I learnt about the forces that govern the subtle rules of decision making. Once the boards results, and CATE results, and CLAT results came out, I had to make a choice. Between law and psychology. Between the best law college and the best arts college. Between a pay cheque and a passion.
It dawned upon me that all my cumulative attitudes, perceptions, dreams, thoughts, ideas...all boiled down to one decision. It was a scary prospect involving tears, arguments, concerned relatives, and hysterical prospects.
My dad often tells his students, " Be the best whatever you can be. You want to be a chai wallah? Have the best tea stall there is."
( I learnt to selectively listen to my parents, and to myself.)
I learnt that I am an idealist. I thrive in theory. And that practicalities elude me. I also learnt that the world doesn't work the same way.
During this period, I also undertook an internship at an MNC. A 9 to 5 job. I am not cut out for a 9 to 5 job. I can't suddenly switch on at 9 am and care about what I'm doing and stop at 5.
Hence, I learnt about the kind of life I want to live. A life that involves creativity, action and intellectual pursuit ( I mentioned I'm an idealist, right?)
Besides these massive life changing epiphanies, I've learnt to cook. When your Mom leaves for work at 9 and you wake up 11, breakfast is the next great adventure. In hindsight, not the tastiest adventure.
And I learnt the value of riyaaz. Holding down three keys and screaming your guts out, hoping to get your 'paa' correct does have certain musical advantages.
I guess that is all that I have learnt. I need to leave some learning for college.
