Akash DevWelcome dear readers👋In today's blog I'll be sharing with you some of my most cherished accomplishments, lessons learned, and the personal growth I've experienced along the way in 2023. I hope that this article inspires you to reflect on your own achievement.
Before getting into my accomplishments of this year, It's important for you to know my past. Everyone has a different past and your past defines your present and how in future you will perform.
My past
I am a 20-year-old currently in my third year of a computer science undergraduate program. Unlike being highly studious, I enjoy exploring multiple interests. Rather than subscribing to the notion of being a "master of none," I believe it's better to be proficient (an 8) in four areas than an expert (a 10) in just one. For me, personal growth comes from evolving in various aspects of life.
Before college, I was an average guy with interests in painting, playing guitar, and running, but computer science wasn't among them. However, circumstances and my parents' wishes led me to choose this field. After enrolling in college in November 2021, I initially struggled to grasp the basics of Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) while my peers excelled in building projects and earning certificates.
Realizing the benefits of being active on social media, I created my LinkedIn profile to showcase my work. Then, in October 2022, my second year commenced, bringing transformative experiences that shaped my journey. While I won't delve into the details here, I've shared a comprehensive recap of 2022 in an article [link].
Now let's talk about the main content of this blog.
2023
My First event
During my third semester, I was actively engaged as an Android developer for a startup project. In January, an exciting opportunity presented itself when I got the chance to showcase our startup at "Startup Odisha," a competition gathering participants from all over the state. Though it was my first experience in such a competitive setting, I embraced the moment with a mix of excitement and nerves.
While I didn't secure the top spot, the experience proved to be incredibly valuable. The event provided a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who shared the same passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. One of the highlights was discussing our project with the esteemed Minister of the Department of Energy, Mr. Pratap Keshari Deb. My primary objective was to build a robust network, and in that aspect, I considered the event a success.
Moreover, participating in "Startup Odisha" unexpectedly brought attention to our project. Prominent newspapers like the Times of India, Odisha Bytes, and local news outlets featured our participation and project.
That's me in a blue shirt
After this event, I got the chance to present my idea in front of people several more times. I want to mention that currently, I am not working on this idea anymore. At that time, I didn't know that I would not pursue this idea in the future, but the experience allowed me to make some awesome connections and provided numerous opportunities to speak, which significantly helped improve my communication skills. So, it was all worth it.
First hackathon
That's me with my team.
After the event, I participated in a hackathon with a modified version of the same idea, but my interest started waning. The offline hackathon required staying awake for 48 hours, and despite achieving the runner-up position, I felt disheartened. The project involved hardware, which didn't captivate me, and I had to bear the load as my team lacked interest in that aspect. As a result, I lost my enthusiasm for the project, realizing I had invested an entire semester in something I eventually wanted to abandon. This feeling of wasted time further contributed to my declining interest.
Research Intern
During that challenging time, I was battling deep feelings of depression when unexpectedly, a glimmer of hope emerged through an email from my college. The email presented an opportunity for a research internship with Samsung, which involved an online coding test. Despite my belief that I had squandered my semester and lacked sufficient preparation, I knew I couldn't pass up this chance. Determined, I dedicated myself to rigorous studying, and fortunately, I succeeded in clearing the test.
For a detailed account of my exam experience, you can find it in this blog [link].
Now, I am relishing my time at Samsung, especially as the work involves no hardware, which perfectly aligns with my interests. The presence of a supportive team and guiding mentors has further contributed to my enjoyment of this internship. Although primarily intended for third-year students, second-year students like me were also eligible to participate. Among the vast pool of over 4000 students, only 38 of us were selected, and I feel an immense sense of pride in being part of that exclusive group.
G20
This is not just an achievement to boast about; instead, it's an invaluable experience that has contributed significantly to my personal growth. Throughout this journey, I have learned so much and had the privilege of meeting some of the brightest minds in India, forging meaningful personal connections along the way. The experience itself has been transformative, and I have documented all the details in my blog. If you're interested in delving deeper into this enriching experience, feel free to read it here [link]. I hope my reflections in the blog will not only provide insight into my journey but also inspire others to embrace opportunities and cherish the growth that comes with it.
My Achievements
Made a lot of good connections in the real world (Not online)
Uploaded more than 50 blogs on various platforms.
Got an opportunity to work as a research intern at
Samsung.
Ran 127km this year. (This is a personal one)
Uploaded my first YouTube video and received a comment from Kunal Kushwaha.
Won a blogging challenge. :)
Spoke in front of multiple audiences. (This might not be an achievement for many, but for someone scared of public speaking, it is indeed a significant accomplishment.)
I think that's all till now. Will try to again share my experiences after another half passes. 😅
📌My learnings
This is the most valuable part of the blog. That will help you.
Making Real-world Connections: Building meaningful connections with people in the real world can open up opportunities, offer support, and enhance personal and professional growth.
Blogging and Content Creation: Consistent efforts in creating and sharing content across various platforms can help showcase expertise, gain visibility, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Seizing Opportunities: Taking a chance on opportunities, even when feeling unprepared, can lead to valuable experiences and personal growth.
Personal Fitness: Setting personal fitness goals and achieving them can instill discipline, boost confidence, and improve overall well-being.
Stepping out of Comfort Zones: Initiating new endeavors, such as starting a YouTube channel, can lead to unexpected positive outcomes and connections with influential individuals.
Recognizing Achievements: Celebrating even small victories, like winning a blogging challenge, reinforces a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue striving for more.
Overcoming Public Speaking Fear: Conquering fears, like public speaking, is a significant achievement that builds self-assurance, communication skills, and the ability to engage with diverse audiences.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the first half of 2023, I feel a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the incredible achievements and experiences I've had. Making real-world connections, expanding my online presence through blogging and YouTube, and stepping out of my comfort zone have been valuable lessons.
Working as a research intern at Samsung has been a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth. Achieving my personal goal of running 127km taught me about determination and perseverance.
Winning a blogging challenge was a significant milestone, fueling my passion for writing and sharing experiences. Overcoming my fear of public speaking was transformative, boosting my confidence.
As I look ahead to the rest of the year, I'm excited to embrace new opportunities, celebrate accomplishments, and inspire others. Each achievement, big or small, is a step forward in personal growth. Let's support and encourage one another, creating a positive and empowering community.
As I continue my journey of growth and accomplishments, I encourage you all to embrace your own achievements and push yourselves beyond your comfort zones. Let's celebrate each other's successes and support one another in pursuing our dreams. Share your proudest moments and accomplishments in the comments below, and let's create a community of inspiration and encouragement!❤️
