One Year in London: Reflections from Day 365

Hi, today marks day 365 in London. One full year. And I cannot help but pause and reflect on how much has changed in this time.

When I first decided to come here, people kept telling me, “One year will fly.” I didn’t quite believe them. But now, as I look back, I realize how quickly it really did pass—though the year was anything but uneventful.

As I sit with my thoughts, a mix of feelings come up: I feel proud, grounded, and also both excited and nervous at the same time.

Why I Feel Proud

I’m proud of myself for taking the tough call to step back from EdZola after five years of building it, and to trust the team to run the show. That decision not only gave me the distance to see things differently, but it also allowed leadership within the team to step up. Everyone gave their best to keep our work going strong—and we actually grew this past year. That’s something I’m proud of, both for myself and for my team.

I’m also proud that I gave myself the gift of time—to immerse deeply in learning. For the first time, I studied something I genuinely loved and felt passionate about. It made me come alive in classroom discussions, pushed me to think differently, and gave me a kind of academic validation I’d never experienced before.

And yes, I also allowed myself to travel again—something I deeply enjoy but hadn’t been able to do since the pandemic. This year took me to places I’ll cherish forever.

Another thing I’m incredibly proud of is building a community here in London—people I genuinely want to spend time with and who give me energy. From the Goodenough community, where I’ve lived and laughed with people for a year, to the little things like checking in during dissertation season, cooking together, or co-working at Freddy’s café. Some of the best memories have been born out of impromptu plans—bumping into someone in the corridor, heading out for midnight ice cream, or just deciding on the spot to spend time together.

Then there are my SIE peers at LSE, who made classroom discussions richer and friendships deeper. Through EdZola’s work here, I’ve also met people in the Desis in Development space and other professional circles. And of course, my Teach For India buddies and other friends I’ve found along the way.

On the loneliest of days in London, it was this circle I leaned on—the people I confided in, laughed with, cried with, and built memories with. And that’s something I’m incredibly proud of too. If you're reading this, that means you have been a part of this journey, so thank you :)

Finally, I’m proud of laying the first stones for EdZola in the UK—working with charities here and starting from scratch in a country where I had zero connections. It’s been challenging, yes, but also very grounding.

Why I Feel Grounded

London has taught me perspective. Living here often feels like living in anonymity—you’re just one among millions, leading a life that’s almost invisible in this magnanimous city. That sense of being “insignificant” has been strangely liberating.

I came here worrying about EdZola, about moving, about how I’d adjust. But over time, I’ve realized most of these stresses are momentary and emotional. In the larger picture, nothing matters as much as we think it does. That realization has been almost… enlightening.

I still remember backpacking through Macedonia, surrounded by people who neither spoke my language nor knew where I came from. I was just another face in the crowd. In that anonymity, I felt how small my role really was in the grand scheme of things.

And yet, there was also Croatia—where I unexpectedly met people who shared common ground, and instantly, we had a connection. Those moments remind me that while we are small, there are always threads of connection waiting to be discovered.

Why I Feel Excited (and Nervous)

When I first landed here, I had the nervous excitement of a newcomer—learning the ways of London, building friendships, adjusting to life here. Today, I feel a very similar energy.

I’ve decided to stay in London for another three months, this time with a single focus: expanding EdZola’s presence in the UK. It feels like day one all over again—starting from scratch, taking risks. And that’s both exciting and scary.

Recently, I was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a community of over 30000 people working on big ideas for social impact. Standing there, speaking with others, felt like another step forward on this journey.

And on a personal note—I’m about to live with a friend as a flatmate for the first time. That’s new territory too, and I’m curious and excited about how that will unfold.

So, here I am—one year in. Feeling proud, grounded, excited, and nervous. I don’t know how the next chapter will unfold. There will be hits, and there will be misses. But if this year has taught me anything, it’s that time, intention, and effort always shape the story in their own way.

Here’s to the next 90 days in London. Let’s see where it takes me.