Growing up middle class in India, there was always a pang of regret when I thought about how the "rich" lived. Standing at the bus stop with a heavy book bag, I would watch cars glide by, their passengers seemingly from another world.

Early experiences that shaped me

Hotels and restaurants were rare luxuries. Traveling to another town meant relying on family or friends for a place to stay. Our train journeys were in reserved sleepers without air conditioning, where noisy fans provided the only relief.

Visiting a luxury hotel for any occasion brought anxiety. Would I fit in? My auto would stop at the entrance, far from the lobby where cars dropped off guests. The doorman’s glance as I approached made me apprehensive. That world felt distant and unwelcoming.

How the experience changed

My experience in the United States has been different. Those fears have largely disappeared. As a citizen, I can visit any public building, sit and watch proceedings without feeling out of place. Aside from the usual "no shoes, no shirt" rules, there’s little to make anyone uncomfortable.

Life teaches you to be comfortable in your own skin. You learn how to fit in through dress and mannerisms. Yet, sometimes praise still feels awkward. You work hard and achieve goals but find it difficult to promote yourself. Asking for a raise or self-promotion can be uncomfortable.

Success, I’ve come to realize, is a combination of luck and hard work.

The power of books and learning

Books have been a great source of inspiration. Through them, I could dream and enter worlds that felt beyond my reach. My quest to be a lifelong learner has been a guiding force. Knowledge is something truly valuable—and thankfully, it’s not inaccessible. Libraries, in particular, have been wonderful oases, offering a refuge and a gateway to endless possibilities.

Roots and resilience: The strength of humble beginnings

I come from an agricultural family. My parents were the first in our family to leave the village. My father went to engineering school, breaking new ground for us all. I’m sure they faced many challenges, but they never showed those struggles to us.

My mother traveled across India by train all by herself, with two small children in tow. That kind of courage and determination is the foundation of our story.

There are countless examples of success born from humble beginnings. In the United States, people often thrive and take pride in their origins. Saying “we were poor once” is not a mark of shame but a badge of honor.

An inspiring journey forward

The journey from feeling like an outsider to finding your place is not always easy, but it is possible. Despite the early fears and doubts, growth comes through perseverance, learning, and believing in your own worth. Books and knowledge became my gateway to new worlds and opportunities—proof that even when the path seems limited, there are always ways to expand your horizons.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in or struggle with self-promotion, know that you’re not alone. These feelings are part of the process, but they don’t define your potential. Embrace the discomfort, learn from it, and take small steps forward. Success is a blend of luck and hard work, yes, but it’s also about resilience and the courage to keep moving forward.

So, reflect on your own story, embrace your unique journey, and remember: the world is more accessible than it sometimes seems. Your dreams and goals are within reach—keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing.

Success is a blend of luck and hard work, but it is also about resilience and the courage to keep moving forward.