Episode 32: Happiness is when you make your dreams come true

When I was in Class 5, I dreamt of becoming a software engineer. Whenever relatives asked me, I would confidently repeat my ambition. They often told me, “You are a girl, and your dad can't afford the fees." Everyone thought it was just talk; no one in our family had pursued such studies before. Time passed, I became the top student in school and college, scoring 90 per cent in Class 10. My dad was overjoyed; tears filled his eyes. Yet, my relatives persisted in their doubt. I chose science for my intermediate studies, despite struggling with the language barrier as I came from a Kannada-medium school. I was determined though and worked hard to earn distinction. I told my dad I wanted to pursue engineering. He and my mom wholeheartedly supported me, securing a loan for my college admission and sending me to a hostel. It marked my first time away from home. I missed my parents and sister dearly but persevered.

After four years, I landed a job as an associate software engineer at Saama Technology. Within a year, I saved enough to add another floor to our humble home. I was the first person in my university to secure a job before graduation, proving my doubters wrong. When I shared the news with my parents, they were ecstatic, showing our neighbors and relatives that a girl could dream big and achieve.

After a year-and-a-half, I joined Zensar as a software engineer, which marked a turning point in my career. At Zensar, I encountered supportive colleagues like Venkata Kurma, Venkat Sharma, and Santhosh Padigala, who encouraged me to excel. Here, I specialised as a MuleSoft developer, attending numerous meetups, becoming a global MuleSoft mentor, and writing blogs and creating video content. I even became a regional meetup leader for Goa, conducting and speaking at events.

I am proud to see my dad beaming with pride. Recently, I had the honor of being the chief guest at my high school, where I spoke passionately about pursuing dreams, especially to girls. It was a moment of full circle for me, inspiring students to chase after their ambitions. Additionally, I had the privilege of giving a speech at my engineering college on "LinkedIn for Freshers", where I shared insights and tips based on my own journey. These opportunities to give back and inspire others have been incredibly fulfilling.

I am grateful for the support of my family and mentors at Zensar, who provided ample opportunities for growth - in technical skills and leadership -, and to those, who believed in me along the way.