Unstoppable Through Belief
“Congratulations on breaking the glass ceiling”, were the first words of my fellow classmate who was my father’s age.
As a child, I was terrified of Math, so when I grew up and pursued software engineering, it surprised everyone. “Masters of Science in Data Networks and Security”, still gets all kinds of reactions from people who ask me what I studied assuming it would either be fashion design or English. Initially, I felt smarter than the person asking the question and making the assumption, but the older I grow I feel an increasing responsibility to ensure the next generation of women don’t get surprised or congratulated for pursuing a career in IT.
I grew up surrounded by ambitious women. My mother, who had me at 19, still has an unparalleled desire to create something that will be solely hers. She recently started her home kitchen at 42. I am super proud of her. Then there’s my cousin who dedicated her entire life to curing people and shouldering their sufferings. Another who followed her father’s footsteps to work in a bank. Two sisters, who left the country with unimaginable responsibility and came back to take on the world.
Having spent my whole life with such unstoppable women whom I always believed in, I still struggled to believe in myself.
Would I ever match up?
Four years ago I realised my passion was to work with female founders. Even though knowledge and wisdom is all around us, inspiration exists when I am working with women. My first client has been my mentor, support system, and lifelong source of inspiration. Finding her truly changed my life. She is a force of nature, an inspirational mom who holidays with her boys, a partner who champions and empowers, and fiercely ambitious at work. She not only hired me but trusted me with work that was beyond the written resume. It was her belief in me that finally made me feel unstoppable.
Today I feel unstoppable every day I start and end work. I feel unstoppable every time I see another woman winning. Everyone doesn’t have the same 24 hours but belief in yourself is a tool to make things happen. So I urge you to take that leap of faith, believe in yourself, and be unstoppable.
Written by Asha Saha
Digital Marketing Lead, Thrive with Mentoring
