“Obstacles are skipping stones which can slow us down but cannot stop us from achieving our goals”. – Sheetal Kanoujia (IDFC First Bank Scholar)
Unwilling to give up on her dreams, Sheetal shows everyone that hard work and commitment can pave the way towards success. She took a stand for her higher education and broke the notion that marriage is the destiny of a woman. She stood firm for her career and dealt with every obstacle that came in her way. Furthermore, IDFC First Bank recognised her hard work and determination by extending financial help to her.ย Buddy4study spoke to her about her experiences and her plans for the future. This scholar success story has some excerpts from the interview:
Buddy4Study: Please share your academic background in brief (Class X/XII marks, school name and college name). Also, mention any work experience you had before joining this management programme.
Sheetal: I completed Class 10 from SPSSIC, Sai Piprawan in Uttar Pradesh with 79.8% marks in science stream and then completed Class 12 from Chetram Sharma Girls Inter College, a semi-government college located at Sadarpur, U.P. with 72% in commerce stream. Later, I did my B.Com from Delhi University (School of Open Learning) with 54% marks. Currently, I am pursuing PGDM in Banking and Finance at the Asia-pacific Institute of Management. As for my work experience, I have worked for Honey Kansal Private Association as an accountant for 9 months prior to this course. My learning was immense there as I learnt many practical things about accounting, auditing, income tax returns, GST filling, direct client dealing and a lot more.ย
Buddy4Study: Why did you want to pursue an MBA course?
Sheetal: I want to become a successful banker since I was in Class 8. I have faced financial troubles due to my mid-income background. My father, who is the sole earner in the family, works really hard to make the ends meet and manages everything on his own. Thatโs why I decided to pursue an MBA so that I can learn the management skills and also overcome our financial condition. Also, during my Class 12, I found Accountancy to be very alluring. This also compelled me to pursue an MBA.
Buddy4Study: What were the key challenges you faced while pursuing your MBA admission?
Sheetal: The major obstacle I faced during my journey was the financial crisis. I come from a family where a single person is earning to fulfil the needs of the entire family. Thinking about the higher studies in such scarcity of finances was my biggest fear. My graduation was very difficult for my parents to sponsor. I did not want another burden over their shoulders by expecting them to pay for my MBA. This led me to apply for an education loan. Applying for the loan and being able to get it was also a big challenge in itself.ย
Buddy4Study: What has been your source of inspiration which keeps you going for your studies?
Sheetal: The reason for my hard work is my current financial situation. I always push myself to get over this situation, which makes me do more hard work. I have seen my father working hard since my childhood. So they are my biggest inspiration who have always struggled and never stopped trying. They motivated me to do the hard work to achieve the goals and make them proud.
Buddy4Study: How do you motivate yourself to overcome any challenge?
Sheetal: I keep myself reminding my professional and personal goals. And to achieve the goals, I know I have to work hard. Thatโs how I motivate myself to overcome any challenge. Obstacles are skipping stones which can slow us down but cannot stop us from achieving our goals.
Buddy4Study: Despite the financial constraints, you decided to pursue an MBA course. How did your parents react when you told them about your ambitions?
Sheetal: When I told my parents about my ambitions to pursue an MBA, they immediately said โNOโ! They kept denying because their idea was to save their resources for my marriage instead of investing in an MBA. However, after seeing my determination they agreed to it.
Buddy4Study: How did you come to know about the IDFC FIRST Bank MBA Scholarship? What was the process you followed to avail the scholarship?
Sheetal: Our admission guide Mrs Anshita Madaan Sen informed us about this scholarship. I wanted to apply for the scholarship but due to lack of network connectivity, I was unable to submit the form. Anshita maโam personally helped to fill out the form and complete the necessary documentation. I cleared the documentation round and got selected for the telephonic interview and after a month I got selected for the scholarship.
Buddy4Study: Which B-schools did you qualify for?
Sheetal: I didnโt apply for any B-school other than this college.
Buddy4Study: What goals have you set for yourself in the future?
Sheetal: I want to become a successful banker in future. I am ready to put in a lot of hard work and will do everything required to reach this goal.
Buddy4Study: What advice would you give to the young ones who face various challenges towards pursuing higher education?
Sheetal: I would suggest all the students who are willing to study but holding themselves because of the financial crisis to have a clear goal into their minds. Struggles are part of life and one should never get demotivated because of them. We need to have faith upon ourselves and move ahead with our plans. Certainly, there is a way out towards an enlightened future. I wish good luck to all the future aspirants.
Buddy4Study: How are you going to utilise your scholarship funds?
Sheetal: I will pay my institutional fees by the scholarship funds.
Buddy4Study: What are your thoughts on giving back to society, once you start your professional life?
Sheetal: I think about the animals who donโt have any shelter and food for their livelihood. When I will start my professional life, I would definitely do something for them. I will also motivate other students to not give up on their dreams. Students like me always want to achieve something in their lives but because of the circumstances some of us give up and some keep fighting for our goals. I believe that if we have clarity of goal and keep working hard, no hurdle can stop us from achieving it.
By breaking down the barriers that came in Sheetal’s life, she has proved that no limitation can hold her back in achieving her dreams. She has set an example for every woman. If you feel inspired by the story of Sheetal, you can also be a motivation for others. Fulfil your educational dreams with scholarships matching your academic requirements at Buddy4Study.
