Initially, I hadn't planned on sharing a rewind of my 2023, but life has unfolded in such a way that I feel compelled to engrave these experiences somewhere. This retrospective will serve as a poignant read, especially during challenging times, which I find myself navigating at the moment 😔.
December 2022
As the narrative begins, let's rewind to December 28, 2022, where a pivotal moment set the tone for the year ahead.
Unexpected News
Seated in a clinic, awaiting a doctor's consultation for a required medical certificate due to low attendance, an unexpected call changed the course of my year.
Caller: Hello, is this Dhananjay speaking?
Me: Yes, this is Dhananjay. May I inquire who is calling?
Caller: This is Kshitij from ReunionHQ. You were the one selected for the DSA round scheduled a week ago. I'm pleased to inform you that you have qualified for the round. Kindly send me your details to my personal number, and we'll dispatch the offer letter.
At this point, my happiness soared to unprecedented levels. I couldn't contain my excitement, considering the experience level required exceeded my own. Moreover, it was an opportunity to work with a startup—a dream I had long nurtured. After concluding the call, I shared my personal details and email, all while continuing to wait for the doctor.
The Comical Twist
Doctor: Yes, what are your complications?
Me: I don't have complications, but I need a medical certificate for my college.
Doctor: Alright. How many months do you need it for and for which period?
Me: September 2022 to November 2022, approximately 2 months 😶😶😶.
Doctor: I can't provide you with such a duration. I can only offer a certificate for 1 month.
Me: Okay then.
Doctor: Please return at 8:50 PM.
As I headed back home, a notification about an email received added another layer of intrigue to this eventful day.
The Awaited Evening
In swift response, I attached the required documents to the email and settled into a quiet anticipation as darkness descended. This piece of news was still confined to my solitude, as I typically prefer keeping my life private, adhering to my set rules of not inviting unnecessary intrusion.
The Silent Triumph
As the clock struck 8:30, I ventured out into the cold night to meet the doctor once again. The cost for the urgently needed medical certificate was a steep Rs 500, leaving a dent in my pocket 😭😭. Undeterred, I braved the chilly weather, unable to secure an auto for the return journey. Determined, I trod the 2-kilometer distance in the cold night and finally returned to my room.
A Surprising Unveiling
At 9:30, the glow of my computer screen revealed another email, eagerly awaited. Opening it, I found not just an offer letter but also an NDA letter, marking the official beginning of what would be a transformative journey in 2023.
A Dreamlike Night and a Harsh Awakening
Overwhelmed with excitement, I surrendered to my bed, unable to contain the surreal feeling that enveloped me. This day felt like a dream, a welcome prelude to what lay ahead. ##
A Rude Awakening
The next morning, at 7:40, I eagerly embraced the day, getting ready for college with the anticipation of submitting the hard-earned certificate. As I entered Jyoti Mam's cabin, I could sense the storm that was about to unfold 😭😭.
Jyoti Mam: (sternly) Kaha se banake laye Certificate? (Where did you get these certificates made?)
Me: Mam, aasli ka hai. (Mam, these are real.) Jyoti Mam continued to scrutinize the certificate, her gaze fixed on me.
Jyoti Mam: 2 mahine ka Medical kon banwata aaur yeh chalega hi nahi. (Who provides a 2-month medical certificate, and this isn't even valid.)
Me: But kyun Mam, sab toh hai. (But why, Mam? Everything seems to be in order.) Undeterred, she pointed out a crucial flaw.
Jyoti Mam: Doctor ke stamp mein MBBS kaha hai, jaali bana ke laoge toh yahi hoga. (The stamp doesn't have the MBBS mark, this is what you expect when you forge it.)
Me: But... But Mam kuch toh hoga nah. (But Mam, at least it is something.) Hope waned as Jyoti Mam delivered the harsh reality.
Jyoti Mam: Nahi, kuch nahi hone wala. Tum waise bhi sabhi mein debarred ho rahe ho. (No, nothing will happen. You are already getting debarred in all subjects.) Desperate, I pleaded with her.
Me: Nahi mam, please kuch kijiye. (No Mam, please do something.)
Jyoti Mam: Mereko nahi pata, college authority accept nahi karega. Leke jao apna certificate. (I don't know. The college authority won't accept this. Take your certificate and leave my cabin.)
With a heavy heart, contemplating the impending debarment, I trudged back home, the weight of disappointment hanging over me.
