“I would say communication and understanding is key in difficult situations”
College days are probably the best days of life where one can live carefree and enjoy to the fullest. One of the other facts about college life is that despite being enrolled in various courses most of the students are sceptical about their future and on what they actually want to do in life. However, there are some who are different and this quality of theirs makes them stand apart from the crowd and get noticed for the contributions that they make for the society.
At 20, Zamya remembers being sure that she was making the most of her undergraduate college life. Her version of ‘making the most’ was a total contrast to the popular idea mentioned above. She wanted to create value for her fellow students, and it was not just a passing thought. She did it, even if it was at the cost of missing out on a typical college experience. Zamya says that it was the sense of fulfillment that she experienced from this, that led her to ask herself, “What kind of a life would make me feel like I’ve done my best with my time on planet Earth?’ My mind responded instantly – ‘A life where I am using my blessings and my talents to the best of my ability to make a positive difference in the lives of those who aren’t as fortunate as I am. The answer to that changed my perspective forever.”
Ask her how she could pull off things amidst the criticism every woman has to face while working for a cause, Zamya says, “In a trust like Bangalore Student Community difficult situations were mainly regarding differences in opinion of how the funds contributed were to be used. However, the answer was always clear – you have to go with the choice that has the purest intentions behind it and we made sure we were vocal about our core values to our community members. I would say communication and understanding is key in difficult situations. Explaining the ‘‘why’ behind our actions really helps build trust.”
She strongly believes in the impact that a small action of giving back can have not just on the lives of those directly benefitting from it, but on society. “It creates a chain of people stepping forward to do their bit, says Zamya, adding that If she would get a chance to give a tip to her younger self, then she would advise to never stop believing in the goodness and empathy of people around, as it has the power to change someone’s life and end their misery. “You learn more by doing than by thinking of doing, so all you must do is take the first step and everything will align itself for the greatest good,” she concludes.
