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10 Things you can do till the 31st

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As the world gets engulfed into a pandemic with mass-hysteria and banging thaalis at the drop of a hat, what can one do till 31st?

Cramped up between internals and 9 AM lectures, we were dying for the mid-semester breaks, but no one, absolutely no one knew what was in store for us. On 12th March, the University of Delhi (DU) Registrar declared the postponement of classes, exams, internals till 31st March, 2020. Stuck within the four walls of your house, how can you make the maximum out of social distancing and quarantine? 

 

  • Bond With Your Family 

Agreed, not everyone has a healthy relationship with their parents and quarantine can take an emotional toll on them, let’s get together and cry over our collective trauma. For the rest of us, we cry our hearts out on ghar ka khana and mom’s remembrance, try to relive the pre-college days, try to re-bond and repair the broken threads of your family. As Karan Johan says, ‘it’s all about loving your parents.’

 

  • Binge! Binge! Binge! 

On a normal college-day schedule, we’ll spend the night away binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine, complaining the next day whilst missing the 9 AM lecture and bragging about our body’s ability to function in three-hours’ sleep. Now, all you got to do 24*7 is to binge your heart’s content out, and with absolutely no one asking you to go out. Aditi Gutgutia, a student of Lady Shri Ram College spends her time binge-watching on CID, reliving her childhood, you see. 

 

  • Reconnect With Your School Friends 

People change, old bonds break and there is no shame in trying to reconnect with them (unless they are toxic, then stay 3000 light-years away). They are probably just one call away and equally bored switching from one app to another. My personal favourite would be playing online games with them, online quizzes, drawing oranges, carrots, and bananas. 

 

  • Read & Write! 

That Agatha Christie that you bought from a book store in Kolkata is waiting to be touched, felt, explored, devoured. Open your bookshelf and finally finish that book you have been postponing since you started college. Great reads produce great writers, don’t forget to write, other than being a great coping mechanism and an outlet to channelise your deepest thought, writing is relaxing. As Prabhanu Kumar Das has been productively utilising the uncalled for breaks diving into his literature. “I have been reading my usual college readings, trying to expand on my understanding of marxism, reading Lenin, some Bukowski, I have been writing articles and poetry.”

 

  • Journaling

We wouldn’t have ‘The Diary Of A Young Girl’ unless Anne Frank journaled through the holocaust. Record. Write. Vlog. We are narrating the tales of COVID-19 and quarantine ruining our attendance and non-existent social life. Shakir Subhan or the ‘Mallu Traveller’ continued to vlog as he was admitted into an isolation ward at a government hospital in Kannur. Several patients have been regularly tweeting or maintaining blogs, tracking their symptoms and giving regular updates.

 

  • Do-It-Yourself! 

Those aesthetic notebook covers, t-shirts, gifts, phone covers, that you saw on a YouTuber’s video, do it, girl! All of us are going to come out as chefs and bakers with the over the top Maggi experiments and mud cakes. With time by our side, unleash your hidden creative genius and explore. Experiment and be the Rancho you always wanted to be, like Akshat Arora says, “I am so bored out of my wits that I uninstalled my Windows, downloaded Linux and then downloaded Windows again. My laptop hates me now.”

 

  • Meditate

Quarantine can take a toll on one’s mental health, increasing anxiety and making it extremely stressful for some. Center for Disease Control and Prevention enlists a set of guidelines on how to manage and cope with building anxiety and stress. Meditation can if not cure but reduce and help one calm their senses. Amidst raging fear, hysteria, and deaths, it is essential to look after one’s mental health too.

 

  • Chill Minus The Guilt

An idle mind is a devil’s workshop, or is it? Productivity guilt teaches you that it is pertinent to keep on working, be productive, produce any physical or tangible change. The pandemic hysteria can be too drastic on one, it is alright to sit idle, stare at the wall and contemplate one’s existence. Take a break. Year-long we are overwhelmed with assignments, internships, society, for once, as we are asked to stay put, in silence, do that, minus the guilt. 

