Overview 2009

I think it is often important to reflect on what you have accomplished, and the new year is the perfect time to do so, so here it goes.

Started off 2009 working at PlantCML in Quebec as a Software Developer. Was an Okay experience; I didn't really take as much initiative as I should have, but hey, no regrets.

In the summer I started my 2B term in EE at UW - the famous "2B or not 2B term". I learned a lot about myself that term. I started being more social and attending more events going on during campus. I realized I get a real thrill meeting new people and you can't stop me once I start. Most importantly, I re-confirmed my belief that no matter how hard the obstacle, how stacked the odds are against me, if I have the will and the passion, I'll do whatever it takes to get it done. My academic term was faltering a bit, but after spending the 2nd half of the term in the DC, made a huge comeback - loved it. Couldn't have done it without a certain couple EE friends, which brings me to my next point - meeting new people is great, and it's the ones that you really get close with help define who you are. On a completely unrelated topic, I also realized that I love asian food...I mean 'Canadianized asian food'. I also realized that many of my asian friends are jealous of my ability to grow facial hair (hey, ill take it).

after 2B I started working for Xtreme Labs. Since as long as I can remember I have always wanted to live in Toronto, and what a bonus to live at my uncle and aunt's house with my cousins Nikesh and Navin. Xtreme had the best location (downtown Toronto). I have discovered that Toronto has the best multi-cultultural restaurants anywhere. I have become obsessed with other languages and cultures: throughout this term I learnt some words in German, Spanish, Italian, Cantonese and Mandarin. I love the subway (even when its crowded), 'tis way more convenient than the OC transpo of Ottawa. I discovered a new store in Toronto that changed my entire view of clothing. Nothing in Ottawa or Waterloo even compared to this store. The latest in fashion - with great prices, none other than H&M (along with a few others).

Alright back to Xtreme Labs - Great experience, excellent mentors, a lot of inspiration all around - especially with having Extreme Ventures next door. Being surrounded by all these incredibly smart and successful people really got me into the entrepreneurial spirit. I couldn't help but be overcome with the feeling that I can do just as well as these guys. Thanks to 'stand-up' I got into the habit of checking the latest tech news and to be up to date. Got a Twitter account , got a Linked In account, got a BlogSpot account - all for the sake of networking. Oh yes...I have fallen in love with networking...it seems I always get the most inspiration to write down what I'm thinking (since I'm feeling amazing) right after networking events. Just went to EpCon today (yes, it was epic).

On the topic of Entrepreneurship, I went to the Impact National Conference. There I really discovered my inner-entrepreneur and I discovered that I wasn't as shy as I thought I was. Here again, I was surrounded by exceptionally brilliant people, and the exciting part of it was that they're all aiming for the same goals as mine - there was this thrill in the air at all times - it was awesome.

I turned 20 this year. Two decades gone, the start of a third one. I decided that the 2nd decade was dedicated to learning and trying different things out. Now, that Im 20, it is time to take action. I created a website called nileshpandey.com (still under construction). I booked tickets to Rome with a couple close friends for Reading week of next year after getting a great deal. I also booked tickets to Dallas for Christmas - which was amazing. Bought a MBP so I can develop iPhone apps to go back to Xtreme as a developer. Why did I buy these tickets to these places? It's because I simply want to travel. I have seen and heard people going abroad and they mention how priceless these trips are. They say these trips will change your life forever (for the better). You get greater insight on different cultures and it helps you grow. I want this feeling.

In Dallas, finally after a very tiring but exciting year, I relaxed. They have some of the greatest food I have ever tasted. The people there are really nice, and turn nicer after you mention that you're from Canada. The music there is different, and people dress differently. To my disappointment I realized there were no Desserts near Dallas (guess I'll have to go Arizona for that). Chilling with my cousins, sneaking into the golf course in our backyard, making friends with people with Texan accents - very fun indeed.

I have no doubt that 2010 is going to be even greater. This is the first time I'm making a New Year's resolution about my health. I have a few other which I will keep to myself for now. I know I'm going to follow through even though many people make this resolution and then bail - just watch.

Impact Conference 2009

Wow, this conference is going to change my life.

Sooo many amazing like-minded people in a high-spirited event promoting/celebrating/teaching entrepreneurship, you can't help but to be swept away by the wave.

The Conference took place in Toronto, ON at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. All who arrived were given a very nice looking complimentary package including our name-tag, business card (Yes! My FIRST Business Card! With MY name on it)

The events started off with the founder of Just For Laughs on stage and then leading on to a guy who initiated the 'Social Networking' aspect of the conference. This part was awesome and really helped me throughout the rest of the conference in going up to people I don't know and just say 'hi'. Let me explain. We are all asked to get up, walk around, form groups of 4-5 people and talk about your favourite movie of the summer! This really helped in breaking the ice. After this we were asked various other activities, getting more professional every time to help us ease in to the networking professionally. After this, because of this, I was able to talk to people left and right without any hesitation, leaving with a satisfied smile :) Needless to say, all my business cards were given out very early, gaining an equally large pile of other cards in return.

Many many other great speakers spoke, all of which can be found on www.impact.org. Very inspirational. My boss Farhan Thawar was also one of the many, as well as my childhood friend Kunal Gupta, who was also the founder of Impact.

It was neat how there were so opportunities and job prospects looking for people like us (entrepreneurs). Didn't really pounce on any at the time, though after I did meet with the President of Impact 2010, Alex, a week later for a position at Impact.

My friend Nick Hiotis came with me to the conference, and he got many calls for graphic designing, even from one of the people speaking at the Conference!

The conference inspired me in ways I never could have imagined. I'm now meeting with a lot of people who have potential business plans who think I can help them. Really quite amazing. I gotta get started on these!!

Soo Inspired...

What an amazing weekend at the 2009 Impact National Conference literally full of talented and awe-inspiring people from all over Canada.

I will write more on this as soon as my xtremely late nights at Xtreme Labs start to recline and I finish PDENG.

PS: PDENG is the devil. If I or whoever else is reading this in the future think they're going through a rough patch, stop and just remember - atleast you're not doing PDENG. Whatever you're going through is better than going through PDENG.

And So It Begins...

Hazaa!

Turning 20, Being in Toronto and at Xtreme Labs, and still ever-evolving myself to be the best person I can be, the need and want of tracking what I do and think in a timely-wised manner has ever been on the rise. Thus, I've decided to use BlogSpot to write down thoughts, goals, or any anecdotes I have that I wish to keep somewhere but is still available to the public.