I began preparing for the Civil Services Examination in 2017. After two failed attempts at Preliminary examination in 2017 and 2018, I joined Hamdard Study Circle (HSC) in October 2018 and thus began the remarkable journey of UPSC, a dream that I always cherished. I spent 3 years in HSC and I can say with conviction that this place offers the best facilities that any aspirant can avail: Single rooms, discussion rooms for peer learning, a dedicated library, periodic tests, smart classroom, current affairs classes, answer writing sessions, recreational avenues (Football, Badminton, Table Tennis and Gym), etc. The most important aspect about my stay here has been peer learning. Daily answer writing in a group and discussions with fellow aspirants made this journey enjoyable and instilled a competitive spirit among all of us. Experience from aspirants (at different stages of the examinations) helped in continuous improvement. I am especially thankful to HSC for taking very good care of us during the peak of the COVID pandemic. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Secretary, Samar Hamid sir, and Director, S. H. Hasan sir, for motivating me and believing in me when I was not offered a service in 2019. Samar sir's words "One should never desert hope even in the most unsurmountable of circumstances" will always be a lesson in my future endeavors.