I’ve always felt that small moments make a big life. When I look back at any of my accomplishments so far, I know they began in the small moment when I said to myself “Let me try”. When I look back at any of the happiest memories, they were but small moments of joy shared with loved ones.

When I look back at the small but significant moments, I appreciate the companions that shared those moments with me. One such companion has been ABG. What better way to explain than by sharing some brief vignettes…

First smart phone…

The transition finally happens from small and clunky feature phone to large yet sleek smart phone. The most alluring factor is the full length glass display, made with Hindalco alumina.

Playing host to extended family…

It’s their first trip to Mumbai. A guided tour is a must. The chatter in the car is non-stop. Then we approach the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, lit up for the night. There’s silence as they take in the sight and we drive across. A beautiful sturdy structure, built with UltraTech Cement.

First trek…

A beginner’s trek but the limbs are in agony: why did I sign up for this? Almost there… and done. Mission accomplished. And the view! Need to share this feeling. Pick up the phone, check for signal – Idea is right there with me.

MBA interviews…

A bundle of nerves: Am I good enough? Do I know enough? Do I look the part?

And the mind answers: I believe in myself. I’ll answer what I know. Of course I look the part – I’m in an Allen Solly suit.

So many small moments, they’re too many to write about.

Yet, while happiness comes in small moments, it often feels like challenges come in long spells. The struggle to overcome a challenge is never easy and rarely brief. It also often feels lonely.

I remember a challenge from early in life. The dreaded tenth standard boards. The world marks history with B.C. and A.D., but many students in India mark their personal history with “pre-SSC” and “post-SSC”. Not because it defines the course of their lives, far from it. But it marks the end of school days and childhood, the survival of intense pressure to do well in the exam, and the commencement of a new personal era.

As I approached this landmark moment in the late 2000’s, I felt at an immense disadvantage. The days when tuitions and coaching classes were meant for remedial teaching belonged to the last century. In my school, everyone joined coaching classes for the tenth a year in advance. Everyone, that is, except two students, one of whom was me. My parents had trust in me, based on my performance in previous years. They did not feel I needed classes, nor did they aggressively monitor how I used my time. That one year then became for me a long journey in self-discipline.

My classmates had their free time structured by the coaching class timetable. They knew when their syllabus would be completed, when there would be revision, and when there would be tests. I had freedom. I used it to create my own schedule, promptly fell off the schedule, and then raced to get back on track. Through the journey, I relied heavily on my school teachers. When the results came and I got in the high 80’s, I was not a topper but I was satisfied.

This first major challenge became a source of strength in meeting later challenges. Often, in hindsight, a challenge seems easier than it was when one was still facing it. But even the small victories of the past can give the courage to face the big challenges of the future.

Pooja T

Small Moments, Big Impact: My Experience With ABG – Pooja T., SJMSoM IIT Bombay