A Note of Appreciation
This one’s for Veena Srinivasan and Water, Environment, Land and Livelihoods (WELL) Labs.
As I embark on this new chapter of my life, stepping into my PhD journey, I cannot help but reflect on the incredible support that has brought me here. And at the heart of it all is Veena Srinivasan.
When I first met her back in 2022, I shared my dream of pursuing a PhD. From that very moment until the day I received my offer, she has been a constant source of guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support. Veena not only believed in my potential but also actively shaped the path forward — from recommending skills to acquire, courses to take, and people to reach out to, to helping me navigate the often daunting process of applications and interviews.
What stands out to me is how Veena led by example, involving me in every step of the way — writing, reading, and presenting. I distinctly remember the long hours we spent on my PhD application, with her going through every draft, line by line, and listening to every word of my interview preparation. Her dedication and care were beyond what anyone could expect, and for that, I am deeply grateful. She is a great mentor!
In a world where the employee-employer relationship often feels transactional, finding a mentor like Veena is truly rare. I feel incredibly fortunate, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the world envies me for having her as a mentor.
The people at WELL Labs have made it a place where you feel both challenged and valued. Throughout my time there, I experienced moments where I realized how much I still had to learn, but also moments where I felt like a master of something — respected for what I knew. WELL Labs created an environment where learning never felt intimidating, and success never felt isolating. It’s a balance that’s hard to find.
Honestly, I feel that WELL Labs has set the bar so high that any future workplace will have a tough time living up to it. The people, the culture, the growth — it’s hard to imagine finding something that compares.
In times when we often hear painful stories of toxic workplaces, WELL Labs stands as a testament to the opposite — a place where people, work, and happiness flourish hand in hand. Thank you, everyone at WELL Labs, for being the hope we all need.
I wish the world had more of Veena Srinivasan and more places like Water, Environment, Land and Livelihoods (WELL) Labs.
Bas kisi ki nazar na lage!!!