The end of exams and a chapter in life

I have been waiting for this moment for the last 9 months. I never expected I would be so happy to finish university, but seriously, I am SO ready to move on. And I am so excited about what’s to come. Finally, I’ll get to see the fruit of 9 months of planning planning planning.

I thought I would be so depressed with university ending, but I guess 3rd year has been so academically focused, it killed the crazy joy I experienced in my first 2 years.

And, it really has been a long 9 months. Out of a glorious 3 year legacy, though. Every bit has been rich, I lived it to the fullest and I have no regrets (well, maybe I should’ve done some coursework in 2nd year). There’s been laughter, tears, ecstasy, anger, hilarity and so SO much drama (more than is healthy) – now the huge task is leaving it all behind, not looking back and starting all over again. And I have a feeling it won't be so hard (I hope).

As of now, my life will never be the same again. I’m practically jumping in my chair, but I’m also terrified inside.

Friday was a happy day

The night before, my darling sister, won 'Media Professional of the Year' at the Asian Women's Achievement Awards. She beat several other women, some of whom had been journalists for over 15 years and had produced BBC documentaries and the like. This is a shout out to my best friend, and most patient, loving sister who I am so so proud of! Right - Check out the link for the awards.

Then, on Friday I also had my 'Government and Politics of South Asia' exam, which I am happy to announce, went so bloody well, it's most likely the best exam I have ever written in my entire degree! And the reason why this makes me OH-SO-FRIGGIN-HAPPY is because it was also my favourite ever course in uni. I don't think many students are lucky enough to come out of uni, having found a subject they are really, really passionate about. Something they want to make their life's work.

With this module, every class I came out of with my mouth open in wonder, running back to my sister and telling her what I'd learnt that day all because it was just so fascinating and eye-opening. Politics of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, communalism, the politics of religion, partition history, diaspora and the politics of identity. I think a huge part of my fascination for this subject was obviously due to being of Bangladeshi origin, and even the politics of diaspora and identity was so relevant to my family's background as an immigrant family. It explained so much.

I also finally understand what Politics is about, and I've realised I love it. It's ironic because I actually chose Development as my major, and Politics my minor, but it's turned out the opposite at the end of 3 years, that my real interest lies in Politics. I finally understand why people say, 'If anybody says they're not interested in Politics, or it isn't relevant to their lives, they're clearly not interested in Life itself'. I wholeheartedly agree.

I'm actually considering doing a masters in South Asian Politics now. The idea of being a journalist who specialises in South Asian politics is so exciting! Imagine covering stories on communalism, regionalism and religious riots! Somebody hold me! :D

Finding myself in Malta...

No, I'm not in Malta.

But in the city of Qormi, Malta........I've discovered a place called Ta'Farzina.

And someday, I am going to go there.

A new life necessitates a new blog

So I'm done with uni in a week, and then the summer of my new life begins.

In all honesty, I have no clue which corner of the globe I'm going to be in 6 months, nor the kind of people I'm going to be surrounded by. It really depends on where I get my AIESEC traineeship. I do know that for the next one year I'm not really going to be in any one country for more than 4 months at a time.

So maybe this blog will serve as a form of continuity, a glue cementing all the various changes and goodbyes. In the process, I'll be leaving behind too many places and people, so the easiest way to keep in touch, I hope, will be to use this blog as a platform.

The old blog was a purely a travelogue, and although I won't be going on 'holiday' anytime soon, I do feel that my immediate future is going to be a journey of sorts, definitely a journey I want to document:

Life without London, the beginning of a career in journalism, living and working in a country I've never been to, sometimes having too much time on my hands, and perhaps 1 or 2 stories of my mother attempting to marry me off. Lord help me!

The countdown begins: 6.5 days to freedom