Since time immemorial, there has been a profound statement: 'Human beings are social animals.' Paying homage to this saying, we have done everything possible to create, maintain, and sometimes retain our social circles. Some circles become so close and intricate that they transform into a family outside your own family ; a space where you can be yourself, express yourself, and improve yourself. This relationship evolves from professional to friendly, eventually crossing into your personal space.

The year was 2023, and I found myself searching for connections after completing my Master's degree from Ace Institute of Management. Beyond the basic human need for connection, as a business student, I realized that networking and building connections are crucial. You never know who you might need at a particular point in your life. The possibilities are endless.

Being an extrovert by nature, from school to college, from the theatre stage to the education stage, I have always needed people around me to socialize, network, and keep myself energized. While looking for inspiration, I stumbled upon a group of like-minded individuals who shared a passion for public speaking and expression ; the Ace Toastmasters club, right here at my workplace. A group of students and alumni committed to becoming better versions of themselves every day, while having fun in the process. It felt like home, a place where I longed to be, and now I was finally here.

Over the next few months, Ace Toastmasters became the gateway to new and better experiences in my Toastmasters journey. I visited multiple clubs with different specializations; from banking and hospitality to health, entrepreneurship, and local communities. Soon, casual greetings of 'Hello sir, how have you been?' evolved into 'Ooohoo dai, Whattttizzzz upp?!' As professional barriers began to fade, personal connections took center stage, Ace Toastmasters became a home outside my home, a family outside my family.

The learning never stops. Whether I am at Ace Toastmasters or any other club in Nepal, the 1.5-hour meetings are always engaging. Every activity offers a unique takeaway that adds value to our personalities. While the professional learning environment is never compromised, the addition of like-minded individuals often leads to informal chats, laughter, and amazing bonhomie.

At Ace Toastmasters, my home club, we do many things to keep ourselves entertained. As a marketing student, a teacher, and someone who applies these learnings practically, I've come to realize that the best club experiences attract people to join and keep them coming back. At Ace Toastmasters, we have activities that range from traditional Maori Haka performances to cultural Gujarati Garba warm-ups, to doing the beats of Queen's: We will rock you, to start the meeting, full of energy. This blend of unique experiences and valuable learning throughout the meeting sets Toastmasters apart from other clubs.

Today, as I reflect on my time in Toastmasters, I can confidently say that some families are those we are born into, and some are those we create and deserve. The Ace Toastmasters Club and the Toastmasters fraternity, in general, have become a family I've earned and cherished.

The most special moment so far was January 17, 2025 ; a milestone in my life, the day of my wedding. If someone had asked, 'Who are your best men for the day?' The answer would have been my friends from Toastmasters. They celebrated with me and welcomed my better half as if she were one of their own. From the Biryani Party to cycling days, hikes, and the highest treks, my Toastmasters family has been with me through it all.

Over the last two years as a Toastmaster, I've realized that my experience has been nothing short of resplendent. It has provided me with a circle that not only focuses on achieving professional goals but also supports me in reaching personal milestones.

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the ability to communicate, connect, and collaborate is more important than ever. Toastmasters, for me, has been a powerful bridge; not just for building public speaking skills, but for creating meaningful relationships that go far beyond formal interactions. It has shown me that socializing isn't just about meeting people; it's about growing together, learning from one another, and celebrating each other's milestones.

By establishing the Ace Toastmasters Club, Ace Institute of Management has given its students and alumni one of the greatest platforms to nurture their confidence, leadership, and community spirit. It has created an environment where members not only enhance their professional skills but also find a family to call their own. For anyone who wishes to improve themselves while building lasting connections, being a part of Ace Toastmasters is truly one of the best decisions they can make.

Indeed, as I mentioned, 'Human beings are social animals.' Being part of Toastmasters not only enriches our need for connection but also strengthens our professional network; a vital bridge for growth and opportunity. Sometimes, the bonds we build; a family beyond family and the people we meet at just the right moment can become the catalysts that steer our lives toward paths we hadn't even dreamed of.

So, just like the quote from FC Barcelona says: Mes Que Un Club, meaning More than a club, the same goes for Ace and Toastmasters. It's more than a club; it's my family outside my own family.