Everyone had been through hard times in some form and these not only test our mettle but shape our personality and bring out best quality in us. I am not a great story teller, nor I enjoy amour-propre of my stunts, but I would like to share one of lacunae in my life and how I challenged it to be where I am today.
I had my schooling from one of centrally funded residential School, which has its inclination towards training for armed force services. I was a bright student and had cleared a state level exam to get into it. I took admission in sixth grade and our routine was really tough. Our day would start at 5.30 AM with rigorous physical training like running long distances, exercising and other physical drills. The classes would star around 8.30 AM after breakfast and morning assembly and continue till 2.30 PM. The next slot would start with 3.30 PM compulsory sport followed by evening preparatory class in evening till 8.30PM and dinner. This routine would continue irrespective of weather or time of year except vacations in which we went home. Every one of us participated whole heartedly and prepared with same aim to join the Armed forces. This rigorous routine we followed for full seven years. I would slog all day and read in nights to maintain high marks and prepare for entrance exam to enter in Armed forces. After clearing the exam and sitting in period long interview and processes I came to know about genetic problem in my eye which has rendered me unfit for service. I never knew about this issue as there was never a problem with my vision and I don’t wear any glass even today. It was a major set back and my whole world was upside down as I have never thought about any other carrier option. All my dreams were shattered, the hard work I have carried out for seven long years was in vein.
I picked my self up from lowest part of my life with support from family. I changed my carrier direction and joined for an engineering degree. I had got rejected from many of prestigious jobs requiring technical field presence on ground because of this issue.
I don’t think the genetic issue in my eye is an issue for most of these jobs, but age-old norms are impeding way for many like me. I never lose hope and make most from any situation. I have worked and now I am pursuing higher study to progress ahead in my career.