Becoming My Better Self

Vedika Thakur

4/10/20253 min read

Becoming My Better Self

Vedika Thakur

10 April 2025

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

I’m from the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh and belong to an upper-middle-class family with a background in the field of law. I completed my primary education in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

To be honest, I chose this university quite randomly. It was never a part of my actual plan. I had applied only to the universities in my state but filled out the form for this university just for the sake of it, with no intention of going through the second round of admission. Suddenly, when the results came out, I was selected by all three Central Universities I applied to, including this one. My parents left the decision to me. They encouraged me to visit all the options, and eventually, they decided to send me here.

Although it was never in my plans and definitely not easy in the beginning, I managed to go through it. Now, I find myself in a much better place and have come to appreciate the value of being here—something I didn’t realize earlier.

I had no clear expectations because I wasn't familiar with the university. Still, my expectations were high to some extent. However, after spending some time here, I came face-to-face with the darker sides—the loopholes and the challenges that interfere with our studies and personal growth.

Despite these issues, the university environment has played a significant role in shaping me into a better person. Looking back at the version of myself two years ago in my hometown and comparing it to who I am today, I see a completely different person—emotionally, mentally, and in terms of mindset.

I’ve had experiences here that I would never have had if I stayed at home. Some felt harsh at the time but turned out to be valuable life lessons. I’ve learned how to cope with problems on my own, how to manage my daily life without any known person beside me—things like waking up early, making breakfast, skipping meals due to a hectic schedule, and dealing with illness while missing my mother. These small moments may seem trivial, but when you look at them collectively, they have a powerful impact.

Initially, it felt hard—almost miserable—but now I feel more in control of my life. Even though it's still challenging, I’ve gained a sense of freedom and responsibility that I never had before.

There have been many daily obstacles. One of the biggest was managing everything alone in a new city, completely unfamiliar to me. Adjusting to the food, the college schedule, and the lecture-based learning style was personally difficult—especially because sometimes the lectures felt worse than school. The food here remains one of the hardest things to get used to.

University-related challenges also add to the struggle. Administrative delays are common—admit cards don’t arrive on time, exam schedules are released late, and practical exams are scheduled just before theory exams, leaving little time for preparation. Unlike students in other colleges, we are often left scrambling. These inefficiencies are visible and frustrating, and they cause unnecessary delays in academic progress.

As I’ve said before, I’ve changed a lot—and for the better. Today, I am a strong girl, living independently in an unfamiliar city, managing everything on my own. It’s something my younger self would have never imagined. I feel happy and miserable at the same time—but I am proud of the life I am building, one that is under my control. It gives me a daily sense of responsibility and helps me become more organized, more focused, and stronger with each passing day.

A heartfelt thank you to Humanity@2047 for creating such a meaningful platform where voices like mine can find space, value, and purpose. It’s truly a privilege to be part of an initiative that uplifts stories of change rooted in empathy. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my journey on a platform that stands for humanity, compassion, and hope—especially for those who need it the most.

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