Learning to Live Alone
After completing my 8th standard with 86%, my parents wanted me to achieve even better in
9th grade. So, they decided to send me to Dharwad for a one-month course to complete the
syllabus.
Dharwad was far from my hometown, Sedam. Although I went with some friends, I felt a
deep emptiness inside. For the first time, I was away from my parents, my siblings, and the
comfort of my home.
In the beginning, I couldn’t understand my own feelings. I had always been surrounded by
my family, their voices, their care, and their love. Suddenly, everything became quiet. Even
though I had friends around me, I still felt alone.
Those early days were difficult. My emotions felt heavy and unsettled, like something was
missing that I could not replace. I missed my home, my parents, and especially my siblings,
with whom I had shared so many happy moments.
Life in the hostel was completely different.
Each day began early. With only a few bathrooms and many students, we had to wake up
quickly and wait our turn, holding our buckets and mugs. Sometimes, there was no hot
water, even on cold mornings.
By 8:00 AM, we had to be ready for breakfast, and by 8:15, we would leave for classes. After
hours of studying, we returned at 1:00 PM for lunch.
The food was simple and often not satisfying.
At home, I used to complain about my mother’s cooking. But here, I realized its true value.
Every meal reminded me of her love and care. I began to understand how much she did for
us every day.
After lunch, we returned to classes and later came back at 4:00 PM for snacks like tea and
biscuits. Then we had study hours from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which helped us complete our
work.
Dinner was at 8:00 PM, and we were expected to sleep by 9:00 PM. However, many of us
studied late into the night, sometimes until midnight, as we had tests every Sunday.
There were many challenges.
We had to bathe in cold water, drink borewell water, and manage everything on our
own—from washing clothes to cleaning utensils. Living without mobile phones or television
also felt difficult at first.
After completing my 8th standard with 86%, my parents wanted me to achieve even better in
9th grade. So, they decided to send me to Dharwad for a one-month course to complete the
syllabus.
Dharwad was far from my hometown, Sedam. Although I went with some friends, I felt a
deep emptiness inside. For the first time, I was away from my parents, my siblings, and the
comfort of my home.
In the beginning, I couldn’t understand my own feelings. I had always been surrounded by
my family, their voices, their care, and their love. Suddenly, everything became quiet. Even
though I had friends around me, I still felt alone.
Those early days were difficult. My emotions felt heavy and unsettled, like something was
missing that I could not replace. I missed my home, my parents, and especially my siblings,
with whom I had shared so many happy moments.
Life in the hostel was completely different.
Each day began early. With only a few bathrooms and many students, we had to wake up
quickly and wait our turn, holding our buckets and mugs. Sometimes, there was no hot
water, even on cold mornings.
By 8:00 AM, we had to be ready for breakfast, and by 8:15, we would leave for classes. After
hours of studying, we returned at 1:00 PM for lunch.
The food was simple and often not satisfying.
At home, I used to complain about my mother’s cooking. But here, I realized its true value.
Every meal reminded me of her love and care. I began to understand how much she did for
us every day.
After lunch, we returned to classes and later came back at 4:00 PM for snacks like tea and
biscuits. Then we had study hours from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which helped us complete our
work.
Dinner was at 8:00 PM, and we were expected to sleep by 9:00 PM. However, many of us
studied late into the night, sometimes until midnight, as we had tests every Sunday.
There were many challenges.
We had to bathe in cold water, drink borewell water, and manage everything on our
own—from washing clothes to cleaning utensils. Living without mobile phones or television
also felt difficult at first.
