Aditya's offer letters helped him regain his father's lost faith in him.

                Aditya Aishwary - Asst. Manager in Java Development for Edelweiss Financial Services

"As a child, I always used to get curious about every minute thing. During my childhood days, technology was not much developed like it is today. So, whenever I saw any technology-related thing I used to get very curious and excited about it. I just wanted to know everything that goes behind the making of it. Along with me, technology was also growing and so was my interest in it. When I saw a computer for the first time I got totally attracted to its functioning and capability. More I got to know about the computers, more I  liked it. My interest in computers was growing every day. Soon I realized my interest lies in the field of technology, so I decided to convert my interest into a career.

I passed the Xth standard in 2009 with 85.4% marks. I then moved to Patna to complete my schooling. I finished my schooling in 2011. I always wanted to do something in the field of technology and information and a degree in BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY  could only transform my dreams into reality. For pursuing B.Tech, I decided to move to Bangalore. When I told this to my parents, my mother had faith in me but my father was skeptical about it. When I told this to my relatives they were also not convinced. I got to hear from almost all of my relatives. But I was determined towards my goals and had self-belief.  My hunt for colleges started. I would spend all day sitting on the chair in front of the computer just to find a good college. During this too, I got to hear so many things from my relatives. They said I am just wasting my time and money and whatnot. But I kept my search going on and I found CMRIT. I found this college perfect for shaping my dream career and making it come true. I did not listen to anything and packed my bags along with clothes, essentials, and jeers from my family members. I boarded the train all alone for a city that was waiting for me. I reached Bangalore and the city welcomed me with open arms. I reached my college and got myself enrolled in B.Tech. Without a doubt, I chose Information Science as my branch. At times, calls from my family and relatives made me feel alone. But then I understood, if I had been alone, I wouldn't have had money in my pocket for my admission. My college started and with that college life started as well. Now I thought everything will return to normal. My father would start believing me just like my mother. I thought now my relatives will talk to me without telling me that my decision was wrong. But I was wrong. They added new taunts. They said this college won't help me get good placements, and I should prepare for other exams as well, and I'm just wasting the hard-earned money of my parents. I decided not to revert and let my achievements speak to them.

I always worked hard in my college to regain the faith of my father and the relatives. Whenever I got appreciated in my college even for the slightest thing, I used to call my family and tell them with the hope they will appreciate me too. I won't lie they appreciated me but they added that this won't help me get a good job. My family stayed connected just through a phone call. Not even a single person came to see me in Bangalore. When my semester breaks would, I would pack my bags and board the train with a thought that papa will be happy with me now, but every time I realized I was was wrong. I understood it's a long journey and only my job could bring their lost faith back in me. When I used to visit my relatives and if I showed them the pictures from college, college functions or the places I visited, they only said that I am wasting the money of my parents for my enjoyment. I was always cautious about my actions as every action of mine would bring with it unwanted jeers from everyone. I was even jugged for using deodorant or wearing expensive watches of my friends at home. I just became a mere subject for everything. I never took all this against me. I always took it as their blessings and every day before leaving for college, I just said one thing to me and that was 'I have to regain the faith of my father back'.  I worked hard each and every day not to prove to others but to prove to myself that my decision of coming to Bangalore and choosing this college was not wrong. As said I always took every taunt as my motivation and I think all these things along with my determination helped me become what I am. I was glad when I handed four offer letters to my mom who was my constant supporter throughout my journey. Along with every offer letter, I also started getting back the lost faith of my father and my relatives back in me. I remember the day when I called my father and told him about the offer letter I got from MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES. The voice that I heard from the other side of the phone made me believe I have succeeded. I told all of my relatives about the offer letter and they all became very happy. That day I slept with a smile on my face and satisfaction that I have regained back the most important thing in my life. In all the four years of my college life and 3 years of working professionally, my family visited me last year and that was the best time for me. 

Now, I have been working for 3.5 years. My first job was with Manhattan Associates and the position offered to me was of a Software Engineer. My first job was not just because of hard work. I realized pretty early what's required to get placed and what is not required. I just focused on what is needed and claimed my first job. The compensation figures do not matter to me. What matters is the fact that I know what I am worth. In this job, I got one promotion as well. But my hunger to learn never gets satisfied. When learning stops, one stops to grow. After 3 years, I switched my company and joined Edelweiss Financial Services as an Asst. Manager in Java Development.

Parents and family are always with you. Maybe you can't see it very clearly but take a pause and think again. I always had it in my mind that I'm living alone in a distant city for a reason. If I fail to achieve, all the effort would go in vain. I always wondered if after four years I return empty-handed what could their emotions be and this kept me going not only for those four years but also even now. I took everything as a blessing. Whatever I am today I owe this to my parents and my family. Now I just believe if you have determination, confidence, and self-belief, you can get everything. One thing which I learned is that 'you always have the support of your family; it's just that, they may differ from others."

Instagram - @adityaaishwary


*The views expressed in the above article are of the writer and not Winged Club.