Journey of Master's: Lessons and Reflections

“Lao Tzu”, once rightly said, “The Journey of Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step” 

Today I’m at the stage of finishing my master's and heading towards a new phase of my life. I still remember the days when I’m in dilemma about choosing the next path of my career after my bachelor's. As my bachelor degree was nearing the finish, I was quite firm about doing my master as on a distance basis from the same institute. But due to the importunity of family members, I opted to go for the regular mode. I still remember the day when (30/1/2021) when I confirm my admission to the college and started my master’s college on regular basis from 5/2/2021 onwards. 

Initially, the college was supposed to be on online mode due to the upsurge in COVID-19 cases. Up to June 2021, things are getting normal back. Due to COVID-19, the exam for the first two semesters of the first year was held in online mode (Sessional exams were offline mostly). As already our year has started quite late due to the pandemic, the exams are held in such a way that the gap which was being produced from June 2020 to Jan 2021 should be refilled. And it happens the same as we supposed. 

The first year of my master's came to an end around Sept 2021, and in Sept 2021 itself, we moved into the second year. Throughout the second year of my master’s i.e. from Sept 2021-Sept to 2022 (An Year), I get and create immense opportunities to develop myself as a student. It has been a very enriching and crucial time for me both personally and professionally. 

Just took example, during my graduation years I found it extremely difficult to convey my opinions to a mass of students (Public speaking), which might be due to the lack of communication, lack of self-confidence, poor language, skills, etc. but what did exactly change in masters is quite interesting, and prove hugely beneficial for me. There are certain examples like these that somehow change the course of my life. 

During my master’s degree, what I did and what I gained is something that I want. At the start of this course, I was quite afraid about it. Because I was new to the institute and had no prior contacts or something else which is in my favour except the city with its few people whom I know. In the initial days, I used to find it difficult to deal with new kinds of equipment’s handlings and everything else related to practical things, as in degree I did not enough had knowledge about these things. But I am never ashamed of it and I try my level best to understand the things and tried to learn them and execute them as on my own. As a result over the end of this course, I was quite well versed with all the things which I was not initially, and this is why I had great feeling of satisfaction that I had gained something new during this course. 

Frequently, during the some nights I also had a feeling of extreme regret that what I had done in the last days of graduation is something that change the way of my life. I had this regret feeling with me till my entire life. But I learned over the years that it's okay sometimes that things are not happening according to you and there is no shame in it, you should accept it work for more better things.

As today I’m writing this, when I look back at the things that how they started and how they are going to end up, I filled them in the way I thought to be and somehow little bit I feel proud of myself.

Over this duration of the course, I learned so many things which shape my life and career differently and I feel proud that these things came into my life and became part of my life. 

Master's is all about doing things in your personal capacity, it is quite different from the regular degree course, and in master's you have your own set of responsibilities and doings. It was the only time when you can learn a lot of things in your life, in both ways i.e academically and socially. What I fill blessed with is that I try in every single way to learn those new things and apply them in my present and future undertakings too. Master's had developed a new kind of student in you. Who may capable to do almost all the things in all possible ways. It makes you more mature and responsible human being.

This particular duration of my master's is truly memorable and filled with immense learning's.

I get bunch new friends, junior friends at this institute; I learned so many things from these people's. Those late-night meetings and gossiping with my favourite friends are difficult to forget and describe in words.

What I firmly believe is that I have learned many things from these people. Obliviously they are not related to education but they are about life and the different aspects of life. Which in meantime may be turn useful for me. Similarly, I’m also fortunate to meet the right people to show me the right path during this course of study. Everyone including teaching faculty members are always too helpful during this journey. They are really supportive during entire spectrum of course, their right guidance, and more importantly belief in me push me in right direction. I thankful to all these people's for their help and time.  

Despite this, my family has hugely supported and believed in me in every instance of my life including this. Their staunch belief in me made things possible. I’m not sure that I made them proud but I can firmly say that I never make them disappoint by doing anything which can hurt their being or reputation. And this is what I believe is the greatest success of my career till now.  

During this course and period, I had learnt and discovered so many new things. I had developed several new habits. Eventually, in the long run, I make habit of good things and they truly shape my further path for betterment. The list of these things is quite long and can’t be described in single writing.  But I tried to put fewer examples below. What I learn from these two years is something I wish, I should learn earlier. I wanted to highlight some crucial possessions which I learn during this period.  

Two things will play and significant role in your career, first, the location or city where you live, and second the quality of the people around you. These are the two things that may have the huge potential to decide your career and the type of person you are going to be made. Similarly, I explored that, online learning is one thing that is an excellent platform to explore and learn everything you want. You don’t need to beg anyone for learning something if you are committed to using the technology wisely. In my self-development, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and medium platform are proven extremely beneficial for me.

When I'm nearing to end this journey, I feel fruitful for myself that I have gained something from this degree which I will cherish for upcoming years.

To end up this, the journey of these one an half year in my life is so eventful, and memorable, in many ways. I’m fortunate to have so many wonderful set of people's, friends, and well-wishers around me. During this time I may have not behaved according to some people or some people who misunderstood me in any instance due to my behaviour I just want to pardon me from your end. I know sometimes it is difficult to behave like the kind person you are.   

Lastly, to all my friends out there who want to pursue their careers for betterment, don’t be discouraged by peoples’ opinions of how difficult or time-consuming or even time-wasting another degree is or something else’s like this. You know what’s best for you, and you have the right to pave your own path into the future. To all friends out there, surround yourself with real people who love and support you, to all of you out there, believe in yourself. 

Lastly,

Thank you all for your love and support during this journey! 

 A picture from the bank of Aner during short trip with college friends in monsoon 

Love ❤️

Gaurav Patil