A Life Beyond Books and Lectures
At Columbia University, while academics were an integral part of my journey, I wanted to take a different route in this diary. I will not delve into coursework, professors, or classroom experiences. Instead, this is about everything I did outside academia—the experiences that shaped me, the adventures I embarked on, and the life lessons I gathered beyond the classroom walls.
Exploring the U.S.: Road Trips and Travel Adventures
Beyond NYC, I made it a mission to explore as much of the United States as I could. 18 Months so far in the United States, and it’s been 13 states down!
My first road trip was to Upstate New York, which was a budget-friendly getaway since I had to save on my personal expenses. Despite the limited budget, it turned out to be an eye-opening experience, teaching me that there is life beyond academics and that travel is an essential part of personal growth. Visiting local diners, talking to strangers, and experiencing small-town life was something completely new and refreshing.
One of my most cherished trips was a grand adventure to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and Boulder, Colorado. Traveling with two of my dearest friends made this the most incredible trip of my life. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Canyon to the vibrancy of Vegas, every moment was filled with thrill and awe. This one took a big hit on my pocket, and I had to spend a lot of my on-campus earnings, but every penny was worth it. And here is where I finalized that Colorado is the best state in the states! People, check. Landscapes, check.
Over time, I also explored Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and DC especially, and various places in New Jersey, Shenandoah National Park during fall in Virginia, Vermont, and New Hampshire. One of the most mesmerizing sights I’ve ever seen was Artist Bluff in New Hampshire and the Stowe cable car ride in Vermont—truly, nothing compared to the scenic beauty of these places.
Life in New York City: Exploring, Celebrations, and Culinary Adventures
Living in New York City was an experience in itself. Even though I have been by myself in India a lot of times, given that my parents used to travel for work, learning in NYC was altogether amazing. The vibrancy, culture, and endless activities kept me engaged beyond academics. From celebrating Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Diwali with friends to fully embracing Halloween by joining the parade, I made sure to take part in local traditions. Thanksgiving was another unique experience—I attended the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, something I had only seen on YouTube before.
During Christmas, New York turned into a magical wonderland. From hot chocolates in cutesy cafés to ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Rockefeller Center, every moment felt surreal. While many prefer to stay in NYC for Christmas and New Year, I chose to return to India during that time, and visit Varanasi (has become a yearly ritual for me to go for the Ganga aarti, the city, and most importantly the food) and Udupi Murudeshwar for some Scuba Diving and scrumptious dosa at Mitra Samaj.
Why did I go back to India in December and January?
Knowing that summer would be occupied with either an internship search, working on my startup, or other career-related commitments. Additionally, given the stricter visa rules, I anticipated that returning home after graduation would be more challenging without an offer letter, so this trip allowed me to reconnect with family and my home country before fully diving into the next phase of my journey.
Coming back to NYC, one of my personal goals was to explore at least 50 different restaurants and cafés in NYC every year. From hidden coffee shops to Michelin-starred restaurants, I made sure to experience the city’s culinary diversity. Every bite, every new dish, and every café visit added to my adventure of truly understanding the soul of the city.
One of the most unforgettable moments was when my friends and I stayed overnight in NYC and went to Brooklyn Bridge for sunrise; watching the city wake up in the early hours was an ethereal experience.
Fitness, Hobbies, and Personal Growth
Beyond travel, I dedicated one hour almost every day to playing badminton at Columbia’s gymnasium facility, The Dodge. This routine not only kept me active but also helped me maintain balance amidst the academic and professional hustle.
I also pursued a new hobby, learning to play the keyboard. I bought one last year, and it has become an important part of my life, offering relaxation and self-expression. I don’t get much time to play it these days, but I wish to get back to it as soon as I can.
Looking Ahead
My time away from home has helped me grow in ways I never imagined, meeting people from all walks of life, stepping out of my comfort zone, and shaping the person I always wanted to be. People sometimes come into your life as well-wishers or maybe to teach you lessons. Them staying or leaving you will be a joint effort, but try your best to cherish the connections as well as the lessons.
For anyone considering pursuing an MS abroad, know this—it will challenge you, push you to your limits, and shape you into a better version of yourself. It has been the most transformative experience of my life, and I will always be grateful for everything it has given me.
If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at vma2130@columbia.edu. I’m always happy to help! I might reply late or when I get free, but that is how it has been these days, haha!
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Thanks for giving it a read!
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