To my childhood best friend,

From the day we began kindergarten to our high school graduation, you’ve always been by my side. From the moment we met on our first day of school, I knew we were destined to be best friends.

You’ve been in my life for as long as I can remember. You were part of every precious memory of my childhood. You were my last minute support always when I used to get late for school while having breakfast. We were always together, whether running to catch school bus, listening to the teachers, hanging out, going to office. You have never left me alone for lunch and used to play with me always after that. You’ve been there for me through all my awkward stages.

My friend, You’re more like family. You used to take care of my meals when I was in hostel, away from my family. We have watched each other grow and battle different challenges.

Thereafter, in my office we used to sit in silence and just enjoy each other’s company. Just by looking at you I used to get happy and meeting you used to be my only motivation throughout the day.

My friend, Freshwrapp, as you name says you bring freshness into my life and you motivate me to overcome all the challenges and shine bright like you. Thank you for being my best friend and my only constant for the past 20 years and I hope this continues.

Love always,

Your forever best friend.

Most of my school life I’ve lived in a small town, Sonipat. No matter what I did, I had people looking after me whom I was dependent on for almost any and every single decision .Having grown up in the security and familiarity of my small town home, I was thrust into the vast unknowns of Delhi where I struggled to keep up with people so much more independent and almost mechanically efficient than me. Every day seemed like a new challenge, and with time I learnt to face them head-on. In my first year in Flashback – the college yearbook society - I would be hesitant to make my voice heard amidst the cacophony of seemingly more accomplished voices.

In time, I got better. I learnt to value my own opinion enough to make it heard, and instead of being intimidated, gained from the experience of others and four years later, I was the editor-in-chief of the Flashback- The yearbook society. I learnt networking skills and opened myself up to new ideas, new interests and broadened my outlook, owing to the diverse set of people I was living with I became mature in my approach and learnt to adapt to any situation. Living away from my family made me mentally and emotionally stronger as I had to adapt and thrive in a brand new environment. These experiences, hence shaped me into better judge of personalities. I emerged from a gullible follower to a leader who learnt how to change problems into learning .

arushigoyal

Aditya Birla Group: Big in my life|Arushi, IIFT