YouthLink, my University of Life

Feature story — Written by Gwjwn

Gwjwn

Gwjwn Daimari first heard about Auroville while he was working on his B.Sc. in Physics at Pondicherry University. He returned to his native Assam after completing his degree but came back in 2022 to explore Auroville. After volunteering at Kinisi, he eventually made his way to YouthLink and has been a full time volunteer team member since April of this year.

Working at YouthLink has been truly a transformative experience that will have a lifelong impact on me. It has become more than just a job; it is a place of continuous learning, personal growth, constant progress, a place to explore the meaning of community, and a place where I can try to reach my full potential. YouthLink to me is a lot like a university.

YouthLink values practical knowledge and real-life learning experiences that are truly valuable in shaping our own lives as well as the lives of those who are connected with us. The environment fosters personal development and skills acquisition beyond what can be found in textbooks.

My time at YouthLink has surpassed my expectations of a traditional workplace. Team members share a special bond that goes beyond our professional duties. We genuinely enjoy each other's company and often choose to spend time together even outside of work. This has led to strong friendships that will last a lifetime.

One of the most inspiring aspects of our team is our shared dedication to creating a positive impact in the community and beyond. The team is united because all of us serve a common goal. This encourages us to think beyond ourselves and work towards making a meaningful impact in Auroville and elsewhere around the globe. Our sense of unity and mutual support enables us to work efficiently and effectively. Where there are work related challenges or personal struggles, everyone is there to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

The way YouthLink operates is a unique approach. We start each day by sharing how we feel, fostering mindfulness and empathy. Decisions are made collectively, allowing every team member to contribute their thoughts and ideas. Before we start talking, we raise our hands to politely ask questions or to have important discussions during a meeting. This ensures that everyone feels heard and valued. Moreover, tasks are not merely seen as obligations, but rather as personal commitments that we are enthusiastic about undertaking. I invest my entire effort into the work I engage in. It's not like ‘I have to do it’ but more like ‘I want to do it’.

For me, conventional universities are just about earning certificates and scoring high marks. YouthLink, on the other hand, is like an upgraded university where I can work on my personal growth while developing skills necessary for my life.