A Ray of Hope Amidst the Despair
While still grappling with the disheartening turn of events, a glimmer of hope emerged as I revisited the email from the night before. However, the monotony was disrupted when, at 12:30 PM, I received a call from Ninad, my product manager.
Ninad: Hello Dhananjay, this is your product manager speaking. Please sign the documents and send us back the copy.
A Call to Action
The day continued to unfold with unexpected twists as, around 5:00 PM, another call from Kshitz brought more significant news.
Kshitij Sir : Since when are you available to start the work?
Me : From tomorrow
With that commitment, the call concluded, and I found myself at a nearby temple. In those serene surroundings, I spent 10 minutes in deep contemplation, expressing gratitude to the divine forces that had paved the way for this unexpected turn of events. ##
A Moment of Reflection
Afterwards, with a heart full of thanks, I navigated the remainder of the evening just like any other. Little did I know that this regular evening marked the beginning of a transformative journey in 2023, blending the mundane with the extraordinary.
Immersed in the Onboarding Journey
On the dawn of December 30, a virtual gateway to my new professional realm opened. A link for their Slack account and an invitation to their GitHub organization heralded the initiation of my intern onboarding process.
Standup and First Encounters
Within this digital workspace, I found myself in a morning standup, where I had the pleasure of meeting Shaksham and Palash. Palash, understanding the nuances of being a newcomer, generously guided me through the intricate codebase. It was a humble introduction to a world that beckoned with challenges and opportunities.
Navigating the Code and Unveiling Gatsby with GraphQL
The latter part of the day plunged me into the heart of the code, and to my surprise (and dismay, marked by a couple of 😭), the spotlight was on none other than Gatsby, coupled with the notorious GraphQL Data Layer. I grappled with the complexities, harboring a newfound dislike for both. It was a challenging day as I navigated through the intricacies of Gatsby, finding solace in the fact that this adversity was a catalyst for growth, even if it came with a tinge of frustration.
Next Day I started working on stuffs , Got assigned with worklog , delivered them on time as I was so much nervous and excited about working at startup that I literally made a reddit post asking for suggestion
Navigating the Startup Realm
Embracing the challenges of my new role, the next day marked the commencement of actual work. Assigned with specific tasks, I diligently delved into my worklog, driven by a mix of nervousness and excitement that only a startup atmosphere could evoke.
Timely Deliveries Amidst Nervous Anticipation
Driven by a desire to prove myself in this dynamic environment, I managed to deliver my assigned tasks on time. The pressure was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking as I navigated the intricate landscape of startup responsibilities.
Seeking Guidance from the Online Community
Amidst this rollercoaster of emotions, my enthusiasm led me to an unconventional source for advice – Reddit. I made a post, pouring out my excitement and nerves, seeking suggestions from the vast online community . Received a fair amount of comment which I followed sincerely
Balancing Dedication and Financial Assurance
As the first month seamlessly unfolded in my startup journey, there was an undercurrent of anticipation as February 1 approached. While my commitment to the work was unwavering, a past experience of being scammed added a layer of caution.
A Wait for Stipend
On February 1, the quiet anticipation for the stipend became more pronounced. It wasn't about prioritizing money over work, but rather a cautious curiosity stemming from a previous unfortunate experience where stipends were withheld after three months of dedicated effort.
Internal Dilemma: To Ask or Not to Ask
With the memories of the past scam still lingering, I battled an internal dilemma. The urge to seek confirmation about the stipend's arrival tugged at me, but I refrained, wary of creating a negative impression by appearing overly concerned about financial matters. Instead, I immersed myself in my work, deciding to let things unfold naturally.
A Notification in the Stillness of the Night
As I neared the completion of my tasks that night, contemplating the personal work still left to be done, I was on the verge of closing my laptop when a notification on my phone disrupted the quietude. The message that awaited me held the answers to the unspoken questions about the stipend.
Message arrived at 12:16 AM, carrying the answers to the lingering questions about the stipend. However, unaware of this timely revelation, I only stumbled upon the message around 1:30 AM.
Unveiling Pure Excitement
Every keystroke and task completed had led to this moment, and the validation of my efforts brought an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. The excitement radiated from my core, echoing through the stillness of the night. It was a moment etched in time, a chapter in my life story where diligence met reward, and joy found its crescendo.
A Heartfelt Surprise for the Pillars of My World
The following day, fueled by the elation of my first salary, I decided to express my gratitude to the unsung heroes of my life—my family. Opting for the element of surprise, I refrained from disclosing my job or the impending gift. With immense joy, I curated a thoughtful selection of items and dispatched them to my home address.
