The years when I was younger seem like they were from another lifetime. As I grow older, I find a few things enjoyable. Why? People told me that it was life. Once, a single encyclopedia was enough to give me joy for days. But now, even if I buy ten books, I can’t capture the same happiness. This is one of the stark realisations I had in 2024; life is like sand in our hands. This is what I felt in the fourth year after the pandemic and in what ways it changed me as a person.
The Earlier Months:
January:
This was the month when I finished the first draft of my novel, Project Fire. It was the most imperfect and yet, the most exhilarating thing I ever owned. I saw a quote somewhere that we can’t compare a sapling to a tree. So, though I saw many mistakes in my draft one—grammar and plot-wise— I also saw the potential for the next story. Earlier, I had abandoned many writing projects due to one reason or the but this one book made me feel different. And I realized that I’d have to publish this one, no matter what the world demands for me. One could say that I found my life’s true purpose through writing. This was the year when I became serious about my career. And when it comes to academics, I studied my first ever literature papers, ‘A History of English Literature’ and ‘An Introduction to Elizabethan Literature’. And our teacher remains iconic in my memories, as his classroom was always filled with a spirit to learn and positivity.
February:
Let’s just call this, ‘The Month of Rebellion’. It is common for college kids to skip classes to go watch a movie. Despite this activity not being on my bucket list, I had done it. My friends and I roamed the markets and spontaneously decided to make the most of the day by watching a good movie. And that one was a banger. It reopened my liking towards Tollywood movies again.
March:
The semester-end exams arrived and I was quite nervous. I was about to take my first-ever literature exam and it was exciting. It is tradition for my classmates to finish their exams faster than I do, because words don’t end for me. My head always produces the maximum of ideas it can and I don’t know if I should be grateful or frustrated; the feeling of not finding perfection in your work seems like a common trait of an artist. As a writer, I felt pleased at that notion. I also wrote a paper called ‘Introduction to Journalism’ and found the subject rather interesting.
The Middle Months:
April-May:
My first summer vacation in college was here and I was firm in revising the drafts of my novel. The second draft was a bit bland and so, I came up with new ideas that seemed to add more life to my book. But before that, I had to face reality and a tiny problem: the Community Service Project. What was I supposed to do? Where should I go? The instructions provided by the college were unclear and my anxious mind was screaming like a broken pendulum. But I decided to ask my friend and we managed to finish filling out the forms. The weather was blazing and it felt like we were in an enormous pan, and yet, I persevered. I also remembered how I got my 12th Board results around the same time and reminisced about the torture I had to face at that time. Well, it was over. We have to move forward. My sister and I also took a small trip to our grandparents, which was a tradition every year.
June-July:
The reopening day was brutal. Not only did I have to digest the fact that I was a Second Year student, but also that I had four Literature papers, double than last time. And the senior faculty, who looked intimidating were going to grace our class with their presence and experience in teaching. We thought all was over, but then, they seemed quite calm. They weren’t the exaggerated demons from our heads. And I enjoyed the productive days that followed. We also had to learn maths, computer applications, and Broadcast Journalism as part of the co-curricular and my schedule was packed. Our class also had to submit the records and forms for the project, along with attending a viva. My stomach was dancing wildly but it went quickly and without pain.
August-September:
The first Mid exams were brain-carving. Having to deal with five papers, which included four distinct eras of literature and Macroeconomics, my (minor subject), was somehow easier than the school days, where one had to study 6+ subjects at the same time. After the arduous August was over, came serene September, the month of my birthday. And to be truthful, it was the best birthday of my life. My classmates made a secret scheme to come to my house, as I had to stay at home that day. They made my somewhat simple birthday into something so memorable that it is engraved into my bones. A few friends, a birthday cake, and joy was something I hadn’t felt for such a long time. I’m forever grateful towards them for that experience.
The Final Months:
October:
We had just had our second Mid exam and by that time, I was used to the routine. Also, our department held a fest, housing cultural and literary events. I was in awe at how much work goes into making something. Those two days of work were rather fun. Also, I finished the third draft of my novel, which was by far the most satisfactory. It was riddled with horrendous mistakes and clumsy scenes but it was my hard work. I have written every day since June and am proud of it. Unfortunately, I had to take a huge break because my End Semester exams were approaching.
November:
It was my sister’s birthday and I had so many fun things planned. I ordered some face masks, her favorite chocolates, and crafted a fun bag as a present. She adored it and the day went by quickly, before my math exam arrived. It also went well. The duality of life was understood as I experienced both anxiety and an eerie cool before the exams. We only had one sorry holiday after the exams and I made the most of it. It wasn’t long before the new semester started.
December:
I had to learn Statistics time and gave my my expectations. I was a master in theory papers but not so much when it comes to maths and all its cousins. I also received the results of my hard work in the form of straight A’s and some O’s. After going to classes every day, my desire for Christmas vacation grew steadily but then, we encountered another surprise: stalls for entrepreneurship day. And I was going all in for it. And so, the last days of the year went by with me making plans for our stall with my friends and spending money for it. But it was eventful.
In conclusion, I have learned many things this year. Most importantly, I finally had the epiphany of valuing my dietary and dental health. New habits were formed and I saw how consistency is one of the keys to success. My family grew closer, our dog was healthy, and my novel was going perfectly; as I started 2025 with Draft Four. Time seemed to have passed so quickly and although I was afraid of what was ahead, I was optimistic and excited as I made new memories as a person.
By: K. K. Sri Hamsa
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