My 25 Significant Life Experiences
Hey, reader! If you’ve landed here again, welcome back to my corner of the internet where we celebrate life, one milestone at a time. Today, I’m sharing 25 significant experiences that shaped me into the wonderfully chaotic (yet fabulous) person I am as I turn 25 (Still getting used to saying/writing it out loud). So, buckle up!
PS- Before I begin, thank you for reading this and being a part of my journey on this funny little thing called “life.” I know that it's hard for you and it's hard for me, but together, things seem a little bearable, don’t they? :’)
PSS- The list is in no chronological order and some experiences might stand out a bit more than others. But overall, I am much much grateful of having averted the so-called-quarter life crisis :p and coming out stronger on the other side. If I have learned anything from getting through my teenage years into my youth, is that no experience in life is less significant than other. And the common urge of wanting to get over or forget the unsightly ones seems like a good idea at the time but it does contribute to who you are as a person today. So ladies and gentlemen, embrace it. And love yourself a little more for the unpleasant ones and celebrate your wins loudly.
Without further ado, here goes everything-
- Seeing THE Taylor Swift live at Wembley Stadium, London, with 92,000 people
Need I say more? This was a once-in-a lifetime event. This was MY life’s main event. This was the culmination of all the pining and crying and obsessing I have done over Taylor Swift and while listening to her songs. Period. No one forgets their first Taylor concert. Even in my wildest dreams, I thought I would travel intercontinentally to fulfil my childhood dreams and cry over video call with my parents on seeing Taylor. (There is video proof, all thanks to my beautiful brother!) I will still cry over “All Too Well” (10-minute version, of course) like I did the first time I saw Taylor live on stage for the first time. And relive every single moment for the rest of my life? Most definitely.
- The FIRST woman in my family with a Master’s degree
Breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings with my degree in Data Science! It was no small feat, but someone had to do it. 😎
- Gold-level Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador
Climbing to Gold-level was no small feat — it was a coveted achievement! I judged hackathons, hosted workshops, and made appearances at Microsoft Build 2021 and Ignite 2021. Basically, I went from student to tech VIP, and yes, it was every bit as awesome as it sounds! - Taking my parents on their first foreign trip
Watching them marvel at new sights felt like the ultimate win. 11/10 would do again.
- Going to London
London had me on a cultural high. I walked, I soaked in the rain, and yes, I did all the touristy things. I couldn't get enough of London. I cannot stop talking about London. London will be hearing from me very soon!
- Meeting the love of my life
A beautiful, intelligent, and slightly shy human (you know who you are) that made life just a bit more magical. I cannot wait to live out all my upcoming adventures in life with you!
- Landing a job at one of the biggest companies in the world
Imagine my excitement. Cue the proud dances in front of the mirror. There’s nothing like achieving a goal you’ve dreamt of for so long. And even more so, when it is your parents’ dream too. That look of pride on their faces makes it all worth the late nights, hard work, and every challenge along the way.
- Learning art
Art had always been my first love and forever will be. From my scribbles to my reckless crayoning, drawing sunglasses on faces when I couldn’t draw eyes to hiding in my room and painting all night when the high-school study pressure used to get to me. Art has always been there for me. And although I hardly practice and majortiy of the time feel like an imposter when I tell people I paint, Art backs me up and is more forgiving to me than anything else in this world.
- Living on a hill station for a year
Lavasa tested my adaptability. Bad internet, no Swiggy — but incredible views and inner peace. You win some, you lose some.
- Experiencing beautiful food in Malaysia
Travel and food are the ultimate love languages. Nasi Lemak is proof that the best experiences are the ones you can taste.
- Moving to a new city at 18 for my undergrad
Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Triple major, triple the chaos. The move was terrifying, but I came out stronger (and nerdier). - Giving guest lectures at universities
From VIT to LPU, I got to share my knowledge with future tech geniuses. Teachers really do learn the most from teaching. - Helping my Dad start a translation business at 19
Internships pay off, people! I helped kickstart a whole business and learned a thing or two about entrepreneurship along the way.
- Mentoring over 200 people online
Watching mentees grow in confidence and skill is a chef’s kiss experience. It’s like planting seeds and watching a forest grow.
I have recently been active on Topmate and trying to accept as many bookings as I can. Giving back is truly one of the greatest joys.
- Becoming a published author
Books, research papers, and even a blog on Microsoft’s tech community! Who would’ve thought I’d have this many words in me?
- Moving into my first big girl apartment
It’s big, it’s mine, and the rent doesn’t scare me (most days). Adulting feels like an achievement, one IKEA thing at a time. - Fostering cats and dogs
Billo, Barfi, Laddu, Creamy, and Billie Eyelashes were my fur babies. They taught me about love, patience, and cleaning up a lot of kibble. And converting my entire family into cato-holics 😄
- Traveling around India
From the misty hills of Ooty to the bustling streets of Mumbai, India’s diversity is its own adventure. Hyderabad’s ShahGouse Kebabs are my new-found obsession in life. The air of Coorg, Chikamangaluru and Kodaikanal is something I miss and the views are something I often reminisce.
- First camping trip for my 25th birthday
Sleeping under the stars? Yes, please. Camping was an unforgettable way to usher in my mid-20s.
- Visiting the Microsoft Bangalore office
I didn’t just visit; I basked in it. Being an ambassador came with perks, and this tour was one of them.
- First offsite at HSBC
New environments, new people, and new opportunities. This offsite experience gave me a fresh perspective on work-life balance.
- Spoiling my parents
Buying them things they deserve but wouldn’t buy for themselves brings me a level of joy I can’t quite put into words.
- Speaking at Microsoft Reactor events
From Bangalore to Europe, I had the mic and the platform to share my story with fellow tech enthusiasts. - Turning online friends into real friends
This shoutout goes to my MVPs. You know who you are. Online friendships can turn into the best IRL adventures. - Watching Ed Sheeran live with my brother and crying during “Photograph”
Photograph holds a special place in my heart as it was the background score to a video I made for my brother. ( In case you want to watch for some major retro video editing skills, click here) Seeing Ed perform it live? Tears. So many tears. Sorry, not sorry.
Turning 25 has been a journey of self-discovery and cherishing the person I’ve become. It’s all about balance, reflection, and appreciation. Every year brings more adventures, and I’m eager to embrace whatever comes next. To celebrate this milestone, my brother Gurkeerat Singh created a touching documentary about me, capturing the essence of my journey so far. You can watch it here.( Yes, we all are really into making videos about each other :P) Here’s to more memories, growth, and the exciting adventures that lie ahead!
Until next time, dear reader.
Lots of love,
Young at heart, older on Paper and Forever grateful- Jasleen xo
