When Sudeeksha first heard about Rubaroo, she had no idea how much it would shape her life. Little did she know, her journey with Rubaroo would push her out of her comfort zone and transform her into a confident, outgoing individual. Here’s her story of growth, volunteering, and the lasting impact of Rubaroo.
A Transformative Experience with Youth Lab
Sudeeksha admits that she was initially unaware of the opportunities Rubaroo offers. But once she received an email about an opportunity, she was intrigued. “I did not know that opportunities like this existed, where we can explore new places and meet new people,” she says, recalling her first impression. Her curiosity led her to sign up for a program that would open her eyes to a whole new world.
Sudeeksha joined the Youth Lab program, which trains young people to provide career guidance to adolescents. This program became a pivotal moment in her life. Youth Lab took her on a journey to three different states for training, followed by career guidance sessions in government schools. “It was not just about giving advice. It was about connecting with the students and learning from their experiences,” she shares.
The training itself was impactful, as Sudeeksha had always been an introvert. “I was never an outgoing person, but Rubaroo gave me the opportunity to meet new people. After the training camps, I felt more confident, and my interaction with others improved.” The Youth Lab experience helped her overcome stage fright and boosted her confidence. “I used to fumble, but now I can speak in front of large groups,” she adds.
The Power of Stories
One of the most powerful aspects of Youth Lab for Sudeeksha was hearing the personal stories of both her fellow participants and the students at the schools. “Living with 24 different people, each with their own background, you learn a lot. We shared personal stories, and it was eye-opening,” she recalls. But it wasn’t just her peers; the students’ stories also left a lasting impact on her. Many of the students came from underprivileged backgrounds, and Sudeeksha was moved by their resilience.
Youth Lab also helped Sudeeksha understand complex social issues, including gender. “Before, I thought gender was just about being male or female, but Rubaroo taught me that gender is about how you identify yourself,” she says. This realization was just one example of how her perspective broadened during her time with Rubaroo.
A Personal Transformation
Perhaps the most profound change Sudeeksha experienced was her personal growth. She went from being an introverted person to someone who now seeks out opportunities to meet new people and start conversations. “Before, I never talked to strangers. Now, I initiate conversations. My confidence has grown significantly,” she says with a smile. “Youth Lab was a place where everyone’s opinions were valued, and that made me more open and communicative.”
Sudeeksha’s passion for volunteering did not stop with Rubaroo. Today, she works at Amazon but still makes time to volunteer. “I love volunteering. In Amazon, we have weekly volunteering activities, and I recently worked with CRY, creating math-solving puzzles for blind children,” she shares. These experiences continue to shape her belief in giving back to the community.
And to the Broader Community
Reflecting on the impact of Rubaroo, Sudeeksha is convinced that the organization’s work is making a difference. “In the schools where we provided career guidance, students were excited to learn about different career options,” she says. “They had no idea there were so many fields they could pursue. It was a revelation for them, and seeing that realization was incredibly rewarding.The students were really grateful. They felt empowered by the knowledge we shared with them,” she adds.
Sudeeksha is eager to continue working with Rubaroo. Although she is currently balancing a job with her desire to volunteer, she hopes to participate in more programs in the future. “Even after graduation, I applied for another program with Rubaroo, but work commitments made it difficult,” she shares. Her passion for Rubaroo’s mission is unwavering, and she plans to find a way to stay involved in any capacity she can. Through her story, Sudeeksha demonstrates how the act of giving back can lead to profound personal development.
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