From Freshman to Fearless: Journey of Growth and Change | SOIL

https://www.soil.edu.in/freshman-to-fearless-rollercoaster-of-growth-and-change/

PGDM Batch 2025-27 Orientation Start Date - 20^th June 2025

×

Filter Results

Topics

Audience

Industry

Year

From Freshman to Fearless: A Rollercoaster Ride of Growth and Change

13 Sep 2024
- Shiwangi Priya
- Student Life
The Nervous Start

I’ll admit, moving to a new city to chase my dreams was exhilarating, but the idea of living with strangers? That was a whole different story—terrifying, to be honest. As an introvert, the very thought of leaving the familiar comfort of my home and stepping into a city where I didn’t know anyone felt like leaping into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim. I kept wondering, Would I fit in? Would I make friends? Or would I just keep to myself, quietly navigating through college life alone?

The first few days in Pg’s were, well, awkward. There’s nothing quite as nerve-racking as trying to find common ground with people you’ve only just met while sharing the same living space. But then something magical happened—late-night assignment sessions turned into gupshup sessions and Sunday’s became Sarojini Day’s and this become our bonding rituals. We’d come back with bags full of bargains, but more importantly, with shared memories that began to knit us together.

What started as distant acquaintances quickly turned into friendships. For someone who loves reading, finding others who shared my passion for books opened the door to deeper conversations, and before I knew it, these “strangers” had become my family away from home. I started looking forward to our late-night study (and sometimes procrastination) sessions, or visiting each other’s Flat’s for group assignments. It was in these small moments that I found myself slowly shedding the hesitation, the fear of not fitting in.

Speaking of finding my tribe, Section D played a huge part in making this transition so much easier. They became more than just batchmates; they became my support system. Whether we were working on assignments, grabbing chai during breaks, or simply laughing over the smallest things, Section D made this experience unforgettable. Here’s a group photo with them to remind myself of how lucky I got with this bunch! And oh, one with our teacher as well, because nothing beats those insider jokes during lectures.

And so, what I thought would be the most terrifying part of my college life became the foundation for everything else that followed—friendship, growth, and memories that will stay with me long after these walls. It’s funny how the things you fear most often turn into the experiences you treasure the most.

Chaos and Cuteness: Tuesdays at the NGO

One of the most memorable (and let’s be real, hilarious) parts of my first year had to be our weekly visits to the NGO, Apne Log, in Noida. Every Tuesday , my batchmates and I turned into metro-hopping pros, navigating bustling streets and packed metro stations like seasoned city veterans. Our mission? To reach Apne Log NGO and meet those adorable kids. We used to teach them but honestly, I’m pretty sure they were the ones schooling us—in cuteness, energy, and how to keep us on our toes!

The journey there was always an adventure in itself. We’d start out bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but by the time we’d squeezed ourselves onto three different metro lines, walked through traffic that felt like a game of human Frogger, and navigated confusing Google Maps directions, we were ready for a power nap. But then, the second we walked through the doors of the NGO, BOOM! Energy levels back at 100%. The kids would rush up to us like we were rockstars—forget math and reading, these kiddos were there for the high-fives, stories, and mischief.

Each week, I was assigned a group of Grade 2 and 3 students. And man, these kids were next level with their curiosity. There was Aditya, who had a million questions (most of which were unrelated to the actual lesson), and Jai, who had this mysterious ability to turn any math problem into a dramatic saga. How could I compete with that?! I wasn’t just a teacher; I was their sidekick in a wild world of make-believe.

Teaching them was like herding cats—energetic, enthusiastic, overly-curious cats—but those 60 minutes flew by in a whirlwind of laughter, crayons, and (occasionally) learning. By the last session, saying goodbye to these little chaos-makers was harder than I expected. My Tuesdays had been permanently upgraded from “meh” to “epic” thanks to these kids.

The Life-Changing Himalayan Retreat

Then came February—the month that officially took my first year from “meh” to “WOW!” Our retreat was not just a trip; it was like stepping into a new reality show titled ”Survivor: Sidhbari Edition”. We packed our bags and traveled to Sidhbari, where we stayed at the Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram, and let me tell you, this was no ordinary getaway. Our mission? To dive deep into the lives, challenges, and dreams of the village residents. Spoiler alert: I came back with a heart full of stories and a head full of adventure!