 

  • Clean & Organise

Our life is a mess doesn’t mean our rooms have to be, too. Clear that wardrobe, fold that bedsheet, clear your study table, organise your bookshelf. My friends and I have uncovered childhood mark sheets and assignments from the bottom of our school bags. Help organise and rearrange the house, help your family out, stay hygienic, clean and sanitize!

 

  • Look Out For Others

Elderly and the immunodeficient are vulnerable to COVID-19. Keep your parents and grandparents under check, look after yourself, self-care is essential. In times of such dystopia, it is all the more important to stay strong and fight this together. 

Students of Mumbai University were met with an unforeseen postponement of their examinations, Nandini Sukhija, a student of the same, says, “I study a bit because my remaining four exams got postponed. Since all my family members are working from home, we usually find time to play cards or Ludo. I plan to spend a self-care day, using face masks and hair care products. I might as well start with a new tv series.”

Feature Image Credits: Anukriti Mudgil for DU Beat

Anandi Sen

[email protected] 

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DUB Speak

The Dynamic Nature of Holidays

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As we end this holiday season, our reverence level for holidays reaches its zenith. What is it about these cherished days that we can never seem to let go of them? Exploring the dynamics and understanding the nitty-gritties of this short period, we learn that its significance is ever-changing.

Holidays is that extended period of leisure and recreation where we break apart from the shackles of our monotonous routines, which had been throttling our freedom for a long while.  At different times of the year, holidays hold different significance for different people of myriad age groups. Invariably, irrespective of their background and age group, people wait for holidays with utmost eagerness.

Remember the time when we were tiny tots? Holidays were perceived differently then than we perceive them to be now. During those days, holidays meant an escape from all the horrors of school and a temporary respite from waking up early in the mornings.

For a high school student, holidays were not just about fun, but also about the subtle responsibility of doing holiday homework and studying simultaneously. The holiday season during that time was generally a recreation trip with one’s family. It suffices to say that holidays back then had a completely different essence, with us wishing for holidays to never end.

When we enter college, this scenario revolving around holidays changes in the very least. The need and desire for holidays shoots up skyrocketing, just like it did when we were school students. However, where it changes is that in college, students extensively use holidays for interning and learning new skills. This short break is also used as a means to recuperate from the everyday tiring college schedules. During college, a student spends a major amount time to augment his/her skills and to enrich the CV. Also, a lot of outstation students get a chance to go back to their hometown and get rejuvenated before the subsequent term of college begins. Holidays for them means connecting with family, rekindling the bond with friends, and meeting relatives. It would be an understatement to say that holidays play a highly significant and crucial role in a college student’s life.

As we grow older, this  essence of holidays gets remodelled in accordance with the stage of life we are currently experiencing, as not many holidays are available in the successive stages of life.  Understandably, when we are informed about any kind of a holiday, it becomes a matter of celebration. Some sleep in the entirety of their holidays to compensate for the loss of sleep, while the others make plans to travel.

Although the essence and dynamics of holidays keep changing, the need for holidays is imperative for each and every age group irrespective of one’s background. It’s important to cherish that small break by making up for the lack of sleep while simultaneously extracting the best from it while we can.

Feature Image Credits:

Sandeep Samal

[email protected]

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Features

7 Places to go on a Trip to During College Years

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What are you planning to do during the semester break? Have your thought of something your winter vacation yet? Breaks and holidays are usually spent lazying around binging on cheap Chinese food and addictive TV series. Don’t let the holiday blues get to you; pack a bag and go make some memories you’re your college friends!

College is the time to travel with new found friends, explore yourself, and enjoy to the fullest. These are some must-visit places that will remind you of good times during college years when you look back.

 

  1. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

This small town, situated in the midst of beautiful hills, is an attraction for tourists all the year round. Known for its charismatic weather and pretty cafes, this place is generally quiet, away from the honks and loud screams of the commercialised world. This little town also has a remarkable Buddhist culture with monasteries and schools dedicated to the propagation of the religion in the city.

