Purpose in the Pause

When I first applied for the JSW Fellowship, I knew it would be a challenge. What I didn’t fully realize then was how deeply it would shape me personally, professionally, and emotionally. Looking back now, I see a version of myself that has grown in ways.

Stepping Into the Unknown

The decision to join the fellowship wasn’t simple. I had questions, doubts, and a fair amount of fear could I really make a difference in a rural or semi-urban setting? Was I equipped for the work? Would I fit into a community so different from my own comfort zone?

But deep down, I was searching for something more than just a job. I wanted purpose, learning, and to be part of something bigger. That’s what the JSW Fellowship promised. And it delivered.

The Reality of the Field

No orientation or training can fully prepare you for the realities on the ground. I quickly learned that the challenges weren’t always loud or dramatic they were subtle, systemic, and deeply human.

Whether it was navigating local governance systems, building trust with community members, or sitting through meetings where I initially felt invisible, every day pushed me to adapt. I learned to listen more, judge less, and embrace the discomfort of slow progress.

There were days of deep frustration when projects stalled, when plans didn’t go as expected, or when I felt like I wasn’t doing “enough.” But those moments became the breeding ground for patience, empathy, and resilience.

People Made the Difference

One of the most enriching parts of this journey was the people my co-fellows, mentors, and most importantly, the community members I worked alongside. From a village Sarpanch who redefined grassroots leadership for me, to young girls daring to dream beyond societal expectations, each person added to my learning curve.

Their stories weren’t just inspiring they were grounding. They reminded me that real change doesn’t always come in the form of policies or big ideas, but often through small, persistent actions.

How I’ve Grown

Over the course of this fellowship, I’ve changed.

* I’ve become more patient, realizing that impact takes time.

* I’ve become more curious, willing to ask questions without needing to have all the answers.

* I’ve become more strategic, learning to align passion with systems and processes.

* I’ve become more resilient, finding strength even on days when nothing went as planned.

But perhaps most importantly, I’ve become more grounded aware of my privileges, conscious of my role, and committed to learning and unlearning every step of the way.

What This Journey Taught Me

The JSW Fellowship didn’t just give me an opportunity to work on rural development or sustainable livelihoods it gave me the chance to work on myself. It taught me that development work isn’t just about numbers or outcomes it’s about relationships, trust, and walking alongside people rather than ahead of them.

I don’t have all the answers about where this path will lead me next, but I carry with me a clearer sense of purpose. The fellowship has built a foundation of values I hope to live and work by humility, empathy, and action.

To anyone considering this path: it’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.