Life

There are times in life when opportunities seem to be spread too thin. I think this is because we forget the sound of the distinct knock on the metaphorical door. All that is really needed is a way to break out of the clutter, to rise up to a viewing platform that is higher than the surroundings for the bird’s eye-view, or as managers might say: “Give me the 30000 feet view.”

While the devil may be in the details, details are often easy to manage. The scope is limited, and usually clearly defined. It is far more difficult to acquire and sustain a wholesome perspective on things and, of course, on life.

My recent three-month-long student exchange programme (STEP) is a succinct example of this.

I wouldn’t say that STEP was a life-changing experience, but it certainly was an enriching and endearing one. And to come to think of it, I wouldn’t even have gone, if it were not for the way events turned out to be. (In fact, in hindsight I feel that there couldn’t have been a better way – it was good the way it happened.) But what is important is that I did, and I take it upon myself to educate the next batch: GO! Forget everything else, just go! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the experiences are worth every cent!

So do I regret neglecting my positions of responsibilities? Short answer: Hell, no! Long answer: Neglect? What neglect? I delivered an acceptable performance on the one thing that really mattered. Sure, if I were to do a self-evaluation, I’d agree that it was only an average performance. But an acceptable one, none-the-less. Things worked as intended. Nothing broke down. Sure, a lot more could be done, but wasn’t done, as was expected if I went on exchange. I still think the trade was worth it. Call it a selfish decision, if you want. But, to justify, there was no guarantee that things would have been better if I were on campus or if this opportunity would be given to someone else. You could argue the other way, but in this reality, there cannot be a definite conclusion; everyone could be awarded the benefit of doubt.

But I did miss some moments in the term back home. Indeed, the best thing would have been doing both, but we all know that is not possible. Still, all in all, I’d say that it was a great decision to go.

Lesson: Get the BIG picture. Always.