Moving from Bangalore to Jaipur marked a pivotal chapter in my life. I transitioned from a school that offered limited opportunities to one brimming with endless possibilities. With this change, I was determined to make the most of every chance I got. I dove headfirst into experiences I had never imagined before—whether it was trying out for the swim team (a sport I had never attempted), learning to ride horses, or auditioning for random school plays. Each experience added a new layer to my personality, and I began to discover sides of myself I never knew existed.
Before this shift, I was the president of the debate club, and many perceived me as overly confident or even egoistic. But the truth was quite the opposite—I was filled with self-doubt. It wasn't until I started surrounding myself with different kinds of people and truly listening to them that I began to build genuine confidence. By constantly pushing myself beyond my comfort zones and embracing all sorts of new experiences, I slowly shed the weight of my insecurities.
I realized that things I once thought were beneath me or "too cool" to try were precisely the things I needed to grow. I started reading more, listening to daily podcasts, and actively seeking out new learning opportunities. These habits elevated my mentality to a new level, instilling a confidence that became the cornerstone of my growth. I came to a profound realization: without confidence, aiming high or dreaming big was pointless. If I didn’t believe I could achieve something, why dream of it in the first place?
When I moved to a boarding school in a completely different city, I took a leap of faith—alone. I didn't have my parents dropping me off; I simply booked a flight, contacted my local guardians, and embarked on this journey by myself. This independence was crucial for me; it was the beginning of truly building my character. Boarding school has its pros and cons. On one hand, you're with your friends all day long, like a never-ending sleepover—creating some of the best memories of your life. But on the other hand, I had to leave behind opportunities that I could have pursued back in Bangalore, like skating, hockey, and ballet—my core extracurriculars.
However, if I had to choose, I’d still prefer boarding over sticking to those activities. The growth I experienced in boarding school—emotionally, mentally, and socially—was unparalleled. No other chapter of my life could have enhanced my character and mindset to this extent. Yet, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Coming from Bangalore's monsoon climate to Jaipur's arid desert weather, I developed a severe skin allergy. Within weeks, my face was covered in rashes, making me look like a red tomato.
In a boarding environment, there’s no hiding away. Unlike a day school, where I could have stayed home until I healed, I had to step out, face people, and embrace my insecurities. This experience taught me resilience like never before. Thankfully, my friends and the other students were incredibly supportive, helping me get through those tough days. Even though we had known each other for only a short time, we built relationships that felt like family.
But being around friends all the time also meant no privacy. Sharing a room with three other people meant that personal space was almost non-existent—a shock for someone like me who values solitude. Adapting to this has been one of my greatest struggles, but it has also been an essential lesson in living harmoniously with others.
Shifting to boarding school has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—intense, thrilling, and sometimes overwhelming. The days are long, filled with back-to-back classes and constant activity. It's draining at times, but oh, it’s so worth it. This experience has pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated. It’s taught me to find strength in vulnerability, confidence in uncertainty, and joy in every moment, however challenging it may be.
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