Small City Big Dreams Bigger Struggles

If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?

I would say just two words: "Thank you".

I know, it might not sound as grand or dramatic as you’d expect but hear me out. After all the

years of dreaming about my college, of picturing myself walking through those gates, I am finally

here. And when I pause to reflect on how I got here, the first thing I feel is an overwhelming

sense of pride, pride in myself for staying the course, for not letting the doubts get the better of

me.

Coming from a small city like Jind, Haryana, where the world feels a little more distant and

opportunities feel like they’re just out of reach, I often wondered if a place like this could ever

lead me to my dream college. It seemed like something for the "others," not for someone like

me. I never had the same advantages as students from bigger cities with more exposure and

resources.

Choosing this university, in a city so unknown and intimidating, wasn’t a decision made lightly.

Delhi was a city I knew only from stories, its vastness and chaos intimidating. Delhi’s chaos

seemed overwhelming, yet that very uncertainty drew me in. I wasn’t after just an education.

I sought a place that would challenge my thinking, broaden my world, and shape me into

someone more aware of others and myself. This university offered all that, “and more”.

My expectations before joining were high. I envisioned a space where ideas would flow freely,

where learning wasn’t confined to textbooks, and where connections would go beyond the

academic. What I didn’t anticipate was how much this place would transform me.

There were moments when I questioned my place here. But with every challenge, I grew stronger.

I learned that perseverance isn’t about pushing through obstacles, it’s about discovering your limits and pushing beyond them.

Looking back, I see how much this campus has shaped me. I am no longer the uncertain person

I once was. I have learned to believe in myself, to face challenges head-on, and to realize that

the journey is just as important as the destination.

So, if I could speak to my younger self, I would simply say, “Thank you for believing in the

impossible.” The late nights were never just about studying; they were about learning to persist.

To anyone out there: the road might be long, but keep going and when you arrive, remember to

look back and say,

"Thank you. You’ve earned it.”

Finally, I am deeply grateful to Humanity@2047 for offering me this platform to reflect. It’s not

just about academic achievements, but beyond, that this experience has nurtured in me.

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