One is not born a genius, one becomes a genius. I firmly believe that if we have an opportunity to make a change in others lives, we should always come forward and grab this path and follow the journey. This specific reason really pushed me towards the development sector and I decided to make a career in this sector and started as an intern.
There were many firsts with my first job, the most exciting was the first cheque; I treated myself! I had many more achievements-I became more independent, and could my own expenses. But I was unaware that was my last happy moment because when I started working and I completely lost my soul and I got to know money can’t make you happy. My job gave me a good opportunity to explore new cities but work satisfaction was missing and I started doubting my potential and I became under confident and I realized I was more satisfied with my unpaid internships.
One fine day, I quit my job. I applied for several positions but I got rejected. These made me weaker and I started doubting my capabilities. My anxiety and panic attacks increased. I desperately wanted to come out from it but I had no choice except to cry and sit in the corner. One day I got calls from Wishes and Blessings( I met them at an event when I bought their merchandise). That call was about volunteering for the celebration of the serving of the 10th lakh meal. I immediately said yes!
Those 4 days of work changed me completely. Slowly and slowly, I started working on my transformation. The children in the Modi Mills Day Care Centre really boosted my energy and I learned so many new things from them, including how we should all be grateful for everything.
After my volunteer experience, I joined them as an intern. My job responsibilities during my internship was writing blog posts. Improving my writing was also one of my goals since I felt that I was very poor in this area. The entire office was very supportive! Now after 3 months, I can’t say I am bad. I am now proudly an average writer, and my writing abilities are still being worked on. One day for sure I will fulfil my dream to write something without any help.
My second responsibility was to hold art and craft workshops for kids; a girl who couldn’t even draw an apple nicely needed to hold workshops for children! Again I overcame my art fear too and I got to know I can be a good artist. I need to be focused on in my life.
My other task was assisting the team for a volunteering project. This was something I was always looking for- interactions with college students, corporates, stay at home parents. I got to know more about their interests and how one can give to society and use their times for the betterment of society. I was working under the marketing manager. Under her supervision, I grew leaps and bounds! She believed in me and she showed faith in me more than I do in myself. Her support and guidance make my work even more effortless. I enjoyed coming to the office and having lunch with everyone was my favourite time of the day. Everybody in the office is now like family.
I have no regrets that I left my well-paying job and started again as an intern. Though I heard lots of criticism like – are you mad? You are working as an intern… who does that at your age?” (I never understood the concept of how my age will decide what I need to do before turning 123 number.)
One day Dr Geetanjali Chopra offered me a full-time opportunity. I couldn’t decide because somehow self-doubts still within me had not vanished completely and I asked her for some time to think about it. She was always very patient with me, supportive too and all above she never judged me. Very rare souls understand the concept of mental health but in our office, everybody is so kind towards each other.
I overcame my anxiety and self-doubt. I started working on how I can evolve and be a better person. Our learning should not stop; Perfection is a myth. Today I am happy with the work I am doing, happy I joined Wishes and Blessings. if I hadn’t, how would I have become aware of my potential? I am happy whatever comes my way; I accepted and I evolved myself as a better person; my eight hours of work is healthy and productive.
This was my journey from being someone who purchased their merchandise, then a volunteer to an intern and finally becoming a full-time employee! I am grateful to Geetanjali Chopra and team!
Monika loves to read in her spare time, and her favourite author is Marks Manson. If you don’t catch her reading, you might see her gorging on street food or napping