XL Meri Jaan…

It’s been two months away from a place that was described by our dean as the ‘home away from home’. That time, I had inwardly smirked at the terminology used each time the phrase was (ab)used. But over the last couple of months, during my internship stint, I’ve realised how much more the place means to me.

 

Make no mistake, the last two months have been fabulous – in terms of experiences, learning, and fun! With a highly supportive boss, and a good, impactful project problem, it was great working at Microsoft. In fact, it will be with a lump in my throat that I will leave those gates inscribed by the name of the inaugurator – Mr. Bill Gates. But, I will take away with me some great memories, lots of learning – both personal and professional, and more zeal and energy than I came here with.

 

Tomorrow is the day, when ‘I’m leaving on a jet plane’ towards those beckoning doors – to the place that is now seriously a home away from home. Interacting with juniors, I can’t help but succumb to a wave of nostalgia and a strong sense of déjà vu, as I see people who like me a year ago, are full of questions, excitement, apprehension, nervousness and lots more.

 

It has been a year of battles won, and some battles lost. It has been a year with its ups and downs. As Mr. Dickens would say, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… “.

 

Yes, I’ve learnt a lot, and unlearnt a lot more probably. I feel more confident about myself, more competent, and also proud of being an HR professional. I’ve learnt to deal with ambiguity and stress better, though I guess I still need to learn to prioritise things.

 

During my Microsoft days, I’ve learnt an important quality - resilience. Also, there’s a whole new sense of self-belief that I am basking in.

 

The last year has seen some new relationships develop, and regrettably, some old ones dissolve away. It has taught me to value people, and their contributions in one’s life. In that sense, I think it has also taught me to leave the past behind, and move on carrying some learning away from it.

 

Overall, the next one year promises to be crazy, hectic, fun, unpredictable, but yet promising. I look forward to it as the notes of the song that always sends chills down my spine ring in my ears.…

 

Socha tha MBA kar len, hum tum bhi thoda sa padh len, lo aa gaye hum XLR(I),

khwabon mein socha jo humne, aaye usse poora karne, lekin hui aankehn chaar,

karke humen bekaraar, meri jaan, meri jaan…..