 

  1. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Known for its scenic beauty, calm vibes, and serenity, Kasol is one of the most loved places especially for students who reside in Delhi. They flock to Kasol to escape the scorching heat of the capital. One can also trek to Malana or go till Tosh(which is frozen during the winter months) through Kasol.

 

  1. Jaipur, Rajasthan

The city of palaces has always been a major attraction for tourists for its historical significance and aesthetic charm. Often flooded during the Jaipur Literature Festival, it offers a huge variety of sites to explore, while paying ide to literature. The accessibility to this city is also a bonus – it is not more than a 6-hour drive from Delhi via a car or a bus.

 

  1. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Known for being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra is home to tales of grandeur and kingship. The Taj Mahal has, since time immemorial, attracted millions of people from all over the world to come and marvel at the monument of love. Fatehpur Sikri, around one and half hours away from Agra via road, is the land of the Buland Darwaza and the tale of Akbar’s son, Salim (later known as Jahangir).

 

  1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is the gateway to the iconic Rohtang Pass, the pretty cafes and alleys in Old Manali, and the amazing food! It has always been popular among travellers as a destination of exploration and finding the hidden love for the mountains within.

 

  1. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand  

Unlike any other hill station, Mussoorie is home to the ever favourite author Ruskin Bond. It is an overnight bus ride away from Delhi and the major advantage is that the author sits in his bookshop on Saturdays (that means a weekend worth of a change)!

 

  1. Amritsar, Punjab

Especially famous among the History folks, this place has seen the most traumatic phase of partition. Along with the famous Golden Temple and a rich history, it also has the Jallianwala Bagh which has the cries of millions still echoing within. Recently, the world’s first Partition Museum was inaugurated in Amritsar, and it is worth paying a visit to.

Make sure you go around all of them, and many more, before the three most beautiful years of your life come to an end!

 

Feature Image Credits: Mcleodganj Tours and Travels 

Ananya Bhardwaj

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

5 Best American Sitcoms of 90s that Still Remain a Classic

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During the first few days of a post-exam relaxation phase, it’s obvious that binge watching becomes an irresistible choice of indulgence. So after getting tired of sleeping for hours, I decided to turn to my television’s aid as a cure to my remaining exam hangovers. As I lay curled up in bed, flipping from one channel to another to find the most perfect show in a maze of television series, I immediately stopped at a place which relaxed the motion of my hand instantly.

Despite watching each episode more than a hundred times and owning a set of all its seasons to increase the numbers even more, I still knew I’d be unable to find any show better than FRIENDS to give me the solace I needed. That’s when I was drawn to a realization that despite being addicted to numerous shows throughout my teenage years, I always found myself coming back to those few all-time favorite classic American series which not only possess a power to cheer us up within seconds, even today, but also make us relive a bundle of golden memories that we hardly get time to remember and cherish in our busy lives.

So while some are still being aired in India (luckily), and some aren’t (unfortunately), here is a list of the TOP FIVE American Television Sitcoms of 1990s that we never seem to get enough of – and neither do we ever hope to!

1. FRIENDS (1994-2004)

With more than twenty years of its release, it remains till date, undoubtedly, the most loved and sought-after show ever produced in the history of television. Centered on the lives of six friends in Manhattan and their impetuous ups and downs, this show makes one generation after another laugh uninhibitedly and teaches the older ones that some addictions (or almost all jokes of this show) never get old. From Ross’s professed love for dinosaurs and Phoebe’s unique ice-breaking song collections to Monica’s neurotic enthusiasm and Chandler’s biting sarcasm, there was something hilariously charming in each one that glued us to them forever.

Whether it’s Joey’s “How you doin’?” to his utter refusal for sharing of food or Ross and Rachel’s “We were on a BREAK” fiasco to Phoebe’s signature composition- Smelly Cat, there’s always something one can easily find to smile or laugh about in all its episodes which almost make us oblivious to our problems in life, as long as we’re in their presence. As time passes by, these six friends in ten seasons of happiness are bound to “Be there for you” for life.

