Shloka Ambani recently shared a piece of advice she would give her younger self in a video posted by the Rosy Blue Foundation on February 18. Her message resonates with the younger generation. Her advice is deeply rooted in courage as she encouraged learning beyond the classroom. Her advice extends across the key facets of youth life, from career choices to friendships.
In the video, she said, “Be less afraid, take the risk. Sometimes opportunities are presented as difficult decisions, but do them and travel as much as you can, especially when you are in college and before you come back, you will learn more on those trips and those experiences than you will ever learn in a classroom.”
What does it mean?
Her advice is relevant for college students and touches on two key areas: embracing unconventional opportunities and travelling.
The first part, about opportunities, encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones. College is one of the few phases in life where taking risks feels viable. Trying something new, whether it is a different course, side project, or internship, following a passion, all usually carry low stakes. This way, if it does not work out, there is still time with enough flexibility to start again.
Likewise, for the second part: travelling, Shloka’s advice is equally insightful. Planning an itinerary, making bookings, managing finances, coordinating schedules and interacting with new people all build practical, real-world skills, whether it is decision-making abilities or problem-solving in tense situations. It’s time you convince your friends to take the trip out of the group chat, and for good reasons.
ALSO READ: Last-minute trip? 13 secret light packing hacks that can save your day
These experiences make the students learn more, real, functional skills that are usually limited within a regular, formal, structured education system.
Why is it relevant for youth today?
This advice is particularly relevant for youth today. With the hustle culture permeating the lives of young people, especially those in college, from constant upskilling to taking on back-to-back projects, many are so focused on staying ahead and paving out the future, securing it with ‘experience’, they may miss the joy and experience the present has to offer.
While ambition and hardwork are important, they need to be balanced, so that at the same time you can also embark on meaningful experiences for special life lessons.
Some of the most valuable life lessons do not always come from formal academic checklists or certifications, but from the adventures shared with friends. These moments might, on the surface, appear to be casual shenanigans of youth, but the truth is they teach a lot, from independence, emotional wellbeing to resilience and better social skills.
Soon, work will have a dominant presence in life anyway in future. Over time, friends drift apart, schedules stop aligning, calendars clash, and life pulls people in different directions. That is why in college, there is a beautiful window to explore, learn new things, and take risks. They become memorable, so when you look back, you can be proud and feel fulfilled.
