The Influence of Internshala in Fulfilling My Travel Desires
The Evolution of a Dream: Transforming Ambitions Over Time
India’s renowned concept of “Unity in Diversity” intrigued me, and I was eager to witness it firsthand. However, throughout my time in school, traveling held little significance for me. And it was during the penultimate year of my schooling that I came across a book that caught my attention. Its cover showcased a captivating image of IIT against the backdrop of the verdant Himalayas, and this instantly sparked my curiosity. Now I, too, shared this sentiment and had a profound longing to discover different parts of India. From the northern region of Leh to the southernmost tip of Kanyakumari, from the western state of Gujarat to the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, I wanted to explore a diverse range of locations. And my quest encompassed both the rich historical heritage and the vibrant present-day culture of these places where I sought to experience the charm of ancient monuments, and sacred sites, as well as the inviting atmosphere of beachside cafes.
Charting the Path: The Journey Begins in College Life
After appearing for the engineering entrance exam, I achieved a satisfactory rank. My personal inclination was towards pursuing Computer Science, but my parents had a preference for core fields such as Mechanical, Civil, or Electronics. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side. I received offers from good colleges, but not for the Computer Science branch. Conversely, the college offering the Computer Science branch was not highly reputed. Despite this dilemma, I made the decision to proceed with the branch, albeit with some reluctance, and found myself at Gurukul College.
As I settled into my seat on the train to Haridwar, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was somewhat content that I had secured admission to a branch of my choice. However, there was a tinge of sadness lingering within me, stemming from not being able to secure a spot in a prestigious college.
To add to my uncertainty, I was also eagerly awaiting the results of several other entrance exams that I had taken. Unfortunately, the process seemed to be dragging on longer than anticipated, causing further delay and unease. The suspense was weighing heavily on my mind, making it difficult to fully enjoy the journey or find solace in my current situation.
However, everything took an unexpected turn when I disembarked in Haridwar. It was a moment of déjà vu for me, as the scenery bore a striking resemblance to something I had seen before, albeit not entirely identical. I couldn’t help but believe that it was a manifestation of destiny. Haridwar swiftly became my second home, and during my four years there, I had the opportunity to explore numerous nearby places. I delved into the history of Haridwar and learned about the significance of Har ki Paudi, Neelkanth, and many more captivating aspects. The list seemed endless.
Balancing my Ambition with Navigating the Job Hunt
Upon completing my college education, I embarked on a job hunt. Although I had received a few offer letters, I was hesitant to accept them as I believed there could be better opportunities out there for me. With this mindset, I decided to explore job prospects in Bangalore and also take the chance to discover the surrounding areas. However, my plans took an unexpected turn when an emergency situation arose back home, preventing me from fully exploring the region. Despite this, I managed to clear a few rounds for a job.
I had reservations about being hired due to a series of mistakes I had made throughout the process. In the beginning, I forgot to attach my resume, and later on, I often found myself unavailable whenever interview calls were scheduled. Despite these setbacks, I ultimately managed to secure a position at Internshala. Out of the four offers I had, I chose Internshala not solely based on the salary offered, as I had another offer that paid slightly more. Rather, my decision was driven by the belief that the journey to explore India would be more fulfilling with Internshala than with the other three companies.
The Intersection of Internshala and My Journey of Exploration
I took a chance and bet on Internshala. And now, here I stand, having completed over 2700 days at Internshala. Both my professional and personal journeys have been progressing smoothly thus far. Over the past seven years with Internshala, I have had the opportunity to explore a considerable number of places. Internshala’s culture encourages a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where employees can bond through activities like outings, games, and team lunches. This creates a sense of openness and respect, making employees feel valued and heard when sharing their opinions.
Internshala has granted me the freedom to pursue my interests and has provided me with ample support along the way. The level of freedom you attain here is directly proportional to the extent of ownership you assume. I vividly recall the challenging days of the lockdown when everything came to a standstill. It was incredibly difficult for me to stay motivated during those times. I attempted to learn new things, but they didn’t yield the expected results. Nearly eleven months had passed, and I was growing weary of the monotony. Feeling the need to rejuvenate myself, I requested a 10-day break to go somewhere, and to my delight, it was approved without any questions asked. I even received a message stating that if I needed more time, I was welcome to take it. During those 10 days, I found myself in Kerala, exploring the mesmerizing Western Ghats, tranquil beaches, and enchanting backwaters. It was a much-needed escape that brought freshness and revitalization to my spirit.
A Journey of Fulfillment: Embracing Diversity and Adventure Across India
It’s truly been a fulfilling journey so far, both personally and professionally. As I reflect back on my experiences, I can’t help but feel a sense of happiness and contentment. I’ve had the opportunity to explore over 100 cities, spanning 20 states and 3 union territories. I’ve ventured into 3 national parks, visited the revered Char Dhams, paid homage at 7 Jyotirlingas, embarked on 5 treks, explored more than 15 forts, and witnessed the beauty of waterfalls, beaches, and heritage trains like the Kalka Shimla and Ambedkar Nagar to Patalpani routes. Additionally, I’ve indulged in thrilling activities such as paragliding, river rafting, and jungle safaris, and have had the joy of experiencing road trips and train journeys. Festive celebrations have also been a part of my journey, allowing me to immerse myself in the vibrant cultural diversity of India. I feel grateful for the remarkable diversity and experiences I’ve encountered along the way.
Indeed, the list of explorations and experiences seems endless, and there is still so much left to discover in India. The journey of exploration continues, and I am eager to uncover more hidden gems and embrace new adventures. Furthermore, I have yet to venture beyond the borders of India and explore what other nations have to offer. The world is vast, and there are countless destinations waiting to be explored. The excitement of discovering new places and experiencing different cultures is a never-ending quest that fuels my passion for exploration.
Throughout this journey, I have come to understand that progress lies in the process itself. I realized that sometimes life presents us with a series of mixed blessings, and it is up to us to navigate through them with resilience and optimism. It is the consistent and unwavering effort that propels us forward on our journey. Achieving our dreams requires continuous dedication and perseverance. To make our dreams a reality, we must have an unyielding thirst for success and exhibit unwavering dedication toward our goals.
