There were days when my friends and I, a bunch of awkward nine year olds, fancied staying in a hostel — away from scrutinisng adult eyes and in each others' company all the time. Years later, when I was filling my hostel application with trembling fingers, our long-forgotten fantasies flashed through my mind. I cursed myself for being so childish, as I knew that staying in a hostel and sleepovers are two different things altogether.
Expectations
The day I walked into hostel, my mind was a blank. But, contrary to the dull-and-drab picture I had, it turned out to be vibrant and colourful. I found myself loving the fun with friends and celebrating every little thing under the sun. As I look back, I realise that apart from the fun-factor, hostel life has helped me develop so much and has made me stronger and more independent. I have learnt how to manage my budget and do not turn penniless as I used to in the first few months. I have learnt the nitty-gritties of sharing a room with others. Now, I can proudly claim that I know the art of community living.
Despite all the positive counts, I don't fail to get bouts of homesickness and the indescribable craving for Mom-made food. This syndrome sometimes gets so intense that I experience tides of jealousy rising within me towards my day-scholar friends. But, I console myself saying, “The grass always appears greener on the other side.”
SUBIYA ZAINAB .M, III Year B.A English, Women's Christian College
