#OhThePlacesYouWillGo- From dorm debriefs to cohort leadership

My Ashoka journey is only a year old, but my first day already feels like a distant memory- that’s how easy it is to get used to being an Ashokan. I remember feeling eager to do it all, but unsure how to begin the process of navigating. I was both excited and overwhelmed. That eagerness has stayed with me, but it’s now coupled with a deeper understanding of how to make the most of what Ashoka has to offer.

The academic transition from high school to university was smoother than I expected- largely because of the incredible professors and the immense exposure Ashoka provides. I was introduced to new ways of thinking and eventually started asking better questions. Over time, I’ve come to not only enjoy my time here but also step out of my comfort zone in countless ways.

Much of my personal growth has come from the people I’ve met- some through effort, many by chance. One of the most special parts of my Ashoka journey has been finding my people. Some were naturally integrated into my life in the due course of college, but the ones who changed me the most often arrived in the most random, unexpected ways. I’ve built connections that made this place home. The openness of the community has helped me become more reflective, grounded, and responsible, for which I’m incredibly grateful.

As a rising second-year, my biggest takeaway is that the true Ashokan experience lies in saying yes to opportunities, to stepping out of one’s comfort zone, to new perspectives, and trusting that the rest will figure itself out.

An experience that especially stood out was serving as a counsellor for Ashoka’s Young Scholars Programme. It pushed me to grow both personally and professionally and gave me the opportunity to represent Ashoka with care and accountability.

Being part of communities like the Debating Union and the Her Campus Ashoka Chapter gave me a much-needed breather from academics and helped me explore my passions on a deeper level. Some of my most cherished memories aren’t grand milestones, but the small moments that became part of my routine: morning runs before class for FuelZone coffee, late-night dorm debriefs, walks around the campus in the most beautiful 4 a.m. light, and the ever-so-photographable Ashoka sunsets.

I started my first year as an 18-year-old who was quite lucky to have met the right people, and now I’m starting my second as a Cohort Leader, filling in the shoes of those who helped me find my footing when everything felt new.

Malavika Kishore