(Currently being aired from Monday-Friday at 9 pm on COMEDY CENTRAL, India)

First episode of Season One, Friends

Image credits: www.stylearena.net

2. Full House (1987-1995)

There is something magical about this very name which brings a wide smile across anyone’s face who has ever been lucky enough to watch it. Contrary to the popular belief, this American family revolutionized the family culture in the most real and sweetest way possible. The awesome trio of Danny Tanner, the Father (the sensible one), Uncle Jesse, his brother-in-law (the handsome one) and Uncle Joey, his best friend (the dorky one) showed how raising three little girls- DJ (the tomboy one), Stephanie (the mischievous one) and Michelle (the coolest one) under one roof was no piece of cake, and yet, in their most cracking sense of humor handled every single dilemma from their very first steps, school days to boyfriend dramas in an unbelievably adorable way.

Apart from Jesse’s ‘Elvis’-ness and Joey’s goofiness, what made this show even better were the comical ways in which the sisters never left a single chance to mess with each other. DJ and Stephanie’s arguments on the most random issues being complimented with baby Michelle’s priceless reactions were served like an icing on top of the cake.

Michelle Tanner, the youngest, funniest and cutest of the three siblings in Full House.

Image credits: www.cdn3.teen.com or www.lovelace-media.imqix.net

3. That 70s Show (1998-2006)

Set in the spirit of 1970s- the decade of love and rock ‘n’ roll, this is one show that dials up every possible level of craziness and gets you fixated on the most ridiculously flawed group of teenagers after only one episode. The major plot revolves around Eric Forman, a typical geek with a forever-confused look, born to Red and Kitty Forman, a father who lived for the joy of his son’s embarrassment and a vivaciously cool mother whose wittiness was incomparable to that of any teenager.

With Eric’s consistent chaos with his sensible girlfriend, Donna and the pretty rich brat, Jackie’s clash of views with her incredibly dim-witted boyfriend, Kelso, were the two relationships which formed the foundation of a never-ending amusement. Fez, a young ambiguous foreigner and Hyde, the indifferent sarcastic king of the group further completes their entire entertainment package with a kick. The influence of the gang remains as strong as it ever was as I still find myself grooving to their title song, nodding my head along with them and singing its lyrics; and finding a comfort like no other.

(Currently being aired from Monday-Friday at 8:30 pm on FX)

‘Cheap Trick In The Street’- the theme song of That 70’s Show. Caution: Highly Addictive. Listen at your own risk.

Image credits: www.8smash.com

4. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

All those who’re aware of this show know exactly just how amazing it is to reminisce some of its best moments with another Seinfeld fan/s, especially since one gets to live such moments quite rarely. Being aired only for a brief period of time in India and then rerun with a couple of episodes few years back was not enough to do the show justice. While the trend of the 80’s fashion or payphones may have been outdated, the jokes certainly haven’t.

Be it Elaine’s goofball complexity and quirky attitude towards life or George’s hilariously adorable “paranoid, totally inadequate, completely insecure” character’s relatability, Kramer’s epic entries, wackiest expressions and static hairdo to Jerry’s alluring charisma, everything in the show just blended perfectly well together. Like every true Seinfeld fan, I would have to say, “That’s gold, Jerry! Gold!” and so it shall always remain, with all the present sitcoms in comparison to it being simply “Yada Yada Yada…”

Seinfield’s Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer- the coolest group of friends television has ever witnessed.

Image credits: www.img.buzzfeed.com

5. The Simpsons (1989-2016)

The very fact that a show of the 90s has been able to garner such an endless amount of love and appreciation that its story continues till date, reaching a peak of 27 seasons is more than enough to mark its appeal in the world. Set in the town of Springfield, the Simpsons are an exceptional, one-of-a-kind family that every child wished to be a part of. The humorous affairs mostly concentrate on the lives of Homer Simpson’s atypical anti-father/husband figure running on the ambition of unproductive-ness, endless donuts and laziness, his wife Marge, an ideal housewife and a caring mother who tries her best to keep her family as remotely sane as possible with their three kids- Bart, the impulsive troublemaker, Lisa, the vegan, smarty-pants and Maggie, an infant of the family.

