For as long as I remember, computers and I have shared an undeniable tryst. Never did I know that what started as a fascinating hobby, would eventually end up becoming my career path. I am Gaurav, and this is my story.
Surprisingly, I wasn’t even acquainted with the machine that is computers up until 8th standard. But, the fascination towards them always existed as a part of me. Resources were scarce and computers existed as a luxury back then. I believe it is only this fascination that steered me towards the course of picking computer science as my graduation major. And so, even if programming came into my life after a considerably long waiting period, I always knew that this one aspect of engineering is here to stay.
But, sometimes passion does not cut it. I considered myself to be an average student, and limited myself. In fact, I remember once in an interview I was asked – ‘What is your dream company?’ and I answered, ‘TCS’; even though in my heart I knew that it was PayPal and Microsoft. I did not even let myself think that one day I would make it to one of these amazing companies, but lo behold, here I am, working as a SDE-II at PayPal.
A philosophy I came across when I started doing some serious soul searching is that you must work on your strengths before your weaknesses because being extraordinary at one thing in life is still weighed higher than being average at everything you do. Hence, I decided to go the extra mile and started looking for more avenues to improve my skills, which is when I came across Scaler.
I joined Scaler in February 2019 at the behest of a friend’s recommendation. At Scaler, my guiding lights were my instructors – Tarun Sir, Anshuman Sir and the teaching assistants as well. I followed the path they illuminated for me, and the guidance combined with my efforts, dedication and commitment to my goal, actually helped me reach where I am today. I was very regular with my classes, attentively listened to instructions and tips provided and put in several hours after work.
I consider myself lucky to say that even the pandemic did not act as a deterrent in my journey. In fact, it allowed me extra time to work on my strengths and identify and mitigate the challenges I was facing in moving higher on the professional ladder. I have understood now that if you are working towards something, keep at it. Continue practicing, continue solving problems, keep seeking guidance; for there is a vast ocean of knowledge and learning never stops. If one is consistent and does not hesitate to put in efforts, nothing can stop them.
Looking back at the past couple of years, I think I would like to tell my younger self and all other aspiring learners – never limit yourself, believe in your capacities and dream big. If you dream it, you can do it. All you need is some passion, a lot of hard work and some guidance to make it to your dream destination in life.