a new opportunity or risk, to make the big career decisions, this spark will guide you through to reach the highest points of those two years. You're going to regret it if you trade that bright spark for momentary invisibility or perceived safety. And, you know what is worth your time and attention more than anyone else.
2) Balance the old relationships with the new: You're going to find family among friends. You'll eventually learn which food they hate, which is their favourite shirt and their most vulnerable moments. They'll always hold a special place in your heart. But, don't forget those friends who travelled miles when you needed to see them, the parents who stayed up at night when you were sick, the grandparents who are trying to stay up to date with your world so that they remain relevant to you. Don't forget to remind them that they will always matter to you too, and don't say that you're busy. You won't know when it's too late.
3)
Don't be afraid to challenge yourself: Even the person you think has the most sorted life is messed up in some way. If you're using that as an excuse to not participate in a competition or take up a position of responsibility, then you're an idiot. Everyone has a weakness, and the faster you admit it to yourself, the faster you can beat it. You're going to care very much about how others see you, and for a while it might dictate your choices. Ask for help. If you look around and care a little, you might just be the example someone else needs to fight their demons. Maybe that was the confidence to speak in front of a crowd, maybe it's passing a paper, maybe it is admitting that you were wrong. The setbacks will come, but you will be stronger because of them.
4)
Network with maturity: Like every other misused word in B-school, networking has become distorted to the extent it's very far from what it's supposed to be. It's almost become like that unwanted spice you accidentally bite when you're enjoying perfectly good biriyani. But you will watch, learn and perfect the art overtime so you're subtle and effective. Hint: The right questions during guest lectures, spotting helpful people in Alumni meets while having genuine objectives to talk about, or even closer to campus- your professors. Figure out what it is that you want from them early on and it better not be bragging rights in front of classmates.
5)
Don't give up on your food for the soul: There is enough time. Once you've established that, go on the jogs through the campus you've always said you wanted to. Write about that moment of clarity or the sight of a dream come true. Encourage and appreciate the people who take out time to practice singing, dancing and other art forms so you could see co-ordination and synchronised movement during fests. You're going to feel most alive and have the most memorable times because those things were not forgotten.
6)
Never forget how very privileged you are: If you have atleast 5 people who will miss you if you're gone, have peace to read this, and the possibility of dreaming, know that you are fortunate. Be grateful for the serendipity, because there will always be people who would value what you have more than you. Is that reason to not know that you deserve it? No. But have a heart that knows to share, because fortune has a mysterious way of revisitingeach hand that passed it on.
7)
Learn constantly: You're going to make the mistake of underestimating people. I do not wish that I could stop you from making those embarrassing mistakes because that is how your ego will learn its place. If your actions have consequences, then your actions will redeem you too. Humility with its assistant-an open mind is the best teacher you will find to pick up good habits, a way of thinking or a path to guide you in your future endeavours. You will have meaningful conversations with even those who are not in your inner circle and you will give them a small slice of inspiration too, without you ever realising it at the time.
8)
You will lose sight of your raison d’etre repeatedly, but you can also find yourself in the process: Losing your way is perfectly alright. You're going to be that much sure that you are going in the right direction. Question yourself all you want, as long as it opens up one more piece of your puzzle every time. You'll get what you worked for, but you won’t get everything you wish for. Don't let that take away the satisfaction of the attempt from you.
9)
Take care of your health: Money cannot buy your health. Try to eat well, even when you really, really don't like how it looks. Self-inflicted harm by way of unhealthy habits is unbecoming of the place you're in and completely unfair to those who care about you. You won't have to look very far to see examples of those who would trade absolutely anything in the world to have their good health back. Learn not to bottle your emotions up faster; you'll find a solution quicker once it's in the open and you'll sleep better because courage won over fear. Recognise when people around you try to draw attention to themselves unconventionally. They would be better off with even your quiet support.
10) Have faith: There will be no dearth of negativity, doubt and rumours. Steady your mind and know that no matter what, nobody can stop you from doing your absolute best. Your peace of mind remains in your own hands. There is goodness in this world, whatever name you choose for it: God, Karma, Love or Science.
You're on your way to being a better version of yourself. Things get easier and more difficult from here on, but you’ll find your way, in the end.
With best wishes,
Your graduated self