In a world full of overnight success stories, Santosh Mishra’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance, hard work, and relentless belief in oneself. From studying under a dimly lit lamp in Bihar to donning the role of an engineer at Microsoft, his story is nothing short of inspiring.
Early Struggles:
Hailing from a small district in Bihar, Santosh’s early life was replete with challenges. The constant electricity issues meant he relied on the faint glow of a kerosene lamp to read.
School Woes:
Santosh’s early academic life wasn’t particularly bright either. Lackluster interest and repeated failures earned him the unwarranted title of ‘fool’ among peers and villagers. It wasn’t until 9th grade that the spark of learning kindled within him. Yet, passing the 10th grade remained an uphill battle.
Rising Against the Odds:
Despite the naysayers and societal pressure urging him to settle into farming, Santosh harbored dreams of higher studies. Initially hesitant, his family finally supported his move to Patna for further education. While the 12th grade posed its own set of challenges, Santosh emerged victorious after a retake and pursued his graduation through distance learning.
A New Hope:
With undying spirit, Santosh secured admission at NIT Tiruchirappalli for his Master’s. But life at NIT introduced a new challenge.
Language Barriers:
At NIT, his weak command over English became a glaring issue. Subjected to ridicule, rather than feeling defeated, he viewed it as another challenge to overcome. He immersed himself in English books, movies, and worked diligently to improve his proficiency.
Initial Professional Setbacks:
While Santosh did land a job during campus placements, it came with the sting of receiving the lowest package in his batch. But this setback was just another hurdle. For the next 1.5 years, he persevered, resulting in an offer from the global tech giant, Microsoft, accompanied by a commendable salary hike.
The Sweet Taste of Success:
The joy of landing a job at Microsoft was manifold for Santosh. Reflecting on his journey with Humans of Bombay, he emphasized his never-give-up attitude. With his newfound success, he took up family responsibilities, arranging marriages for his younger sisters and building a home for his parents. Yet, for Santosh, this is just the beginning, and he vows to continue striving for excellence.
Santosh Mishra’s journey is a heartening reminder that success isn’t merely about where you start, but the unwavering determination you carry along the way.
