Care Star C (The Story of a Struggling Son)

Care FAM is beyond proud to have Care Star C.

His journey like many others is relatable. We all want to be there for our family, make them proud and be successful. But, this is usually difficult. We face various struggles in our life. Research shows financial struggles is the major trouble faced by young individuals. In C’s case, this was coupled with other challenges such as troubles including the constant pressure of standing up for his family. I am glad that C could get through these difficulties and is now inspiring others like himself. Was it easy? As you can tell no, but if he could do it so can you.

Who are you? Given where you are today, what was the most challenging experience you have had so far and how have you changed the situation around?

(If you have struggled with mental health, please do share, so that someone like you could be inspired).

I am a final year law student from Delhi, India. The most difficult period for me started after I completed school. I didn't score well enough to get admission to Delhi University. I was 19 and my father had lost his job when I was 17. Since then my elder sister was the one who was running our family. I was under extreme pressure from my family to move to Dubai like my sister did (after her graduation), but my family wanted me to move to Dubai right after my school and earn and study. They were right as I should be looking after the family now but I wasn't ready to take this step, also I was not serious about my studies. I took admission in Bachelor of Commerce and started doing part-time jobs, I dropped out in 2014, just did not like studying Economics and Cost Accounting and I failed in those subjects. I had a turbulent personal life, there was a girl I met in 2013, I liked her, we had a great time and because I was 3 years younger than her, she wanted me to do something early in life so that she could tell her parents about us. I took the decision of moving to Dubai, couple of months before my B.com exams, didn't get a job, came back to India, failed in B.com (it was 2014 by now) and had a break up with that girl. I would say 2014-2015 were the toughest years of my life. I wanted to study Law, so i thought to complete B.com and enrolled in LLB, but I had already dropped out in 2014. I did any job that came my way and by 2015 I had ruined my CV. I had experience of Customer Service, Travel Agencies, etc., and I wanted to study Law. It was 2015 already and all my school batch-mates were passing out of colleges and I was here still arguing with my parents that I do not want to go to Dubai before I complete my studies. I had immense pressure from family to take the responsibility. I assured them of not being a stressed on them and enrolled myself in BA LLB, which is a five-year course for fresh school pass-outs. I was 23 when i went to college and my batch mates were of 17-18 age group. It was a difficult journey for me to gel up with those who were once my juniors and now my batch mates, and see my original batch mates practicing law at Delhi High Court and Supreme Court of India, which i wanted badly. It was disheartening when my family lost faith in me that i can study at all, that someone who cannot complete B.com, how would he be able to study Law. But I was passionate about it. I still am under pressure from my family, but i would say that now things are better. I am waiting for my lat semester exams, which have been delayed due to covid and then i will graduate. I believe god is really testing my patience. I passed my school in 2011 and it is 2020 today, I should have graduated by now but due to Covid, my final exams are in limbo. I know it will happen and this will also pass as I have passed the harder phases of my life. People who are reading this, I know your story would be more difficult than me but for me career was everything and it has been delayed over the years. I lost confidence of my parents, relationships, friends but I kept going. Today I have friends and loving girlfriend and just waiting to graduate and hit the Bar. Keep going guys. Life is too long to stop at a point.

Your mental health journey and how much has it impacted you in your life choices and decisions?

My mental health journey was a difficult one as I never discussed it with anyone, no medication. I do not like to discuss my issues with anyone. I just used to focus on how to make things better in the current scenario. Today I find myself to be a much more mature person and I would say bringing myself out of that situation boosted my confidence.

Your tips for anyone reading this

Just keep going people. I could not manage to mention every other issue I had during these years but I would tell you that these were the toughest years f my life as I was under financial pressure and also peer pressure. At the same time, I wanted to achieve my goals. I would say just have faith in yourself and keep going.

Your views matter, what do you feel could be added to make the participants of the project(care family) stronger? #becausewecare

I think it is important to take time out for yourself, your physical and mental health. In that case, I would recommend Yoga, Gym or any exercise. I used to go Horse Riding. I love it.

Would you recommend the project to others?

Yes, I would.