The Journey of a Thousand Miles Began With Curiosity.

When I first went home to study abroad, I was seventeen years old. Having no idea what I truly wanted to pursue, I had filled out college applications at random. My only wish was to travel far away. I was ecstatic to be admitted to Singapore Management University. I couldn’t wait to live alone for the first time in my life. However, I was afraid when it came time to leave Dehradun and travel far from my comfort zone. The butterflies of anxiousness in my stomach were so intense in the days before my departure that I became unwell and had to postpone my trip.

I have been experiencing a similar level of anxiety for the past several days.

I’m at a whole different stage of life today, of course. I am 36 years old, have experienced a wide variety of life events, and have seen many gray hairs! However, I am typing this while traveling to the United States, embarking on an educational journey I never thought I would do.

Curiosity was the first step. I cautiously returned to academia during the pandemic’s lull, eager to learn more about the current biodiversity and climate crises. Before I knew it, I was engrossed in an exciting educational experience.

I’ve been studying for a Master’s degree in sustainability and environmental management at Harvard’s DCE in the comfort of my pajamas for the past two and a half years. As in, literally. I’ve been getting up for lessons at around three in the morning. With an emphasis on regenerative tourism, I have been studying Regenerative Economics, Life Cycle Assessment, Global Food Systems, Renewable Energy Project Design, Scope 1 Scope 2, and Value Chain Emissions. I have worked on virtual team tasks from the countryside of Taiwan, listened to lectures on a train in Switzerland, and drafted research papers on a gorgeous Himachal Pradesh winter afternoon!

Along the road, a lot of things have happened. The Climate Corps Fellowship from the Environmental Defense Fund. A Lowell Thomas Award for Travel Journalism. the chance to speak in Indonesia at a UNWTO meeting. a more robust network of professionals. in-depth analyses of several sectors. It has been fulfilling, sobering, and eye-opening.

Looking back on the past several years, I can see how this educational path subtly merged with my personal and professional obligations. Yes, it has been intense. Yes, full of lengthy readings and demanding deadlines. However, it has seemed like a continuation of my life.

But the butterflies have begun to fly now that I’m going to Boston for the summer to work on my capstone and complete my degree. I’m experiencing a wide range of feelings in my stomach. I’m both excited and anxious to spend time on the Harvard campus, which dates back to the 17th century and has produced some brilliant thinkers throughout the years. As I continue working on my capstone, I’m experiencing anxiety related to both academic pressure and climate change, which is a result of my study on tourism’s response to climate change. Along with my immense thanks, I’m also plagued with the damned Imposter Syndrome, which appears to have taken up residence in my mind forever. Although I am aware that I will be with my tribe.