I've always been confused about where I want to go and what I want to be. Ever since I remember I feel I have been a free, bold and independent spirit. I have done exactly what I want because that's the only thing that works for me and makes me the person I am today.
My realm of confusion began in class 11th when I had to select subjects of interest. With a lot of ambiguity going around in my mind, finally, I settled with the decision by choosing commerce in my 11th and 12th. Though I've always been good academically yet I have always been inclined to the subject "English”. Interestingly, when I had to join college, on a whim, I also applied for the Literature course with a thought that I might get an opportunity to pursue my passion and interest. However, there was a twist that came when I got to know that the subject was only available along with psychology. This was the very turning point of my life. While all these happened, there was one person who was constantly supporting me and that was my mother. And that began the 5 most beautiful years of my life. I knew the moment I stepped into my first class, that Psychology and I were meant to be. I have never had a more symbiotic relationship.
The past 5 years would not have been possible if not for my mother. She has always motivated me to do what I love rather than simply loving what I am told or made to do. After those 5 years, I felt that I wanted to translate the psychological principles I learned into what it meant for consumers and the brands they buy.
An MBA felt like the right choice. I wanted to make the right use of what I had learnt from psychology to figure out what consumers want and how to get them to buy the brands they want. Psychology and MBA are more alike than I could even imagine. Thus, began my preparation for b-school entrances. And here I am, a few months later at XIMB.
It was terrifying, of course. But I've loved every moment here so far. It's been hectic and crazy, but it's been brilliant.
Amidst a diverse batch filled with students from a varied background like fashion designers, CAs, dentists, etc., I have cherished the plethora of experience they bring to the discussion table. We all are so different from each other. Yet each one of us is involved in the same cycle consisting of assignments, deadlines, group projects, etc.
And the best thing is, I'm doing what I think I was meant to do.
My advice to everyone who is afraid to be different: it's okay to be scared, but it's not okay to give up on your dream.
Pallavi Kumar
Batch of 2021
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
