Imagine walking into a concert where the music is silent, yet the world expects you to dance- that was my reality. Born with hearing loss, but because of my parent’s efforts and technology, I adapted with a cochlear implant, piecing together fragments of sound in a world that thrives on noise.
Communication became my battlefield, asking questions felt like testing patience and friendships wobbled on the edge of misunderstandings and assumptions always spoke louder than reality. But adaptation became my strength.
When COVID struck, I saw an opportunity. I decided to take the CAT exam to secure my place in an MBA program. Balancing full-time studies with CAT preparation was a daily hustle. Exhaustion and self-doubt whispered, "Can you do this?" But resilience pushed me forward. This wasn’t just about cracking an exam but proving I could rise against the odds.
Interviews brought another hurdle. Would my hearing impairment lead to judgment or missed opportunities? I replaced hesitation with preparation, strategy, and confidence. And then, the moment of triumph- an admission letter from IIM Nagpur. It wasn’t just about entering a premier institution; it was about shattering stereotypes and proving that barriers exist only if you accept them.
When I first walked through the gates of IIM Nagpur, I reflected on the journey-perseverance, effort, and milestones. My family, my unwavering support system, beamed with pride. My parents said, "You’ve already won". Their belief in me was my foundation, and this victory was as much theirs as it was mine.
IIM Nagpur isn’t just shaping me into a business leader; it’s teaching me that barriers are meant to be broken. From rigorous discussions to intense case studies, every experience reaffirms that success isn’t about a smooth journey but navigating rough roads with grit.
Standing at the threshold of infinite possibilities, I know challenges will come, but I’ll keep pushing forward. Success isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the courage to keep walking.
Urvi is from Raigad, Maharashtra. She completed her B.Com from BMCC Pune and is a first-year MBA student at IIM Nagpur. She is an executive member of the Ummeed Community Outreach Club at IIM Nagpur. She enjoys swimming and creating mandala art.
