Page 162 - Musings 2020

because when his parents asked what else he would do, he had no answer. 11th passed away
in a frenzy. When asked about it all he could remember in that year of his life was fights.
Fights with his parents over the studies, fights with his school teachers over bunking classes,
fights with his tuition teachers over not completing his homework, fights with his friends and
girlfriend over not having enough time for them, and finally several fights within himself. By
the time 11th was over, he felt all alone. In the midst of this, he finally found motivation
which enabled him to actually work hard in the 12th and give it his all. Although this
newfound determination lasted only a few months, it was enough to crack JEE Mains and
thus he at least secured a seat in the Delhi Technological University.

His parents initially were quite upset as they were hoping for a well-advanced rank so that he
could study in IIT but eventually they calmed down and were happy that at least he was
going to a good college. Arjun during this time had started to actively participate in debate
competitions across the state and had even gone for one outside. He had found a new hobby
border lining on passion - debating. Two months passed by swiftly and it was time to go to
college, he bid him parents goodbye, wrote down a set of instructions for his sister on a piece
of paper which he was sure she would tear down the moment he left and finally took one last
glimpse at his house, at the city of Chandigarh, the place he grew up in, the place he called
home.

The capital Delhi, Arjun had very high expectations from that place and they were satisfied.
It was love at first sight. He spent the first few days roaming around the capital. He
discovered several new places to eat and found shops that sold second-hand books quite
cheap. He was impressed by the public transport of Delhi, busses were good and the metro
was in a league of its own. Delhi had both the grace and style of the old eras and the newest
technologies of the modern world. His college life was also going okay. After the welcome
ceremony and fresher’s nite, Arjun had formed several new friends.

Then came the day that changed his life, he went and registered for the debate team. In that
club, he found a second home. Arjun actively participated in the debates and most of the time
was out of campus participating in one. He was devoting all of his time and energy to it and
as a result, his studies suffered. At the end of the first semester, he had really poor grades but
had won three debating competitions.

His parents on hearing his grades had a meltdown but Arjun was happy, he finally had
something he excelled at, something that motivated him, something he wasn’t forced to do
but was doing it because he wanted to. He listened to his parents’ advice and warnings but
nothing could discourage him. He wanted to walk down this path only. He talked with his
club seniors after his parents’ rantings and became convinced that this is where he belonged,
this is the path he must take. He knew his parents would never support him until he showed
them the brilliance of this path, he was going against the norms but you don't choose what
you love or maybe you do. Having thoughts like these and for the very first time in his life
taking initiative he went out to build a resume worthy enough to work for the UN.

162