Looking back at my journey gives me goosebumps. I come from a small town with limited access to resources, living a completely different lifestyle until the 7th grade. I was just an average student with no clear goals. If someone asked me about my future, I would simply say, “I want to become a teacher.” But life had other plans for me. Everything changed in 8th grade when I received my first award for writing an essay on waste management and securing first place in the entire district. That moment boosted my confidence to another level. It was the day I truly believed that I could achieve something greater.
From that milestone onward, things shifted dramatically. I went on to become a university topper, receiving five gold medals. The happiest day of my life was when I saw the pride in my parents’ eyes. It made everything worth it. I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a CPA, which led me to move to Bangalore. The city life and its bustling energy captivated me, and I simultaneously started working a job. Before I knew it, promotions became more important than my studies, and slowly, I left behind my dream of becoming a CPA.
After two promotions, I had a moment of realization and decided to resume my CPA studies. But then a man named Siddharth entered my life, and he was incredibly supportive of my dreams. However, after marriage, life wasn’t as simple. I became a part of a joint family during the COVID-19 pandemic, and balancing family responsibilities, rituals, and the excitement of being newly married made it harder for me to focus on my studies. When I conceived, my dream of becoming a CPA was pushed even further behind.
I had spent six years at JP Morgan in various roles, with multiple promotions. But after giving birth to my daughter, I continued working with JPMC for two more years. Eventually, I realized I was missing out on my daughter’s upbringing, so I made the tough decision to quit my job. I took six months off to figure out what I could do from home because, in my 27 years of life, I had never been idle.
During this time, I decided to pursue a digital marketing course, which I am currently working on. In the process, I discovered a passion for knowing people’s stories and their journeys. I began to realize the power of shared experiences and how they can serve as motivation for others. Empowered women empower women, and that’s what inspired me to create this space.
My story is not much different from many others. The sadness of not living my dream still lingers, but I hope that one day I will look back and say, “Yes, I did something great—more than just my graduation and family.” For now, I continue to embrace my unscripted journey and strive to make an impact in any way I can.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope my story encourages you to pursue your dreams, no matter how much time it may take.