Over the years, after having witnessed a plethora of animated shows, it has been proved that none of them have been able to come anywhere close to this pure comedic brilliance of animation and achieve the replacement of a family as dysfunctional and idyllic as the Simpsons.

Homer and his wife, Marge Simpson- the most EPIC couple of the animated world of television.

Image credits: www.i.imgur.com

I sometimes wonder how life would have been had these shows never been produced. Well, certainly not the greatest one, that’s for sure. If only I could go back in time and watch each one of them all over again, for the very first time, I would. So while these sitcoms continue to remain close to my heart, I’d suggest those who have never watched some of them (or any, God Forbid!) to take out some time in these holidays and experience the nostalgia of 1990s along with happiness and laughter on a whole new dimension.

Happy Holidays!

Shagun Marwah

[email protected]

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The why, how and where of going on a road trip in a rented car

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Driver’s license? Check.

Technically, that’s all you need!

If you love travelling and doing it on your own terms, then renting a car is the best option for you. All you need is a driver’s license, a little cash and enough confidence and you are set! With only a few days left for the next semester to begin, a road trip could be just what you need to refresh your mind and face it head on.

Why take a road trip?

There are many reasons to go on such a trip at least once. Leaving the sheer fun of it aside,

  1. There is the advantage of getting to know your friends better. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them and therefore will get to learn things about them which otherwise remain unobserved. You will have to respond to many different situations and the type of responses might be interesting and helping you know each other better.
  2. You can stop wherever you want and take your own time to enjoy the road as you would like, without having to worry about missing your train/ bus. You’ll need to keep track of the hours, though, you do not want to end up paying too much for the rented car. Moreover if you are the one driving, it teaches you to be a better driver.
  3. Besides, there is just no limit on how many new experiences one can come across. Taking risks and managing a trip within budget is a fun thing to do altogether. A completely independent trip gives you the chance to explore off- beat places (stay safe though!) and leaves you as a much more responsible person.

Where can one take a road trip to?

There are many beautiful places you can visit that are not too far from Delhi. There is Jaipur, Manali, Mcleodganj or Mussoorie among others. Jaipur takes a minimum of five hours to travel. It is a short and easy route and ideal for beginners who do not have the experience of travelling on their own. For Manali you will have to travel for around 11 to 13 hours. You can even stop at Shimla and Chandigarh, which fall along the way. One of the most beautiful places to travel to is Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh. The green expanse and chilly heights and rustic atmosphere will make you fall in love with the place. Anywhere you go, it is always best if you start early morning at around 4 am.

Where does one rent a car from?

There are many agencies in Delhi which provide cars on rent like Volercars, Carzonrent and Ecorentacar all of which have websites with abundant information. One thing to look for is whether the agency charges by the hour or by the day. It is better to opt for by-the-hour since it helps you reduce unnecessary extra costs. For this reason, I prefer Volercars. They drop the car where you want with a full tank and pick it up from there as well. You will have to return the car with a full tank, of course. They also have a very good helpline service, which is another thing to look at. In case of any problem along the road, it is better to check with the agency as to what steps can be taken and whether they have help stations along the road. Other terms and conditions are pretty much the same everywhere. The car should also be checked before the trip. If some damage is pre-done then the agency must be informed.

These are just a few tips one needs to keep in mind for a trip. If you have the required skill set and the desire to get out of the city before the new year, then this is without a doubt the best option available!

Arindam Goswami
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LBBD’s guide to the perfect holiday plan

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Little Black Book Delhi brings DU Beat’s readers something awesome to explore for the fortnight! This week help you plan your holidays!

