Across the Sea: A Journey of Learning (Bihar-UK)
Rajveer sat in his modest home in London, a soft drizzle patterning against the window, reminiscent of the monsoon showers back home in Bihar. The nostalgia brought a slight smile to his face as he prepared to share his story, a tale of dreams, determination, and the vast distance between his past and present.
"I grew up in a village in Bihar, where life moved to the rhythm of the seasons and the Ganga's flow," Rajveer began, his voice a mix of fondness and reflection. "It was a simple life, but rich with community and tradition.
The memories of running through the markets of Munger, helping his mother at home, and studying under the dim light of a kerosene lamp filled his mind. "Even as a boy, I knew I wanted more. I was curious about the world beyond our fields and rivers. I always have the curiosity, believing that if I could dream it, I could achieve it." I always admire the working class people as they struggle for their basics needs and hard work is something which is commendable they have only one vision to earn bread butter of the day. The rickshaw pullers, street vendors, labourers – these are the true heroes, deserving of our utmost respect. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a constant reminder to embrace each day with gratitude and determination. Though the life of Bihar was totally different, I always find myself surrounded by my loved ones. But
The journey to the UK was not just a physical transition but a leap of faith—a venture into unknown territories, both geographically and personally. "Arriving in London was daunting as everything was new and it demanded to start everything from scratch. The city was a stark contrast to Munger, with its fast pace and diverse population. The educational system here challenged me in ways I had never been challenged before. It demanded critical thinking, relentless questioning, and a level of independence I had not needed to tap into before."
But Rajveer was not deterred. "I adapted, learned, and grew. The values I brought from home—hard work, respect for others, and a sense of community—helped me navigate through the difficulties. I made friends from around the world, each of us with our own stories of struggle and adaptation." Reflecting on his journey, Rajveer spoke of the lessons he'd learned and the resilience he'd developed. "Life here taught me the importance of perseverance and the strength of diversity. I believe that 'Knowledge is like a lamp in the darkness,' and indeed, education has been my light."
Now, he is focused on giving back, using his education and experiences to help others. "I aspire to build bridges—between my past and my future, between Bihar and the world. I want to show that no matter where you come from, your dreams are valid, and with determination, they are achievable."
As he looked out at the rain-soaked streets, Rajveer felt a surge of gratitude and purpose. "This journey has been more than just an academic pursuit. It's been a transformation of my very being. And it's just the beginning."
This narrative paints Rajveer's life as a vibrant tapestry, woven with the threads of his heritage, his ambitions, and the broadening of his horizons. His story is shared in the hope of inspiring other international students, proving that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, it is also ripe with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Rajveer’s reflections deepened as he considered the pivotal moments of his academic and personal growth in the UK. Each memory was a stepping stone that had shaped his journey, turning challenges into opportunities for profound self-discovery.
"In the classrooms and libraries of London, I found more than just education; I found a battleground for my ideas and beliefs," Rajveer continued, his eyes lighting up with the excitement of recollection. "The rigorous academic environment pushed me to my limits but also expanded my horizons far beyond what I had imagined possible."
He paused, remembering the initial struggles: "At first, the differences were jarring. The teaching methods here required not just understanding but also the ability to argue, to innovate, and to question deeply. It was no longer about memorizing facts but about understanding the world."
This new educational culture was challenging, but Rajveer embraced it wholeheartedly. He joined study groups, participated in different projects, Engaging himself and researching about New Artificial intelligence, and sought every opportunity to enhance his learning. "Each discussion, each project, and research brought a new realization of my potential and a greater determination to make a mark."
Beyond academics, life in London offered Rajveer a canvas of cultural diversity. "I made friends from across the globe. We shared our cultures, our food, our music. These exchanges were invaluable—they taught me that despite our different backgrounds, we share common dreams and challenges."
These interactions not only broadened Rajveer's worldview but also solidified his role as a cultural ambassador who proudly represents the essence of Bihar . "I found great joy in sharing the rich traditions of Bihar. Organizing Diwali and Holi celebrations here made me a bridge between my old and new worlds."
As he advanced in his studies, It all began with a leap of faith when I made the move from Bihar to Kolkata, a transition that opened my eyes to a world of possibilities.
The bustling streets of Kolkata offered a stark contrast to the serene simplicity of my village life. It was here that I encountered high-speed internet for the first time, a revelation that expanded my understanding of connectivity and technology. Coming from a place where access to 3G internet was a luxury, the abundance of high-speed, unlimited internet in Kolkata was nothing short of a marvel.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, I pursued my undergraduate studies and eventually landed a job. But success didn't come easy; it was the result of relentless perseverance and a willingness to learn. In the face of setbacks and challenges, I realized the importance of continuous growth and adaptation. Just as things were falling into place, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like millions around the globe, I found myself grappling with uncertainty and upheaval. With the encouragement of my family, I embarked on a journey to the UK, eager to immerse myself in a new culture and educational experience. After my time in Kolkata and job,
I moved to the Pune for an international program that was supposed to be my next big step, which will lead me to my final destination, which is of UK But just as I arrived, COVID-19 hit, making everything uncertain. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next, Traveling from India to the UK, my biggest priority was to keep my workload minimal. Whenever I faced a problem, I found simple ways to deal with it. Often, I'd just sit quietly in a corner, put on my earphones, and lose myself in the music. Back when I was in Pune, surrounded by its beautiful hills, I did much the same—sitting on a hillside, earphones in, letting the music and nature around me teach me patience and peace. Nature taught me a lot, and keeping things simple became my way.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Investment was another major priority. I invested a substantial amount, quite a lot for a middle-class family. My goal was not just to earn a small profit but to gain significant returns. I spent day and night in Pune acquiring new skills in digital marketing, technical areas, and soft skills.