The villagers welcomed us with open arms, their warmth and hospitality making us feel right at home. We spent days visiting their local communities, where we got to see how the village operated, meet the incredible kids, and understand the unique ways in which these tight-knit communities functioned. It wasn’t just about observing; it was about truly immersing ourselves in their daily lives, learning from their simplicity and resilience.

In the breathtaking villages of Kangra, I met some real-life superheroes. First up was Bhavya Devi, who was basically Wonder Woman in disguise! Despite facing physical challenges, she turned everyday bed sheets into masterpieces through her tailoring , all while juggling with her responsibilities and life like a pro. Her unwavering spirit was like a shot of espresso for my soul.

These incredible women showed me that strength isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about rocking those challenges like a boss and rising above them. And honestly, their warmth and hospitality felt like a warm hug from the universe, connecting me to them in a way I never imagined.

One of the most inspiring moments was meeting the Mahila Mandal—a group of real-life Wonder Women who embodied strength, determination, and a fierce spirit. These women weren’t just caretakers of their homes; they were the driving force behind local businesses, creators of beautiful handicrafts, and fearless leaders within their community. Sitting with them, listening to their stories of overcoming hardships, and seeing how they balanced their work and personal lives was nothing short of empowering.

The experience gave me a profound perspective on what true community support looks like. These women, with their unmatched energy, showed us that when people come together, anything is possible. They weren’t just surviving; they were thriving, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth. And as we spent time with them, I realized that I was learning just as much—if not more—from them as they were from us.

This retreat was a one-of-a-kind experience, not just because of the stunning Himalayan backdrop or the thrilling adventures, but because of the connections we built with the villagers. Whether it was playing with the children or talking with the elders, every interaction left an imprint on my heart. It was a humbling reminder that no matter how different our worlds may seem, we are all united by our shared dreams and challenges.

Exploring the Unknown

Now, let’s get to the fun part! The trip wasn’t all about serious reflection (though there was plenty of that); we also embraced our inner explorers. My friends and I indulged in delicious thukpa, which, for those who don’t know, is basically a hug in a bowl. And we explored local spots, discovering hidden gems that made us feel like we were on a treasure hunt—minus the pirate hats.

Then came the legendary trek to Triund. Picture this: me, in sneakers that were definitely not made for trekking, huffing and puffing my way up a hill. I mean, who needs a gym membership when you can sweat your way up the Triund Hills, right? And just when I thought I couldn’t go any further, I got to witness my very first snowfall! Snowflakes were literally dancing around me, and I felt like I had just stepped into a Hallmark movie.

And the biggest moment? Overcoming my fear of heights. At one point, I found myself standing at the top of a mountain, gazing at the endless stretch of peaks ahead of me. It wasn’t just a scenic view; it was a personal triumph. I plan to attach a photo of me in that moment—because for someone who’s always been afraid of heights, this was a huge deal! And this wasn’t just about conquering a mountain; it was about conquering the limitations I had placed on myself.

Looking Back with Gratitude

As I sit here reminiscing about my freshman year, it’s wild to think I packed so much life into just a few months. From being the nervous freshman who was scared of sharing a room with strangers to riding through pitch-black roads on my scooty like a midnight ninja, this year was one big rollercoaster ride. I taught bright-eyed children at the NGO, trekked through the stunning Triund hill, and had so many laughs along the way.

I came into this experience as a cautious, nervous freshman, but I’m leaving feeling a bit more fearless and a whole lot braver—ready to take on whatever shenanigans this journey throws at me next. So here’s to the adventures ahead, the friendships forged, and the countless lessons learned. Bring it on, college life; I’m ready for Round Two!

Shiwangi Priya

Our Top Stories to Read
PGDM vs MBA: Understanding the Key Differences to Make the Right Choice Founder & Chairman Mr. Anil Sachdev Learnings and Importance of Theatre
SOIL Live Digital Events

Meet the Admissions Team: SOIL PGPM & PGDM Programs
Learn More
Meet SOIL PGPM & PGDM Current Batch Students | 07:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Learn More

Didn't Find What you Were Looking For?

Never miss a beat. Get Blog updates regularly in your inbox