A Generous Gesture
The surprises included:
- Two Watches:A thoughtful and practical gift, each priced at Rs. 5200, totaling Rs. 10,400.
- A Saree:A traditional and graceful present, valued at Rs. 5000.
- A T-ShirtA casual yet heartfelt addition, with a cost of Rs. 700.
Total Expenditure: Rs. 16,100
With my first salary amounting to Rs. 16,500, I dedicated the majority to showering my family with love and appreciation, leaving a mere Rs. 100 from my existing balance untouched. This impromptu splurge was not just a celebration of my professional milestone but a testament to the unwavering support and sacrifices my family had made throughout my journey. The joyous occasion continued, with laughter echoing through our home, just another remarkable day in this newfound chapter of my life.
Unveiling Joy: A Week of Anticipation Ends
After a week of eager anticipation, my family received the package, and their surprise was palpable. With a playful smile, I casually revealed, "Yes, I sent those – they're yours!" 😂😂
A Gift Wrapped in Mystery
Amidst the laughter and curiosity, I intentionally kept the conversation light, not divulging anything beyond the fact that these gifts were a product of my earnings. The mystery surrounding the source of my newfound financial ability added an extra layer of delight to their joy.
A Moment of Shared Happiness
As they unwrapped each item, the joy in their eyes mirrored the elation in my heart. It was a moment where the fruits of my labor transformed into tangible expressions of love and appreciation. The unspoken understanding and shared happiness lingered in the air, creating a memory etched with laughter and gratitude.
A Four-Month Odyssey of Dedication and Innovation
The subsequent four months became an immersive journey of unwavering dedication, where I poured my best efforts into the work at hand. The commitment went beyond the conventional boundaries, extending to weekends and late-night hours. The depth of learning during this period surpassed any anticipation, laying the groundwork for unparalleled growth in my professional trajectory.
Pioneering Innovation
My role evolved into not just contributing but innovating within the company. I initiated the creation of internal libraries from scratch, embodying the spirit of ingenuity. Crafting custom plugins for optimizing images from our CMS became a testament to the fusion of creativity and technical prowess.
Transformative Contributions
One of the crowning achievements was the development of a system to statically generate page URLs from our CMS using Gatsby. This strategic move not only streamlined our infrastructure but also revolutionized the development process. The impact of these contributions extended far beyond the immediate projects, leaving an indelible mark on the company's future endeavors.
A Learning Curve Beyond Compare
As the months unfolded, the wealth of knowledge acquired was unmatched, setting a benchmark for my future endeavors. The experience not only honed my technical skills but also instilled a sense of resilience and resourcefulness, making these four months an invaluable chapter in my professional journey.
A Defining May: Taking the Helm with Dedication
May became the crucible in which my skills were put to the ultimate test. In a surprising turn of events, the Senior Software Development Engineer (SDE) departed, leaving the responsibility of both backend and frontend development, along with deployment, squarely on the shoulders of just three interns, including myself. The Founder, KG, entrusted me with a monumental task – taking complete ownership of the entire system.
A Leap into the Unknown
Despite the enormity of the challenge, I decided to embrace it with unwavering dedication. This was my opportunity to showcase my capabilities, and I dived into the backend code, fixing bugs and implementing pending features in just five days.
The Call for Leadership
On May 13, KG, the Founder, issued a directive that would define my month. He entrusted me with deploying all services live by May 15. While this was a moment of validation, it also presented a daunting challenge. It was my first time assuming complete ownership of a significant project, and I felt the need for guidance from a more experienced colleague.
Solo Journey to Deployment
Despite the initial trepidation, I made up my mind to proceed. Armed with determination, I spent the day before thoroughly reviewing the code, testing functionalities manually, and ensuring that every aspect from my end was flawless.
Rise to the Challenge
May 15 arrived, and I kicked off my work early. I secured access to production systems from my manager, embarked on infrastructural improvements, and set up automated scripts for installation and updates in the backend. Every step was taken with meticulous caution – checking and double-checking commands, noting the order of execution, and ensuring that each element was executed flawlessly.
In this high-stakes endeavor, I embraced the challenges with resilience, ensuring that my debut in a leadership role would be nothing short of exemplary. The journey to deployment became a pivotal chapter, shaping not just my skills but also establishing a precedent for taking charge and steering projects to success
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Deployment
By 5 PM, after a day of nerve-wracking steps and constant prayers to the tech gods at each turn, everything was set – backend, frontend, and the microservices that formed the backbone of my infrastructure. As I informed the Founder at 5:30 PM that the system was ready, relief washed over me. Exhausted, I took a brief respite, sitting in front of my screen without even having breakfast or lunch.
