Walking the Talk
A Youth Guide to the Responsible Human Mission
Between the ages of 20 and 24, life is a whirlwind of first-time experiences and choices, often accompanied by questions. As young adults gain full autonomy and begin to negotiate academic and life pressures, they strive to create a life truly worth living. It isn’t just about securing a degree and finding a job; it’s a process of discovering who a person is, what they stand for, and, most importantly, what kind of future they want to build for themselves and their community. In this process, self-financing represents not only a tool for achieving financial independence but also a statement of self-trust and purpose.
Personal Development
One thing stands out above all else at this age: knowing yourself. Many students jump into career paths or academic programs without pausing to consider whether those truly resonate with their inner values and aspirations. A lack of self-awareness can lead to feelings of being lost or experiencing burnout in the pursuit of things that one was never meant to chase. Self-discovery does not occur overnight through major changes. It starts small through intentional practices like journaling one’s feelings, perhaps seeking counselling or having sincere conversations with someone they trust, attending various social causes, or exploring different academic areas and hobbies. The aim is to develop an internal compass so a person does not drift untethered in their twenties.
While majors and grades do matter, they are just the tip of the iceberg. In the present and future, what will truly make you stand out are the skills you nurture beyond the classroom. Mastering communication, collaborating with people who have entirely different backgrounds, feelings, ideas, ambitions, and opinions, developing solutions in ambiguous situations, and analysing problems creatively are fundamental skills that connect everything. Even tech proficiency is becoming an undeniable necessity, regardless of your major. Whether in commerce, humanities, or sciences, broadening your skillset can prepare you to be resilient and adaptable in an ever-changing world.
The balanced stones symbolize harmony and stability in personal growth
Conversely, it is also true that sometimes the road is rough. Rejection can be a valuable opportunity for growth. Whether it’s being rejected from a job application, a declined proposal, or any personal disappointment and pain, those moments can feel overwhelming. But the beauty of this age is that you have time. Each failure serves as feedback, not a final verdict. Analysing your experiences and rethinking your strategies with a bit more insight creates emotional endurance for lasting success. Failure at this stage should not frighten you; instead, it should be seen as a friend.
Maintaining your health is crucial throughout this entire journey of growth and hard work. What good is having an impressive CV if you burn out or are lethargic on the other side? Hustle culture encourages overworking and neglecting rest; however, it ultimately harms you in the long run. Your health is paramount; prioritize your sleep, nutrition, exercise, and regularly check in on your mental well-being, whether through therapy, meditation, or just taking two minutes to breathe. Create spaces for clarity and calm in this busy life. Don’t wait for a health crisis to teach you about the balance of work and life, learning should begin now. Purpose will fuel your energy on its own. When something larger than grades or paychecks motivates you, be it a social cause, curiosity, or a genuine love for your subject, staying motivated during tough times becomes easier. Your purpose doesn’t have to be set in stone or hold international acclaim.
Volunteering can be a rewarding way to give back to the community, gain new experiences, and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Community Engagement
Talking of community, these years are also when you know that your actions don’t only determine your life, they determine the lives of those around you. Getting involved in community-based activities can be extremely fulfilling. College students in India, for instance, typically participate in programs like the National Service Scheme (NSS), which helps young people participate in activities like blood donation camps, plantation drives, gender sensitisation programs, and others. Others take refuge in Rotaract Clubs or student-run NGOs where they are taught to strike a balance between service and leadership. These arenas enable young people to put their values into action and acquire hands-on experience in the real world.
Volunteering is another way to engage with social realities. Engaging in teaching underprivileged kids, working at health camps, and providing support to NGOs with operations, these deeds might be small, but their influence is great. And in this era of digital activism, activism need not be in person. You can leverage social media sites to raise awareness, fund causes, or just voice out concerns that are near and dear to your heart. The internet has given youth voices more clout than ever before. You can also participate in Youth Manifestos, initiate support circles, or start a small venture that addresses community issues. The key point is to remain involved with the world around, as the new generation has creativity, enthusiasm, and new perspectives, all of which the world is crying out for.
Creation of an Income Stream
Earning is also an avenue one must consider for financing oneself. The internet is filled with possibilities, including internships, freelancing, contributing to content, and part-time work, which you can complete along with your studies. Use platforms like Internshala, Upwork, and Fiverr to find entry-level opportunities for writing, designing, research, tutoring, and other aspects. One may even start a side hustle or monetize their blogs, Instagram, or YouTube following. With continuity and creativity, this can be an ongoing income stream.
Travel teaches you adaptability, cultural awareness, and independence.
Investment and Self-Financing
To begin to self-finance your travels and your life as well, one needs to learn to be financially disciplined. Track everything you spend, keep a record of how much you’re spending per category, and find ways to reduce your spending regularly (even in the smallest ways). Even on a tight student budget, when you allocate a “travel” budget, you can save significant amounts of money. Create a savings strategy and tally your monthly savings goal – even if you get down to just a few hundred rupees a week, the savings add up. In budgeting for travel, you learn to be disciplined, create and follow a plan, and practice deferred gratification – all important life skills. To further grow your savings, you can make your savings work as hard as you do through recurring deposits or short-term investments. Student-friendly financial tools exist that can help you earn money while you sleep, too; consider starting with a few SIPs (systematic investment plans) in low-risk mutual funds, or a high-interest bank account.
Start saving small today, and watch your money grow big over time!
Credit cards can also be investments in your overall financial portfolio as long as you are responsible with them. One should consider looking for student credit cards that give great travel points or cash back. Always pay your bills in full and on time, don’t borrow more than you can afford to pay back, and use credit like a resource instead of an escape. If you are thinking of a small travel loan, make sure you can afford the repayments and that your focus is still on your academic work.
Earning is also an avenue one must consider for financing oneself. The internet is filled with possibilities, including internships, freelancing, contributing to content, and part-time work, which you can complete along with your studies. Use platforms like Internshala, Upwork, and Fiverr to find entry-level opportunities for writing, designing, research, tutoring, and other aspects.
Mindful Travelling
Additionally, one of the most impactful ways to learn in your twenties is through travel. Though travel is often associated with luxury, travel, when done with clear intentions, can become a learning experience much beyond what any classroom can provide. You learn to adapt, be more confident, broaden your view of the world, meet different people, and have unique experiences. Figuring out local transport, communicating in new languages, or simply learning to adapt, every second spent travelling brings new challenges that compel you to learn and grow. However, travel costs money – this is where personal finance takes on a huge role.
Travel teaches you adaptability, cultural awareness, and independence.
If you are interested in a volunteer-based lodging option, explore opportunities on volunteering platforms like Workaway or Worldpackers, which allow you to exchange skills for food and accommodation.
Purpose & Power
But beyond your journey, don’t forget the larger vision. This stage of life is not just about you, it’s also about being an active participant in creating a more compassionate and equitable society. Educate yourself about inequality, climate injustice, and the world we live in. After doing this, don’t keep your knowledge to yourself. Share it. Create Instagram Carousels, write a blog, and talk to your friends. You don’t need a million followers or your own nonprofit; your voice can move mountains when used responsibly and with courage.
Lastly, cultivate circles of care around you. Simply express kindness and nurture relationships grounded in care. Community is where healing happens, and resilience grows. In a world that often feels fragmented, being someone who contributes to lifting others is quite revolutionary in its own right. When you become self-aware, develop your skills, nourish your body and mind, take hold of your financial autonomy, and stay connected to your purpose and community, you won’t merely endure your twenties; you’ll flourish.
You don’t have to have it all figured out yet. You only have to start.
