"Nothing can stand in my way once I've made my decision..."
-Umrah Imran
Author: Stuti Ajmera
August, 2021
No force on this planet can deter me from doing the things I want to.
In times of uncertainty, I cling to my spirit, knowing it will guide me through anything. I was forced to choose Medical Studies over Humanities, which I had never wanted to do.
My struggle was enormous, and when people discouraged me and told me I was good for nothing, I introspected. It was then that I realised I could do something and that my energies could not be focused solely on one subject. Since then, I've worked hard to ensure that my development is not stifled.
Before my final exams in my first year of graduation, I got infected with viral eye conjunctivitis. It became so critical that I couldn't see anything clearly, even if it was only an inch away. My parents, who were concerned, asked me to skip the exams, but I didn't want to waste my entire year by not taking them. So I made up my mind to take my exams in some way. The pain was excruciating, but I didn't give up and finished my exams with no backlog and a 7.7 SGPA.
This incident has served as motivation for me to believe that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Nothing can stand in my way once I've made my decision. I am being asked to become a lecturer or a school teacher because many people believe that this is the only option available to a social science student, especially if she is a woman. But I have never considered, and will never believe, in such absurd ideas.
I recently completed my bachelor's degree in Economics and am now devoting my entire time to full-fledged UPSC CSE preparation. Aside from that, I'm involved in social work and other activities that help me grow to make the world a better place.