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.
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