“My Journey at Ashoka Began with Opening a Door”: Navvya Rahate

Reflecting on life, people often describe it in terms of doors: opening one, closing another, or choosing between them. Doors represent a choice, an opportunity. For me, my journey at Ashoka also began with opening a literal door. I was excited about college. I did not know many people, but I knew I would fit in.
On the very first day I moved in, my heart was full of excitement. But the moment my parents left my room, reality sank in. I was all alone. I knew just one person on my floor, so I clung to her. That evening, Ashoka hosted its game night for freshers. The two of us decided to go. We were torn between the karaoke room and the Mafia room, and finally chose Mafia. That decision changed everything.

As soon as I opened that door, I noticed two equally overwhelmed faces. We struck up a conversation and ended up having dinner together afterwards. Those two strangers became my best friends. In them, I found deep friendship, love, and support: a sense of belonging and motivation that shaped the way I experienced Ashoka.

I often think back and wonder what might have happened if I had not opened that door. Out of all the choices and mistakes I made here, I will always remain grateful for that one. By opening that door, I found the people who made Ashoka my home, and that made all the difference.