Learning how to learn - The Reboot

What surprised me most about myself, was my ability to absorb

new learning in the classroom, assimilate the information and apply it to

the fieldwork component that we had alongside.

Something that I’ve always admired about the individualistic spirit of the

Americans, is their eternal belief in “it’s never too late to start

something new”. It’s with this inspiration that I decided to apply for a

full-time, two year post graduation course at 28 years of age. In the

larger scheme of things it’s not that old, I know, but when you’ve been

working since 21, and your peers are reaching the respectable positions

at their various jobs, it can be quite daunting to give all those

possibilities up, and go back to student life.

It definitely wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. I know I’d wanted to

do my Masters degree for a while now, but I just didn’t know what in.

Every year I’d dream of going back to studying, writing assignments and

the likes, but the actual subject was a blank. Eventually, I decided that I

can’t keep waiting for the ‘right time to strike’, and instead just take the

plunge. So, Social Work it would be, and from college that's known to be

difficult to get into, nonetheless.

Master of one

Oh, did I mention, I’ve never given an entrance test before? I gave up my

job in April, moved to Delhi in May, and then studied for the test for a

month. It was nerve wracking; the wait for each round of results. The

interview, of course after which, like a typical millennial, I nitpicked at

every word I’d said and wish I’d said it better instead.

Of course, as you probably figured from the title, I got through. I was

excited, and really looking to make this count. I think that knowing what

I’m giving up and coming back to this space, I was more grateful to get

this chance – to have the stars aligned so perfectly that I can focus on

two years of pure studying and also get support to survive financially

and emotionally in a new city.

I did spot the differences from my time graduating and now – I came

with a big dollop of pessimism (I mean realism) as opposed to the

idealistic enthusiasm of earlier. I was excited, no doubt, to enter the

classroom again with a renewed sense of interest in learning.

What surprised me most about myself, was my ability to absorb new

learning in the classroom, assimilate the information and apply it to the

fieldwork component that we had alongside. Getting thrown into the deep end in every workplace, and waddling my own way out of it really

did have its perks, I assume.

The rush

It was definitely quite the dopamine rush, enjoying the challenges of the

classroom, discussions and debates. I realised that we need a system

that encourages youngsters to get work experience, and then come back

to study a masters or higher education. My entire perspective towards

what learning means had changed, and it also helped me understand

people around me much better.

All this enthusiasm doesn’t come without its own set of anxieties

though. I have questioned my decision a few times; there is a guilt that

comes along with being a dependent on my family again, and wondering

if this is going to be the right decision to take.

Every middle class-er who’s grown up knowing that sacrifice and struggle

is what life is, is probably nodding wisely right now. I wonder if I put

myself through this as a test of my ability to struggle – or is it the

restlessness in me that does not like to stay with status quo for too long.

But, the pros far outweigh the cons I suppose, and like every calculated

risk in life, one just needs to take a leap of faith.