BID ADIEU…

And it is this time of the year which brings in mixed feelings in me. The time to say good bye for a bright future. The time to bid farewell, the time to honor and reminiscence the fond memories, funny anecdotes, of the many moments that I spent with all of you while being a small part of the wonderful journey that you are about to commence… While I am sure you have tightened your seat belt and are waiting with bated breath to take off to your dream destination, I must admit that I am going through a mixed feelings for I am indescribably happy when I sense your enthusiasm and excitement but am also, in the same vein, a little anxious and worried for you, for your well-being, for the numerous small and big decisions that you will be compelled to make when you are on the other side of the horizon. I am in no way indicating that I lack confidence in your ability to handle and tackle the situations and challenges that you will face while pursuing your masters at your Dream Destination. However, I wish to take the liberty to draw your attention to certain simple fundamental “Dos and Don’ts that would go a long way to oil the machinery and iron out the creases.

Do’s…

(a) Focus: There is no doubt in my mind about the fact that you have been a wonderful student and that you have the intention to make the most out of your academic year. However, more often than not, it so happens that when one is in the midst of a fundamentally new atmosphere, one tends to go off track. Hence, the most important thing that you have to remember has a thumb rule is to remain totally and completely focused on your goal. What is your goal? Why have you undertaken such an arduous journey by surmounting all odds? What is your ultimate aim? What are the little steps that you have to take to realize your ultimate aim? Will a good GPA help you move towards your dream? Then focus on getting good GPA. Will participation in certain projects help you getting nearer to your goal? Then, in such case, ensure that you focus and sign up for such projects. Will doing a certain kind of internships help you getting your dream job? The why not focus on getting such internships? “Focus” is the mantra. Let not the big and small distraction let you waiver from your resolve. Stay FOCUSED…

(b) Emotional Equanimity: A foreign land will throw you off guard. The cultural mores, expectations, and the very basic differences in the thought processes may have the impact of pulling the carpet off your feat. In such situation, you may often find yourself being caught in the whirlpool of conflicting emotions. It is essential that in order to pull yourself out of such whirlpool, you retain the attitude of objectivity and detachment. At times, you may find people behaving selfishly. At times, you might see insecurity all around you. At times, you may find people who are overtly secretive. What should you do in such circumstances? Will you allow it to disillusion you? Will you permit it to corrode you? Of course not. Remember that this would just be a phase. You have to stay calm and strong and allow it to pass of by maintaining poise and equanimity.

(c) Friendly temperament: You are away from your family. You are away from all that has been familiar to you in the earlier stages of life. Will you let this lack of familiar events, circumstances and people be a road block to your journey? If yes, how will you surmount this road block? The simple answer to this is keeping an open mind and friendly temperament. In the foreign land, your friends are your family. You will have to forge familial bonds with your friends for they are the one who will take care of your many big and small issues. It is indispensable for you to maintain friendly temperament. I am not saying that you have to be extrovert at all cost, nor am I asking you to be a party animal. All that I am asking you is to be friendly and easy going. Even if you disagree with someone, at least ensure that you are not disagreeable. This will go a long way in helping you be in touch with the right kind of people who might be of great help to you at the right time.

(d) Wise money management: It goes without saying that budgeting forms an integral part of a student life. I would recommend that when it comes to financial matters, you must wear your Indian values financial planning on your sleeves. I am sure you don’t want to be trapped in a debt cycle nor would you like to reach out to your parents for funding your expenses time and again. In order to ensure that, please manage your finances wisely. Prior to spending money on parties and travels, ensure that all your basic monthly expenses are taken care off…

(e) Flexibility: A decision to find roots in a foreign land calls for a great degree of flexibility for you will never be able to relocate with a rigid attitude. You have to be flexible in almost all aspects of your life, whether it be the choice of food, stay, choosing friends, jobs, internship, travel etc. A flexible attitude will help you strategies and adjust to the changing tides. Inflexibility is the beginning of the end of your dream to study and settle out there.

Don’ts…

(a) Drugs: This is a strict NO NO. Come what the provocation be. Come what the cool quotient be. You may treat this as a humble request or a stern warning. Stay away, at all cost from any and all kinds of drugs. Remember your parents whilst you even think of doing something so stupid as trying a recreational drug. Remember they faces and realize how hurt they will be if they realize what you are getting into for not only will you ruin your life, but you will break their heart forever. So please stay away from drugs.

(b) Plagiarism: Plagiarism, as you are aware, is a serious offence anywhere abroad. You can be deported if you are caught indulging in plagiarism. Mark my words, it is not worth it. Please get rid of this habit and ensure that none of your assignments/projects are a work of plagiarism.

(c) Disconnect from parents: While you are in a foreign land busy with your course, parties, plans, networking, remember that your parents back home are all alone. Make it a point to be in touch with them. Talk to them daily, update them about your progress. Trust me a single phone call from you goes a long way.

(d) Racism: Please get rid of racist mindset. Ensure that you do not pass any racist comments/jokes/remarks. It will reflect very badly upon you as a person in general and your character in particular. Being racist will not help you in any manner whatsoever.

I hope you will remember these little nuggets of wisdom and will not fail me or anyone of us. Remember that although I am but a small part of your journey, I wish, hope and pray with all my heart that you make the most out of the beautiful opportunity that life has presented you. And I am sure that you keep your fundamentals in check you will go places.

With this and yes, a heavy heart, I bid adieu to all of you… Take Care… All the best… And do stay in touch…

Hiren Rathod.

(P.S.: I am sure, most of the past students will connect to the words written above…)