The Final Stretch: An Update on the Journey to Graduation

Dear readers,

It’s hard to believe that I’m already writing my third blog post for this semester. Thank you so much for being a part of my journey over the past couple of months. Your support has meant the world to me, and I’m excited to share my updates with you.

As I sit down to write this post, I can’t help but feel a mixture of emotions. The month of April hit me hard because it feels like graduation is just around the corner. I recently ordered my gown and cap for the ceremony, and I must say, it looks fantastic. My parents are coming to town for my graduation, which makes it even more special. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that this chapter of my life is coming to an end, but I’m excited about what the future holds.

I was recently invited by the ‘Illio Yearbook’ which is the official yearbook of UIUC for an interview. It was nice to reflect on my journey over the last couple of years and share my favorite memories. Here is a picture from that interview:

Aradhya, wearing a blue suit, poses in front of the Alma Mater statue.

Job Hunt

On the job front, it’s been a mixed bag this month. I’ve been interviewing for a few companies and have already given a couple of rounds. It’s been a challenging process, but I’ve learned so much in the past few weeks. One of the things that has helped me prepare for interviews is doing extensive research about the company. I’ve been taking the time to learn about their culture, values, and mission, and it’s helped me understand what they’re looking for in a candidate.

Another thing that’s helped me prepare is understanding the job roles. It’s essential to know what the company is looking for in a candidate and what the job entails. I’ve been reading up on the job description, researching the position, and even reaching out to people in my network who work in similar roles to gain insights.

I’ve also been focusing on making sure that I know what’s on my resume. It’s important to be able to speak to my experiences and accomplishments confidently. I’ve been practicing telling stories and highlighting my skills, which has helped me feel more comfortable during interviews.

One thing that’s been tough to come to terms with is that the result is not entirely in my hands. It’s natural to feel nervous and anxious during the interview process, but it’s crucial to stay confident about my skillset and preparation and not worry about the outcome. Instead, I’m focusing on learning from each experience and growing from it.

It’s important to note that the job market is tough right now, and it’s okay to still be looking. The pressure shouldn’t steal time from us, and it’s important to enjoy what we have right now. It’s not easy, but being persistent and staying positive can help us get through tough times.

Holi Time!

On a lighter note, I recently had an incredible experience celebrating Holi at the Japan House. The colors, the music, and the atmosphere were all amazing, and I’m so grateful for the experience. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and how we can come together to celebrate our differences.

A group of students pose, covered in colored powder.

In addition to the above, I’ve been trying to balance my studies and job applications this month. It’s not easy, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve been using time management tools like the Pomodoro technique to help me stay on track, and it’s been working well for me. I’ve also been reaching out to my professors and peers for support, and it’s been comforting to know that I’m not alone.

In conclusion, I want to thank you once again for your support and for joining me on this journey. I hope my experiences over the past few months have been helpful to you in some way. As I look forward to graduation and what’s to come, I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you.