A Temporary Calm
I ventured out for a quick meal and soon succumbed to the fatigue, going to sleep without knowing that the calm would be short-lived.
Unraveling Issues
Two days later, the prod system, which I had painstakingly deployed, began displaying issues and bugs. Panic set in as I logged into the production system (a lesson learned, you should never do that). I navigated through different machines housing various services, checking logs to pinpoint the problem.
The Complex Web of Code
The culprit turned out to be a peculiar logic in the email verification process. The backend code was written with an emphasis on minimal latency, creating a situation where the system worked seamlessly locally but faltered in the case of any latency, more pronounced due to the separation of services. Attempts to fix it proved futile due to tight coupling with other handlers in the backend, prompting me to make a tough decision.
A Complete Overhaul
I decided to rewrite the logic from scratch to mitigate the issue. During this process, I uncovered another overlooked aspect in the email function – string manipulation for obtaining first and last names. The code assumed spaces in incoming usernames, leading to errors in instances without spaces. I rectified this issue as well.
Lessons Learned
The final realization was that the major contributor to the error was the string manipulation rather than the latency in the connection. The generic error message and a top-level catch in the email function had made it challenging to pinpoint the root cause initially. It was a steep learning curve, underscoring the importance of meticulous code examination and the unforeseen challenges that come with assuming complete ownership of a complex system
Deja Vu
As the month of June unfolded, bringing with it the anticipation of end-of-semester exams, fate had a different plan for me. Unfortunately, the specter of debarment loomed over my academic endeavors once again, adding a touch of melancholy to an otherwise eventful period 😭😭😭Jyoti Mam Really Hate me 😅( Haha Kidding , I haven’t seen someone’s Teaching as better as Jyoti Mam , she used to teach us C++ and Java in last 2 Semester and I have never felt bored in her class , SHE IS A REALLY GOOD TEACHER AND I HAVE UTMOST RESPECT FOR HER )
Dhananjay : Home Coming 😂😂😂
I haven’t visited home for an entire year , as last sem too I was debarred and doing extra classes along with Internship , so I though let’s make a plan this day and go home before exams are about to start and come back before extra classes and attend those , so the day I got the message and I got debarred again and there seems to be no more way to escape from it , I open my laptop and booked ticket
I usually travel by train but since I won’t find ticket for train in like for next week , I decided to book a Flight , this was going to my best memory as this if for the first time I am will be taking a flight and that too with my own money , so I booked my Flight Ticket
BACKPACK , SET , GO !
Booked CAB for airport and reached there by 10:45
I spent Nearly 5 Hours in Airport and was about to go mad 😂😂as there was none and I couldn’t even call anyone late night for time pass
I couldn’t explain the happiness , I recorded it as a part of memory 🙂🙂, I want to trap this memory
Boarded Flight Finally at 5:20
and Reached There by 7:00 AM
Returning home after an eventful month, I decided to surprise my family with an unexpected visit. Days passed in the comforting embrace of family bonds, creating cherished moments that would stay etched in my memory. The break allowed me to rejuvenate and reconnect with my roots.
Balancing Academic Commitments
Upon returning, I delved into extra classes and dedicated myself to overcoming the academic setback. With renewed determination, I tackled the debarred exams, and to my relief, emerged victorious, passing in all subjects. The academic hurdle was conquered, marking a triumph over adversity.
A Period of Professional Commitment
The following three months were marked by unwavering commitment to my professional responsibilities. However, life has its twists and turns, and in September, personal issues surfaced, prompting me to take the difficult decision of stepping away from my work only I know what I felt at the time of leaving , I told lie to founder that Cllg isn’t allowing me to do remote work but in reality is I was going through a hard time , I needed some time to heal and reevaluate my path and I eventually stop being active at work. Before leaving I made sure That nothing is left from my side , I already make sure all documentation are fone from my side and anyone who will overtake my role can use these for easy reference, The Founder insisted me to do some extra work before final leave at but that point my mind was so fked up that I can’t think of anything , I JUST NEEDED A BREAK , I went silent and left with bit of light-hearted quarrel between me and KG(founder) which I regret till today but I can’t do anything
Navigating Personal Challenges
The decision to leave my job was not taken lightly, and it underscored the priority placed on addressing personal challenges. Life's journey is often unpredictable, and sometimes, it requires a temporary pause to navigate the complexities and find a path forward. 🙂🙂
A Month of Rejuvenation and New Beginnings
After a month-long hiatus, I immersed myself in the simple joys of life. The days were filled with laughter, quality time with friends, delightful outings, and the pleasure of savoring delicious meals. The respite allowed me to reset, with no overthinking and a focus on relishing the present moment. Alongside these indulgences, I continued attending classes, maintaining a balance between enjoyment and personal growth.
