2024 has been quite a year where I have experienced growth, discovery as well as some challenges all of which I am grateful for, I was able to do this with the fellowship programs that took me to some of the most exciting countries. I was able to go to three different places namely Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and Maldives. All of them influenced me in some way and if you have a few free minutes, I would like to share the story.
Bali: Where It All Began
The fellowship began in Bali which is a perfect blend of both the peace and the cultural vibrancy. The agenda was centered on leadership, coordination, and creativity with activities that were intended to challenge the participants and make them work as a team.
We discussed the leadership in the context of different fields, we discussed the ways of collaboration on the global level, and also had to present the social projects that the delegates are implementing in their communities. We also had some fun with the team-building activities that included learning games and creative thinking drills.
Kuala Lumpur: Leading Through Resilience
Kuala Lumpur was the second leg of my fellowship and will forever remain close to my heart not only for the things that I got to learn but for the challenges I had to go through to get there. In fact, the event took place three weeks ago and at that time I still wasn’t sure whether I would be able to attend. It was quite a stressful and tiring process to go through the recovery process of the accident, but I was adamant to prove that I will be there not only for myself but for the fantastic people I knew were expecting me.
The agenda in Kuala Lumpur was very comprehensive and included series of sessions, interesting activities and insightful presentations from the delegates from all over the world. From the project presentations on sustainability and climate adaptation to the workshop on creating a better future, every minute counted. The cultural exchange was perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the whole experience; it could be during the Cultural Parade Session, while having food, or when exploring the city, the connections made were not limited by the distance or color of skin.
One of the highlights of this experience was leading a social activity, on the second day of the event. It was my way of bringing everyone together in a fun, interactive setting. Despite the nerves and the lingering effects of my injury, stepping into a leadership role in this capacity felt empowering. Seeing delegates laugh, connect, and share their stories during the game reminded me of why I joined this fellowship—to foster collaboration and create moments of unity.
The Kuala Lumpur tour on the final day which included visits to the Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and Genting Highlands was a great way to bring this part of the journey to an end. It was a good lesson that one should never forget that every now and then one should stop and enjoy the view and the surrounding culture even when a lot of work has been done.
Maldives: A Story of Development and Happiness
Returning to the Maldives for my fellowship felt like revisiting an old friend—but this time, with a new purpose. It wasn’t my first time here, but it was my first time traveling solo on a transit flight. Though I had been to the Maldives before, I was alone and continued flights to and convinced airports myself which seemed to be quite challenging. I was doing this. And when I at long last touched down on the plane on the territory which was once again both the same and different, I felt a sense of pride and victory.
Of course, the Maldives’ sceneries were a big part of the experience as well. Day three was unforgettable—speedboating, snorkeling, and simply being surrounded by the shark. Ending the day with a sunset view on the beach wasn’t just a visual treat but a moment of gratitude for everything I’d learned and overcome to be there.
Leaving the Maldives this time felt different. I wasn’t just taking home beautiful memories but also a renewed sense of confidence. This trip reminded me of my own growth, from someone who doubted her ability to travel solo to someone who embraced challenges and came out stronger.
The Decision to Skip Cambridge
This year wasn’t without its sacrifices. One of the hardest decisions I had to make was canceling my trip to Cambridge for an event I’d been looking forward to for months. The scheduling clash was unavoidable, and after weeks of weighing the pros and cons, I realized I couldn’t do it all.
At first, I was heartbroken. Cambridge felt like an opportunity I might not get again. But stepping back, I realized something important: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Sometimes, choosing to focus on fewer things means you can give those things your best, and I’m learning to be okay with that.
What’s Next?
Looking back on this journey, I feel incredibly lucky, not just for the places I visited, but for the people I met and the lessons I learned along the way. Each destination gave me something I didn’t even know I needed, whether it was perspective, inspiration, or a renewed sense of purpose.
If there’s one thing I’ve taken from this year, it’s that the world is full of challenges—but also endless opportunities to do better. I’m heading into 2025 with a heart full of gratitude and a mind buzzing with ideas.
Thank you for coming along for the ride (even just by reading this). Let’s see where the next chapter leads!
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