Got the position

A few weeks ago I randomly sent in an application to be a Peer Leader for incoming Women in Math Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where I study. So anyways... I decided I would apply an hour before the application was due and managed to send in my application with but 30 seconds to spare.

The interview was relatively simple. I told them how important it was to be truthful- dish out the good and the bad, give an unbiased view of things. I told them I was an introvert and I stammered alot throughout the interview.

But you know what? I still got it. yep. I did.

I'm here now and this is me.

Broken, ridiculed and confused.
Alone, afraid, lost and abused.
I thought i didn't deserve happiness,
To feel free, loved, smile or enjoy
I was ready to give up and be done.

They broke me with their hurtful words.
Like broken-winged, helpless birds;
My reality and faith was blurred.
I didn't run away from the pain
And I couldn't forget even though I forgave.

I fought for me.
I fought to be.
I fought because I knew i'd regret otherwise-
Everything I was, everthing I had
And then I knew I couldn't give up.

To smile and know i'll be alright
Hold my head up with pride,
To be able to smile-
Despite the unbearable pain,
I grew up regardless of what they'd said.

I'm here now and this is me...

- Tanvi Damani
(March 26, 2007)

So Here We Go...

The end of spring-break heralds the coming of fun and... mid-terms. A home away from home, a sanctuary for my troubled mind away from my troublesome past...

I'm glad to be back. I am. Really. The person I've been able to grow into here hasn't been lost on me and I will forever be indebted to this foreign country for that. As the end of my Freshman year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign draws closer and closer, I can't help but feel the unexplainable warmth and comfort that one usually feels at home. This school has come to mean so much to me in such a short while. Maybe it's because I'm so accustomed to moving away ever so often, that this place appeals to me. The people are wonderful, friendly, non-judgemental, non-interfering and nice.

I miss home. my mum, my dad, my little brother... but I'm glad to be here.

So here we go... back to the routine and schedule, mid-terms and midnight snacks, friends and fun, books and memories...