Time To Be Thankful

So today… nearly after a year, I have decided to update my blog. Currently I am in Hyderabad, my hometown interning with The New Indian Express in their features department. By the way, how do you like the new theme of my blog? I found the old one pretty lifeless. So I have decided to revamp it :D.

Anyway, where was I? Yes, I am in Hyderabad, enjoying different delicacies mom prepares every day. And yes.  The New Indian Express. Before I tell you about me experiences there, I have to tell you a little story. This happened in the month of October.  The month particularly excites me because I am an October born. But this year, I decided to do nothing. Frankly, not many at Lavale knew that it was my birthday, which is a good thing. Right from my childhood, I have never really been an attention seeker. I just had a bunch of close friends with whom I shared everything. Although I do admit I have posted some rubbish stuff on Facebook at the initial stages. But let’s admit it, who doesn’t like a 50 something likes on their update? Sometimes that’s ok. It boosts your confidence.  Anyway, before I drift off again, I had a sober birthday this time. I was expecting to spend it with Mano (Who ditched me) and Manoz. But I finally decided to celebrate with a bunch of close people at Lavale. It was fun. Just few days before that came the news that almost did not want to hear.

“Sameera,

Many thanks for coming in last Friday.  It was a very competitive set of interviews, and I'm afraid we won't be able to offer you an internship here at the BBC.  

If you'd like any more detailed feedback, let me know; otherwise all the best in finding an alternative; and I'd like to wish you the best of luck in pursuing your chosen career.

Regards,

Neil 

Neil Heathcote, 

BBC World News, Mumbai.

22 3065 2121”

Yes. I did not tell this many. But I did apply for an internship at BBC. Not my very best move, I would say. Because, after a couple of months interning with CNN IBN, I literally went mad. What was once my dream job completely showed its different side. I realized it was all about glamour and nothing else. So for my winter internship, I have decided to try my luck in print. Believe me, the very thought scared me. There is often a big misconception that journalists are meant to be voracious readers and should use deep words when they write. But books and I are far apart. Apart from the Harry Potter, Shopaholic series and some comics like Calvin and Hobbes (BIG FAN :D) I have never really read any other books. I was afraid I might be judged. Because I know I suck at writing. But then, since when did journalism become all about writing long big words? I believe it keeping it simple.  So, I decided to take a chance and get into print. I wanted to do it from Hyderabad and nowhere else. Not many papers in Hyderabad were willing to take interns for winter. Being the only one in the class without an internship, life surely sucked then. The members of the placement team were constantly on their toes trying to get me placed somewhere. “There is a start up that’s looking for content writers. What do you think?” said Badri, the Placement cell head. NO. I did that for 2 months and I hated it. The clock was ticking and I had to decide fast. I decided to come to Hyderabad and try for an internship myself.  

I had to give it mom. Like always, she was with me wherever I went, supporting me. Every newspaper office I visited made me wait for one hour at least, before the editor came and spoke to me. But she waited patiently at the reception, waiting for the good news. And during the waiting period, my father would call her at least three times, wanting to know the status. In one of the many attempts, I randomly called up TNIE’s office and enquired about the internship. I thank my stars, I finally got it.  

Now the real question is, Am I Happy here? I did have a blast in Mumbai during my summer internship. Mumbai is the media hub and there are chances of getting a Pre Placement offer quickly there. I did miss Mumbai for a while. But I am in Hyderabad now, and there is no place I want to be more right now. Let’s just assume I got that internship I wanted badly in BBC. All my life would have been right now is my office and home. But today, in Hyderabad, I get to explore many things, and to top it all, I get to explore myself. I went on my first trek, went to two different theater plays in one week, started working out at home and to top it all, I get to spend some excellent quality time with amma. I can happily say this is what I want. As a part of my job, I get to meet different people every day. I get to make new friends and get in touch with my dear old ones. Christmas and Hyderabad is a very special thing for the reasons known only to me. Life is indeed awesome.

Lesson Learnt: Take it easy. Good things, in fact better things are on their way. J

Track I am listening to: “what I want is what I got” by westlife.

Those interested in my work can follow the link: www.readwhere.com/sameeraj/clips