Thursday, May 10, 2012

3 Months and 28 Days!

Seems like forever since I have written a blog. The last couple of weeks have been rather strange. It is strange to think that in just 3 months and 28 days, I will be travelling to Hanoi, Vietnam as part of an 8 month field placement. It is even stranger to think that once those 8 months are over, I am officially done my undergraduate degree – unreal! At a time like this, it is difficult not to reflect back on my time at Waterloo; the past 3 years have taught me so much from academics to simply taking care of myself. When I first accepted my offer of admission, the placement felt very distant, especially because I haven’t left North America, so it is difficult to imagine it being just a few months away now.

I wish I made more of an effort to leave North America when I was younger.  I feel so sheltered from the world now and can only really dream of what is out there for me to discover. I know the next school year has a lot in store for me; in fact this entire summer has a lot in store for me and I want to live every moment of it to the fullest. I have come close to figuring out exactly where I want to be in 10 years – the experiences I want to have under my belt, the goals I want to achieve, the degrees I want to complete, and the places I want to have travelled to. I also know that plans change all the time and it is better to live in the moment, but even having a slight idea of my path is curiously comforting.

Being at St. Pauls this summer with the rest of the INDEV crew has been great thus far! We’ve all become so much closer and I know our bond will only grow from here. The last three years with you wonderful people has been nothing less than extraordinary. I have learned so much from each one of you and I know you will go on to accomplish great things! 

- Madiha
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16 comments:

  1. Karim KhamisaMay 10, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    Just cause you haven't traveled doesn't mean you haven't learnt. Sounds like you know what you want and often times that is the most important thing. Just keep in mind where you want to be and you will guide yourself to get there.

    I can't believe you are going Vietnam and I also can't believe how long it has been since I have spent time with you. You're going to do great things my friend, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Just don't forget the rest of us when you get to the top :p

    “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber

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    1. mvallaniJuly 9, 2012 at 5:23 PM

      Karim, this post was extremely sweet! Thank you my dear friend, I cannot wait to fill you in with everything :)

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  2. Aneel JanmohammadMay 10, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    Despite being introduced to you only this past weekend, I'm quite proud of you; I'm excited for you; I envy you; and I look forward to reading more about your journey!

    Inshallah this stint will be everything you expected and more! Enjoy it! Treasure every minute! You know it's going to speed by!

    Don't get any crazy ideas with your suitcase ; ) Leave that for when you come back!

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    1. mvallaniJuly 9, 2012 at 5:25 PM

      I hope these 8 months are the longest of my life Aneel, I know it will be a great time to reflect and learn even more about myself! Thank you for all of your support it means a lot to me!

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  3. AliyaJuly 8, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    I hope you have an amazing time Maddy and I'm so incredibly proud of you! I can't wait to hear all about your trip and the things you've learned and your exciting encounters with new people and places. I can't imagine how excited and
    scared you must be, but you are going to do amazing things, I know it :)

    “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

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    1. mvallaniJuly 9, 2012 at 5:26 PM

      You are one of the best friends I have ever had! Thank you for all of your support Aliya, it means so so so much to me! I can't wait to send you video emails from Vietnam :)

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  4. rmussaJuly 8, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    When you start out, you're Madiha. Let us know who you have become when you return :)

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  5. HassanJuly 8, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    your presence of mind and clarity is inspiring. hope you have a great time in Vietnam! take lots of pictures and document the changes you're going through as they happen for the rest of us :)

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    1. mvallaniJuly 9, 2012 at 5:27 PM

      I will document everything! You are one person I particularly want to follow me through this placement!

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  6. ShaidaJuly 8, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Madiha! I am soooo proud of you, you have come so far and I am so so excited for you to continue on with your journey :)

    You inspire me to do great things just like you, and I hope you have an amazing time :)

    Can't wait to see you before you leave!

    "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain --> Your favourite quote;)

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    1. mvallaniJuly 9, 2012 at 5:28 PM

      You make me proud! Keep doing the great work you've been doing and always dream big :)

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  7. MelissaJuly 9, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    I'm so excited for you to go to Vietnam! I feel like I've lived a really sheltered life so far, and I hope, like you, that I'll be able to explore the world soon. Have a blast and don't forget to update me on how you're doing in Vietnam!

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    1. mvallaniJuly 9, 2012 at 5:30 PM

      Melissa, I am sure your time to explore the world is right around the corner! I will for sure keep you updated with my travels!

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  8. Irshad ShariffJuly 11, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Being only in North America all your life definitely feels like there is nothing else in this world. Reading things in books and on the internet will really be a difference when you step in to the lifestyle and adapt to your new environment for 8 months.
    I am so excited for you!! And as much as it is good to know where you want to go in the future, make sure you enjoy every single moment abroad. After all it is the last year of your undergrad career!
    You will come back a new rejuvenated person with an all new perspective.
    Have a lot of fun, and take A LOT OF PICTURES!

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  9. Irshad ShariffJuly 11, 2012 at 9:15 AM

    Physically going to Vietnam will really be an experience and probably quite different than reading about it in books and such. The adventure then becomes to adapt to your new environment and enjoy every moment there. It's great to know where you're headed, but enjoy the ride to your destination. After all, it is your last year in your undergrad career!
    Take LOTS of photos!!
    I am really excited for you and have a great time!!

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