Never Give Up: A Journey from Setbacks to Success

"I gave up on my dream once. It was the hardest decision I ever made".

As someone who doesn't give up easily, I faced the ultimate test of resilience right after finishing my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. I had invested four years of my life in developing my skills and knowledge, and I was determined to find opportunities in my passion. However, the job market at the time was dominated by IT roles, making my journey challenging.

I decided to upskill myself by pursuing a Master's in Control Systems. I tirelessly applied to universities worldwide with strong course structures, all while working on a contract basis with Whitehat Jr and Skillbnb. I was teaching young students and honing my skills. Despite my efforts, my education loan was rejected due to financial constraints. But I didn’t give up. I worked extra hours, saved money, and applied again. This time, my loan got approved, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of visa embassies. 

With no money and no hope, everyone around me urged me to settle for an IT job. Feeling like a failure, I compromised and worked as a software engineer for a year. While I was financially stable,

• I was not mentally content.

• I gained weight.

• Isolated myself

• I almost lost track of my field

• Stopped eating consciously - diagnosed with various vitamin deficiencies

Everything changed when a relative motivated me and reminded me of my worth. I reapplied for my master's program, and this time, everything fell into place. My visa got approved, my loan was sanctioned, and I even secured an on-campus job thanks to my previous work experience. I received a 100% tuition fee waiver through my job and graduated last month.

Reflecting on this journey, I realized a few crucial things:

• The fight for your dreams is tough, but the rewards are worth every bit of the struggle.

• Overcoming self-doubt is key; knowing your worth can open doors you never imagined.

• Every experience, even those that seem unrelated, can teach valuable lessons.

Working as a software engineer, though not my passion, taught me how a team and a company operate, which has been invaluable. 

So, next time you face a setback, remember this: giving up closes the door to miracles and opportunities. Stay persistent, and you'll witness the wonders of perseverance.