College had shown me how important networking is, especially in the UK, so I made sure to connect with people on LinkedIn who were already established there. My primary motivation was straightforward: I had put my money into something ,and I needed it to pay off, no matter what.
But as I soon discovered, the path to success was fraught with obstacles. From navigating visa procedures to adjusting to life in a foreign land, every step was met with unforeseen challenges. As I grapple with the trials and tribulations of life in a foreign land, I'm reminded of the words of wisdom imparted by my family – the importance of perseverance, of resilience, of never giving up in the face of adversity. When I used to watch movies earlier, there was a famous dialogue that resonated deeply, " "Jungle ke bahar se jo hara nazar aata hai, wahi andar se utna hi khatarnak hota hai. "( "What looks green from outside the jungle is just as dangerous inside.") But in the pursuit of learning some things, I lost much that was natural to me. Everything I possessed, my entire essence, got destroyed. I mean, I could say that I was ruined.
Let me tell you first that after coming to the UK, I realized that life has much more to offer. Living like a machine as opposed to being human, after coming to the UK, that creativity inside me vanished completely. Because sitting in India, I often say that if you go abroad, talent is valued there, you get paid for your talent. But in reality, it's not entirely true.
And so, as I navigate the uncertainties of tomorrow, I do so with courage and conviction, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every setback is a stepping stone on the path to success.
I became deeply involved in the university's academic and research part, I find myself engaging and going much deeper into the world of Research paper and Artificial intelligence, thinking about the time when I was in my village Research paper only means the thing which scientist do in NASA but now I understood what actually it is and the importance .As it was challenging for me at begin and not able to get much help from anyone I decided to took it upon myself to mentor new students from abroad, helping them navigate the same challenges I once faced. It was my way of giving back, of easing the transition for others."
Reflecting on his journey, Rajveer recognized the profound personal growth he had undergone. "This experience has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of community. It's shown me that my journey isn't just about personal success but about how we lift each other up." Looking out at the city that had become his second home, Rajveer felt a profound connection to his past and present. "My dreams have evolved. Now, they include creating initiatives that can benefit both my homeland and the global community.
Rajveer's voice was full of hope and determination as he concluded, "The journey has been long and sometimes difficult, but every step has been worth it. I am here because of my dreams and the values my village instilled in me. Now, it's my turn to inspire and contribute, to ensure that others have the same opportunities to chase their dreams.
In sharing his story, Rajveer aimed to connect with international students everywhere, offering them a beacon of hope and a reminder that their journeys, while unique, are part of a larger narrative of migration, adaptation, and triumph.
This narrative, rooted in Rajveer's experiences, portrays his transformation from a student from Bihar to an influential figure in his community abroad, emphasizing the universal themes of growth, resilience, and the enduring power of education.
As Rajveer settled into his reflective state, his thoughts shifted towards the future—towards what lay ahead not just for him, but for others following in his footsteps. This story and my journey are not able to help anyone who is known, my dear one or the one who knows me but for the one who is completely unknown and going through the same. He mentioned during narrating his story.
"Looking forward, I see a path not just paved with personal achievements, but lined with collective opportunities," Rajveer mused, his gaze fixed on the bustling street below, a metaphor for the journey still to unfold. "Education here has given me a new lens through which to view the world. It’s about more than gaining knowledge; it’s about applying it in ways that matter."
His experiences had taught us the importance of adaptability and innovation—traits that he hoped to instil in future generations. "The world is rapidly changing, and education must evolve with it. We need to prepare students not just to handle what we know, but to face the unknown with confidence and curiosity."
In his final note to other students and young dreamers, Rajveer offered a message of hope and empowerment: "Your background does not define your future. With education, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt, you can create opportunities not just for yourself but for your community and beyond. Let's work together to build a world where education breaks barriers and fosters understanding across cultures."
© [2024] Tejashwi Agarwal. All rights reserved.
This document contains original work by [Tejashwi Agarwal]. No part of this document may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Menstrual Educator at Period @Bihar, India | Ambassador at The Pad Project | MHM & SRHR | Child & Women Rights Advocate | Mental Health | Sustainability | Artist | Activist
8moHow beautifully written, Tejashwi. As a childhood friend of him I could relate and so much to proud how far he came from where he started his journey, Rajveer was always passionate to take challenges and making a positive impact out of it.❤️🎉
Market Research Analyst | MBA | Business Analysis | Project Management
8moThank you for sharing my story to the world.