In the best & worst of times, first impressions matter. Any aspiring columnist who hopes to pursue a career in communications and international relations will strive to write a great opening column. Questions flash in the mind endlessly: What would work best? How should I begin?
Hours seem to fly as lines are written, then abandoned. It has taken several drafts, re-visiting, re-writing and editing to get this first one out. I haven’t loved every minute of this experience, but I’ve loved most. It has called on my ability to trust my instincts and conquer my fears. It has also required perseverance & coming to understand that life as a writer requires time and patience. I am finally presenting my first column – with hope & aspiration that the readers will find it interesting and engaging.
I was born to Indian parents in Shanghai, China, which is also the city where I spent the first eight years of my life. My father’s frequent change of assignments has meant that I have been living in multiple countries, traveling the world, and attending over seven schools in the last 15 years. My nomadic lifestyle in largely non-English speaking countries has meant that, every two to three years, I found myself completely illiterate & in a culture much different from the previous ones. This has given me the opportunity to meet new people, learn new languages and experience new cultures.
Even as I travelled from China all the way to Ukraine, I find that most people are faced with similar situations & challenges, the only difference being context. Everyone just seems to have a slightly different approach to dealing with what life throws at them. In my column I would like to present my commentary & opinion regarding;
School life: School can bring many challenges alongside the multiple opportunities given to grow as an individual. In my articles, I would like to shine light on both. The excitement of making new friends while also experiencing the heartbreak of leaving behind old ones. The stress of exams and deadlines while also having the opportunity to hone your skills and work ethics. School really does have a bit of both.
Cultural issues: In an international school, students are surrounded by people of different cultures, ideas, and values. However, the majority of these students experience similar issues. The confusion of a third culture child, or the dramatic differences between our generation and the one before. All these issues seem to be prevalent in every household and I hope that by writing about it, I can emphasize the commonness of these issues, while also providing possible solutions.
Career choices & choosing the universities: The dilemmas teenagers often face include the future and the uncertainty it holds. What do I do after high school? What does my future have in store for me?
Lifestyle & peek into the metro pages: From human relationships to local issues and my personal experiences, I would like to give a glimpse into the life of an international student in Kyiv. The dilemmas of having conservative parents at home and liberal environment at school to the benefits of experiencing a new way of life in Ukraine are all topics that I would write about.
By sharing these experiences with you, I would like to bring a fresh perspective to common issues. I hope to engage, motivate, and maybe even inspire readers to view old problems with a new mindset. I hope to affirm the commonness of these issues and the fact that everyone faces similar challenges. I hope to connect with you and, hopefully, make a small and positive impact.
Srishti Gummaraju is an international student pursuing high school studies in Kyiv. She is an avid reader, linguist, active student community member, interested in exploring new cultures, and hopes to pursue higher studies in communications and international relations.
