Source: Desi Mean Girls.
Stumbling into the S
We’ve all heard this one: The world is now a small place, with all the Facing and the Timing. We’ve also been hearing this one all our lives: Before you judge a person, walk a mile in his shoes. I’ve been walking in some firangi shoes for a while now, and it’s hit me – something that has probably been axiomatic all along: Different parts of our beautiful world, functioning together like clockwork, are at times quite ambivalent in every walk of life – be it food, culture, music, currency or public mentalities. Still only two months into this whole new thing I stuck my neck out to do, one thing is abundantly clear: Education in America is different to what we grew up knowing, admiring or admonishing. Our system, particularly engineering introduced me to two new sensations – Like fire and ice. The P and the S – Procrastination and Self-doubt. While I attained legendary status at the P (albeit like a vast majority of engineers) somehow the S (despite being a stumble away) never seemed to get to me.
Armed with the G and the P – the gift of gab and the big ol’ P (yeah I did 😉), I moved where one would have to best the other. My affinity for meeting new people helped a great deal in sunny Durham, because of which I’ve interacted with a whole new bunch of interesting, talented, amicable and above all – clueless folks. The big stage usually comes with a shiny spotlight that makes your feet go numb. To me, a life respawn always brings the same evocative musings to light. Now, I’d say procrastinating is so 2014 – forced out of style, and no longer cool. Self-doubt, on the other hand, is like a good fencer. Letting you think you’re winning, and knocking all you’ve got out of your hand the first chance you concede. It starts with naivete, sunshine and smooth jazz. Before you know it, you’re knocked off your perch in the dark, listening to your own blues. A love for words, constructive arguments, filter coffee, flat mates and pat-mates has held me through the bumpy, itchy ride that I’ve been on.
Since August, it’s been a strange battle – Transloc vs Google Maps, LinkedIn vs WordPress – short for sanity vs madness. Amidst all the bruises and cuts, I’ve grown into the quiet pace of the Bull City, the frightening pace of disappearing free food, and the serenity of the bells at the Chapel.
Tomorrow will come, and with it another LetterForBetter
lettersforbetter 