"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." 
- Jim Rohn
"And a blend of both will do wonders for you; it is what I believe in and what motivated me to join IIM Rohtak," says Simran Chawla, a 2022 batch PGP student of IIM Rohtak. Having converted ten IIMs, Simran was both excited and nervous to begin her MBA journey. She zeroed in on IIM Rohtak, Tiruchirappalli, and Udaipur based on certain factors like location, NIRF ranking, pedagogy, infrastructure facilities, and placement records. Hailing from Haryana, she felt special joy and pride in finalizing IIM Rohtak, which holds eleven years of excellence.
Simran got admission in the esteemed University of Delhi owing to outstanding performance in Class XII. Despite studying in one of India's most reputed universities, she dropped out of the University to find other alternatives that would align with her inherent interests. "God had a different plan for me," she says.
While exploring the alternatives, she stumbled upon the option of studying abroad. She decided to pursue Social Sciences from Simon Fraser University, Canada. She says, "As a migrant student, it is vital to get a job to earn a living and support yourself. The need to work part-time was a priority, and I was lucky enough to get a part-time job at Five Guys branch."
Within ten days of entering the country, Simran was attending her college, doing a part-time job, setting up her home, cooking for herself, and doing every needful task happily. "But uncertain circumstances often come as barriers in your smooth journey; if you face them artfully, they prove to be a boon; else restrictions are universally considered a bane." It was her store manager who tried to create barriers in her life.
Despite not having a left hand, Simran has always completed all tasks efficiently. She never complained. Yet, her manager termed her as 'handicapped' who couldn't perform her duties well. Being an opportunist, she looked for alternatives to attain a position similar to her store manager. Every manager or supervisor handling the major branch must pass a Food Safety Level test to procure authority to run the business in Canada. So, she took the course, cleared it, and received the license to run a fast-food store. "My faith in self-education has continuously proved as an advantage for my success.", says Simran.
During her graduation, Simran decided to pursue an MBA and started preparing for CAT 2019. A lot of preparation goes into clearing the dreaded CAT exam. As she was already enrolled in a full-Time BBA course, she started prepping from February '19 so that she could devote enough time for her undergraduate studies as well. She enrolled herself in one of the institutes to prepare for the exam. But as always, she relied on self-learning and consistent hard work to excel in the exam. She believes, "Nothing can happen until you are motivated enough to put all your efforts."
To balance her afternoon BBA classes and CAT preparation, she shifted her coaching classes to weekends. She would practice particular topics throughout the upcoming week. Finally, the entire struggle paid off when she enrolled at IIM Rohtak. She says, "Many hurdles and negativities will come across your path of success; however, it is your mindset that decides your path in life, because in the end, only you are responsible for filling your ship with gold and diamonds."
Simran is an inspiration to everyone. She motivates us never to get bogged down by the limitations we set for ourselves as there are tremendous opportunities for us to realize our dreams only if we are brave enough to explore them.
