Although this sounds like a saying of not much value when it comes to the go getter world of MBA graduates, but it sure showed the charm in my arrival to the journey called IIM Visakhapatnam. The admission offer came at a time when I had no hopes left for joining this prestigious institution.
From the pool of more than 2 lakh management aspirants who give their best to get into prestigious colleges in the country with the hopes of graduating with an MBA degree at the end of 2 years, only 4 to 5 thousand get the opportunity to enter the IIMs. Clearing the initial stage was not the only challenge for me, as the journey that lay ahead was to be much more treacherous for me, because speaking in front of even a few people loud enough to make my point clear was difficult for me, due to the fear of a public setting. The stigma of “Log kya kahenge” had apparently never left me. But with the help of my family and mentors, I got over it. The key is nothing other than confidence. Confidence that comes from that little thank you from a stranger you helped on the streets or the little praise from an elder or that little awe that your sibling has for you when you do her a little favor. This confidence lets you trust yourself, that no matter what comes you will conquer all. I still remember, my sister had to attend a conference and was short of formal clothes. All I did was take her to the newly opened Pantaloons in our city, for they carry the coolest collection for young adults. I cannot remember how many times I have relied on Pantaloons for my own office wardrobe. But that day was not just normal shopping day for us. When another person counts on you for their smallest needs, and you fulfill them it makes you proud, proud of yourself, for achieving that little trust. These little things in the long run make you a person, whom people can rely on, and this is what fuels my confidence.