The Quest for a New Professional Chapter
As the month drew to a close, I embarked on a renewed quest for professional opportunities. Applications were sent far and wide, yet the responses varied between silence, rejection, and even ghosting. The journey of job hunting brought its share of challenges and disappointments.
The Amazon Opportunity and the Interview Dilemma
In November, a ray of hope appeared as Amazon conducted an internship drive on my campus. I navigated through the Online Assessment (OA) successfully and earned the coveted chance for an interview. The interview comprised two questions—one from Dynamic Programming (DP) and another from Graph theory.
A Moment of Challenge and Reflection
While I managed to solve the DP question, the graph problem posed a considerable challenge. Seeking guidance from the recruiter, I struggled to arrive at a satisfactory solution. Despite concerted efforts and rough work, I couldn't shake off the dissatisfaction with my answer. This internal doubt proved prophetic as the final outcome was a rejection.
The Regret and the Lessons Learned
The rejection from Amazon became a moment of introspection. It was an instance where I anticipated success but fell short. The regret lingered, but it also became a catalyst for self-improvement. The experience taught me the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and the inevitability of occasional setbacks in a journey filled with ups and downs
Triumph in the Face of Adversity
In the aftermath of the Amazon interview setback, a silver lining emerged when my friend Ansh called with exhilarating news. We had been selected for the Smart India Hackathon (SIH), a prestigious nationwide event.
A Tale of Overnight Triumph
The irony was hard to miss – just after facing rejection, Ansh and I found ourselves celebrating success in the hackathon. The journey began with an overnight effort, tirelessly working on the qualifying round. In a testament to our perseverance, we managed to submit our project just a day before the deadline.
A Unique Achievement
What added a delightful twist to the narrative was the fact that we were the sole team from our college to secure a spot in the hackathon. The joy and pride that accompanied this achievement turned a challenging period into a moment of triumph and camaraderie. It was a vivid reminder that success often comes when least expected, turning setbacks into stepping stones for future accomplishments.
We have our Nodal Center allocated at Amity , We Reached There on 19 Dec , Spent Two Days Building as it was a 36 Hours Hackathon
The Experience is something I won’t forget , Building Against the Smartest mind and going to a new place . We didn’t won but I can’t thank my Team enough for the Support , Everyone in Team Poured Their hard work in winning Sagarika , Riya , Ansh You Guys were awesome team members🤞🤞 except those two 😭😭 ( I don’t know why Ansh took those two )
Embracing 2023: A Year of Turbulence and Triumphs
As I sit down to pen the reflections of 2023 on this last day of the year, the whirlwind of experiences floods my mind. This year wasn't a smooth sail; it bore the weight of struggles that words fail to describe adequately. The journey was marked by moments when my mental health plummeted, and the shadows of negativity loomed.
Navigating the Lows and Celebrating the Highs
Life, as they say, is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. 2023 was no exception. Amidst the lows, I found strength in those around me. My family, the constants in the unpredictable narrative of life, provided support that words can't capture. Even my first company, a special chapter in my professional journey, holds a unique place in my heart.
A Grateful Heart
Special gratitude extends to Ninad sir, a mentor and manager who played a pivotal role in shaping my professional outlook. Kshitij sir, a beacon of entrepreneurship, stood as a role model, igniting the aspiration within me to tread the entrepreneurial path.
A New Chapter Unfolds
As I was at SIH , I got call from one of the startup I applied for , After coming back from hackathon I got in touch with them and got final meet at December 28 and accept their offer . The year concludes with a blend of nostalgia and anticipation for what lies ahead. Despite the uncertainties that 2024 may bring, I look back at 2023 with a sense of gratitude. It was a year that tested resilience, but it also gifted me with triumphs and invaluable lessons.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As I wrap up this reflection, I extend my gratitude to everyone who shared this journey with me – family, colleagues, mentors, and friends. Thank you for being a part of my 2023 story. Here's to embracing the unknowns of 2024 with the lessons learned and the strength gained in the past year.