From the sixth grade onward, we were introduced to additional subjects. I felt burdened like any other student and lacked determination and seriousness. I hadn’t performed well in the fifth standard. Concerned, my mother decided to hire a home tutor, Chetna Mam, to whom I am deeply grateful. If you are reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Despite her financial struggles, Chetna Mam was highly intelligent and her life’s practical examples inspired me greatly. Her guidance transformed my thought process, and I gradually became serious about my studies. I started scoring well and consistently ranked within the top ten in my class.
At that time, we were not financially stable. My parents made significant sacrifices and struggled tremendously, yet they shielded me from our financial realities and provided the best of everything. This environment fostered my determination to achieve something significant in life. I aimed to prove to my parents that I was as capable as any son and also sought to set records in both my family and school.
During my Class 10 board exams, there were intentional disturbances at home—loud music, television on full blast—which were challenging as I needed complete silence to study. Despite these obstacles, I managed to score 88%, placing fourth highest in my school. Although I was disappointed for not topping my school, I was proud of my achievement and had a strong desire to pursue science and become an engineer.
Unfortunately, my school did not offer science courses for higher education, and my parents could not afford to send me to another school where I could study science, due to the high cost of books. When reapplying, I went with my mother to enroll in the 11th grade at the same school. My principal urged me to attend a different school and pursue science. However, I interjected, telling her, “Mam, it’s my decision to study commerce, and I want to continue my education here.” I’ve always believed that “everything happens for a reason,” and I felt that choosing science might have led to failure. As a 16-year-old girl, I decided to study commerce at the same school.
Even then, things were not easy; my sister’s engagement was called off just days before my boards, creating a vulnerable situation at home. Instead of losing hope, I chose to fight and focus on my studies. My determination paid off as I topped the 12th standard ISC Board. My parents, siblings, friends, relatives, and principal were incredibly proud of me, and my achievement was even highlighted in the newspaper. It was my first significant accomplishment, and I felt on top of the world, elated by the tears of joy in my parents’ eyes and the pride expressed by my sisters.
Advice for My Readers: Don’t just dream; you are the only one responsible for turning your vision into reality. If you dream big, be prepared for obstacles. Never lose hope, remain steadfast, and continue working towards your dreams.
2 replies on “A Topper’s Inspiring Journey: From Trials to Triumph”
Great, I salute you. In spite of adversities you achieved to be within top 10 in your class. What is your secret to start liking it and grasping the material?
Also, the suggestion for f doing ling mudra was great to overcome cold.
Thanks a lot.
Thank you for your kind words.
I am glad you found mudra useful.
I come from a humble background and since childhood my mother ingrained in us that we are nowhere less than boys and need to be independent. These eyes have also witnessed torture and bruises experienced by my parents though they did hide everything from me consciously for myself being the youngest. I had that ignited fire within to be something and give them a better life.