The Journey of Success: Overcoming Adversity Without IIT

Many stories speak of the towering heights of success attributed to those who pass through the prestigious IITs. However, a compelling narrative emerges from the experiences of individuals who, despite not clearing IIT, have achieved great success and happiness in their lives. Take, for instance, a cousin who, though he did not clear the IIT entrance examination, now lives a fulfilling life full of achievements.

Breaking Stereotypes and Navigating Uncharted Paths

There is a common belief that IIT graduates are guaranteed success, yet this article presents a different picture. A cousin of mine, who attended a tier 3 college, faced ridicule from those who passed the IIT entrance exam. However, he excelled in computer science and secured a position at the Royal Bank of Scotland, UK, moving to the US later, where he now boasts an impressive annual salary and a life filled with luxury. This serves as a testament to the fact that success cannot be judged merely by the college one attends.

My Journey: From Childhood to Adulthood

My own story began in a similar vein. From a young age, I was engrossed in mathematics textbooks, far beyond those intended for my age group. Other subjects, like English and Hindi, were my strong suit due to the literary content. Despite my parents being initially unconcerned by my declining marks in science and math, my performance in class 9 made them seek additional support. I turned to a local tuition center, where a highly knowledgeable teacher helped me excel, particularly in mathematics.

One day, I scored full marks in a mathematics test, which was quite an achievement for someone who struggled with basic division in class 4. Encouraged by the positive feedback, I became one of the top students in class 10, scoring an impressive 9.8 CGPA, with just a bit of disappointment in social studies. By now, I had developed a deep passion for mathematics, ironically spurred by the encouragement I received from my parents.

Challenges and Struggles

When it came to the JEE Advanced, the path was neither easy nor straightforward. The journey to clearing the examination was fraught with challenges. After barely qualifying for the JEE Mains with only 70 marks, I was enrolled in a competitive coaching center, but the learning method did not align with my study habits. The constant exposure to NCERT books and other resources only served to stress me further. Teachers would often emphasize the need for knowledge over mere exam preparation, which, I found, did not resonate with me.

In my drop year, I poured my creativity into writing stories and poetry, which brought me great joy and satisfaction. This period was more about personal growth than exam success. Unrelated factors like a budding romance also played a role, but they did not define my failure. Instead, I focused on moving forward and learning from the experience. Ultimately, I secured admission to a state government college and regained my composure.

Life After Adversity

Though I did not clear IIT, I did not let my ambition crumble. My life shifted, but not fundamentally. I remained the same—same eyes, same hands, and same body. However, mentally, I transformed. I learned to embrace my journey and the lessons it taught me. Today, I am happy and content, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the fact that success is not solely defined by prestigious institutions.