Studying abroad was a dream for me that created a hope for diverse cultures and world-class education. With my average educational background and the remarkable achievement of establishing three startups in India by the age of 20, I felt success just a few steps away. The prospect of pursuing my studies in a prestigious university like ISU seemed not only plausible but destined for me. Life, however, had a very different plan for me. It threw me a hand of visa rejections, not just once, but three times. The emotions that followed were a mixture of disbelief, disappointment, and frustration. The investments, both financial and emotional, felt like they had been run over. The question “why me?”!
One of the most low moments during my journey was composing an email requesting the cancellation of my admission to Iowa State University. It was a heart-wrenching decision, forcing me to reevaluate my path and aspirations. As I typed those words, I realized that life’s course is often redirected by circumstances beyond our control. Never thought us visa as a circumstance to turn my life upside down. Nostalgia emerged as a guiding force, helping me rise from the ashes of disappointment. Over time, the weight of my setbacks shifted might change from being a burden to becoming stepping stones toward new possibilities for me but today I am almost dead.
Through the trials I faced, a personal belief solidified within me: “Never trust the US government!”. As I listen to “Namo Namo Ji Shankara” and “Shiv sama rahe hai”, the pain will fade away…