One Year of Transformation: Restarting the Journey
You know that moment when life takes an unexpected turn? That's where my 2024 story begins. A year ago, I made what felt like the scariest decision of my life - stepping away from my startup in India to pursue a new chapter in the United States. Talk about a plot twist!
The transition hit hard. Gone were the days of back-to-back meetings and the constant hustle of startup life. But here's the thing - sometimes you need to press pause to move forward. This break opened my eyes to some hard truths about people I'd put on pedestals and mistakes I'd been too busy to notice.
These days of reflection have been a blessing in disguise, teaching me invaluable lessons. But they have also cost me dearly—the habits I cultivated, the daily notes and gratitude journaling I cherished, and, most painfully, the trust I placed in those I once considered gods. Even so, I know the coming year offers a chance to make amends, to do something small yet meaningful, something to compensate for the past.
Finding Purpose in a New Land
I came to the United States seeking my next purpose in life. The college seemed like a dream—offering facilities I could only imagine back in India. Having spent so much to attain what many here take for granted, I was determined to make the most of it.
The first year was all about figuring out the education system here, understanding what it takes to score well—something particularly important for an international student—and learning how to network. I struggled with all three during my first semester, fumbling through the process. But even in my failures, I found small victories, and I never gave up on achieving the desired outcomes.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the financial risk I took to leave my startup behind. Without an assistantship or any campus job in my first semester, I had to take up what most international students choose—a part-time job in the dining centre. Transitioning from a CEO to working in dining felt like a massive blow to my pride. Yet, it turned out to be one of the best jobs I’ve ever done.
Humility in the Everyday
This job taught me to find happiness in the simplest actions. It reminded me of the value of every second and every effort. As a startup founder, I had understood this, but arrogance clouded my perspective. Working in the dining centre humbled me, teaching me lessons I had been seeking in books and psychology journals. It gave me what I had been searching for—an understanding of deeper emotions and the essence of humility. This chapter of my life will always hold a special place in my heart.
Despite the struggles, I somehow managed to end the semester with a 3.0 GPA. It wasn’t perfect, but considering the mess I had made of the semester, it was a win. I owe this to my startup experience, which taught me to excel under pressure, and to a friend who believed in me and gave me the confidence to push through.
Summer Realisations
The summer break was a breath of fresh air. With no academic pressure, I took up a research assistantship, working 40 hours a week. Even with this, I felt unproductive during the remaining hours of the day. For someone used to working 80–110 hours a week during my startup days, this idleness was unsettling. It even led to bouts of depression. Yet, the summer became a period of realisation—a time to reflect on what I had been doing all those years.
I discovered the value of trust and kindness. In my startup, I was surrounded by jealousy, rudeness, and a lack of basic respect. Here, people treated me with dignity and concern, no matter the situation. No job was considered menial; every effort was respected. These experiences healed me from past traumas and gave me a newfound perspective on work and relationships. That summer, I also reconnected with a friend from India who became my companion in exploring the little joys of life.
Turning Point: The Fall Semester
Your instincts never leave you, no matter where you go. My risk-taking nature and straightforwardness stayed with me. The fall semester marked another turning point. I was fortunate to secure an assistantship under a kind and visionary professor with roots in India. This semester brought emotional ups and downs, forcing me to make tough choices and step out of my comfort zone.
During this time, I experienced significant milestones: I got my first car in the US, earned a gun license (something I had always wanted), and strengthened my networking skills. However, I also lost people along the way, as I decided to level up my life and let go of unnecessary habits and connections.
Lessons That Will Stay Forever
This year has been about relearning and unlearning. It reminded me of my ability to adapt, grow, and embrace change. I reconnected with good friendships, experienced deeper love and care, and made peace with imperfections. The fall semester, and 2024 as a whole, became a defining period of my life.
Dreams don’t die; they evolve. You don’t have to give up on your dreams when life changes direction. The goal remains the same—it’s the path that transforms, and that’s perfectly okay.
Every action, no matter how small, holds value. Whether it’s a casual conversation, a routine task, or a major life event, each moment has something to teach us if we’re willing to listen.
A soulmate isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding someone whose imperfections you can accept and who accepts yours in return. (Although I am in process of finding mine, I’ve learned what it means to be ready for one.)
Prioritise yourself. You are the most important person in your life. Taking care of yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—enables you to bring your best self to everything else.
Challenge your beliefs. Sometimes, the beliefs we hold act as invisible limits on what we can achieve. Recognising and breaking through these "glass ceilings" opens up possibilities we never thought existed. This is something my old mentor told me Once!!!
Through this transformative year, I’ve realised that I don’t need to search for a new purpose. My purpose has always been within me—unchanged and unwavering. What I truly need is to discover new paths to fulfil it, to refine the knowledge and skills I already possess, and to make them better and more aligned with the life I envision. It’s not about adding more to my plate but about nurturing and perfecting what I already have, ensuring it resonates with my values and goals. This clarity is what drives me forward, one step closer to living a life of true meaning and fulfilment.
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