Growth and Beyond - Succeeding Outside of School Hat
Going to school or working abroad isn't just about getting good grades; it's also about growing as a person, gaining confidence, and getting ready for the future. This is how students usually move on to the next step.
Getting Better at Talking in English
Even students who do well on tests can get nervous when they talk to people. I remember a classmate who didn't want to join group discussions at first. She began to practice by volunteering to give presentations in class and talking to her roommates every day. She was leading team projects with confidence after one semester.
Joining conversation clubs or using apps like Toastmasters, Meetup, or Tandem can make a big difference.
Joining Student Groups
There are cultural clubs, professional groups (like IEEE, AMA, or PM clubs), and International Student Associations (ISA) on most campuses.
I joined a cultural club during Diwali, and that's how I met my first close friends. Later, I met alumni at a professional organization event who gave me tips on how to get a job.
These groups help people feel less alone and make connections in their careers.
How to Travel to Nearby Cities on a Budget
Going off campus clears your head. One time, a group of us took a $20 Megabus trip to NYC. It was one of my best memories. Check to see if Greyhound, Amtrak, or regional buses offer student discounts. Make plans ahead of time with Airbnb or student hostels. Traveling with others is not only cheaper, but it also feels safer.
Dealing with Stress, Managing Your Time, and Taking Care of Yourself
It can be hard to keep up with classes, work, and your social life. One of my friends got burned out in her second semester because she didn't know that U.S. professors give out weekly work, not just final exams. She later made a planner with different colors for each day and set aside "self-care hours" each week for cooking and going for walks.
Simple things like working out, using meditation apps, or going to the gym or yoga class can help a lot. Most campuses also have counseling that is free or costs less than normal.
Getting Ready for Internships and Long-Term Jobs
Internship season comes up fast—sometimes just a few months after you get there. I missed chances my first semester because I didn't know that companies hire early. The next year, I got my resume ready ahead of time, went to mock interviews at the career center, and started applying by September. That's how I got my first job as an intern.
Use campus career fairs, alumni connections, and LinkedIn networking early on. Internships often lead to full-time jobs, so think long-term.
To grow beyond school, you need to put money into yourself—your health, your confidence, your networks, and your future. What happens outside of school can shape you just as much as what happens inside.