With the month packed with Christmas and the New Year approaching we are all shopping and preparing for our trips. This time we give you places to pick up some new shawls and stoles and great place to pick up cakes! For those who are not travelling could spend time learning a new skill and or take a quick break from the city.

Shopping

A great new collection of leather boots and jackets are available at Sarojini market and Paharganj {Light on wallet too!}. Gift shopping can never get better at Shahpur Jat.  LBBD’s also picked out a special selection of stores for shawls and stoles; don’t forget to check them out!

Shawls and stoles | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/26904/shops-shawls-stoles-delhi/

Shopping in Shahpur Jat | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/18530/little-black-book-for-shahpur-jat/

Paharganj Guide | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/8364/simply-digging-pahadganj/

Dance classes around town

Whether its energetic jazz or the good old classical Indian dances forms, Delhi has everything in its stores. A new skill never hurt anyone!

Details | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/17919/delhi-dance-classes-and-centres/

Classical Schools | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/19364/classical-dances-little-black-book/

Learn a new language

Spice up everyday conversation from ‘Hello! How are you?’ to ‘Hola! Que tal?’ There is the whole range of European language centers in the city along with places that teach regional and language from the sub-continent.

Foreign Languages | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/14059/foreign-language-courses-delhi-lbbd/

Language from the Sub-Continent | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/25040/zabaan-language-courses/

Quick Getaways

If you haven’t planned a trip, the city has some quick getaway destinations. One can enjoy the spa at the gorgeous Neemrana Fort or spend some quiet time reading at Chambal Safari Lodge. If you are visting Goa, do try some of our favorites at the beach town.

Details | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/25858/5-roadtrips-delhi/

Goa Plans | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/27093/guide-things-to-do-goa/

Cakes

The festive season is the perfect reason to explore new bakeries and cakes to cut. If you look at the right places, the city has prepared some new flavors beyond the everyday chocolate and pineapple. Here are our favorite bakers in town.

Bakeries | http://littleblackbookdelhi.com/23716/bakeries-delhi/

Join us on www.littleblackbookdelhi.com for more of the best of the city! Write to us at [email protected] for any suggestions, recommendations or inputs.

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5 things to do in the Post-Exam Break

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After almost a month of last minute cramming, pulling off all nighters (successfully or not) and running on endless caffeine, the post-exam break is now here. Here’s our compilation of the top 5 things to do in it:

1.  Watch Breaking Bad

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You cannot miss this! Watch all the seasons of this amazing TV show called Breaking  Bad, if you haven’t yet. In case you are already done with it, download a TV show which you have been waiting to see all this while but were too lazy to download. Do complete AT LEAST one TV series. Other must-watch shows suggestions include Sherlock (the UK release date of season 3 has been announced as 1st January 2014), Suits, Parks and Recreation and Arrested Development. Even while you are reading this, keep the downloading tab open!

2. Read

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Read everything written by  Gabriel Garcia Marquez and/or Amitav Ghosh. You are going to cherish reading their work and one day, you will be glad that someone gave you this piece of advice. Winter holidays are the best days to have some good reads since you can creep into your blanket with a cup of hot coffee beside you and have a great time while reading.

3. Go for  road trips

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Road trips are fun. Push yourself inside a car with your buddies, keep the music volume high, break the 60km/h or the 80km/h speed limit and see how amazing life can get. This should not be done on busy roads of course. STAY SAFE.

4. Sleep

sleep-1

Among all the other things, do not forget that this is the only time when you do not have to wake up early for classes and it is going to last only for some days. So sleep as much as you want to. But, remember not to perpetuate yourself into a state of total inactivity.

5.  Experiment with your looks

expectation-new-year-new-look

Let those people who have been seeing you in the same look since like eternity heave a sigh of relief. New looks are usually given the best compliments. Even if you don’t do it for people, do it for yourself. Everybody needs changes. You too. Try while you can.

One last option? Hunt for an internship through our internship updates! With these words, I hope you make your break worth having. Have a good one people! 

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