How many of you believe that life throws challenges at you?

Mr. Contest chair, fellow toastmasters & dear guest,

I was in 12th standard science. We had shifted to a new place Chiplun. For me it was a
dramatic change at a crucial junction of life. I met new teachers & friends, the school had a
different culture. I always remembered my old school. I had topped my 11th with 94% marks
& 99% in PCMB. I could never feel at home at the new school. I used to study but never felt
good attending the school.
I prepared very hard for my board exams though I was not feeling very confident.
At those times, the future course of life depended on the % of marks you score in PCM for
engineering or PCB for medicine. My ambition was to study Chemical Engineering at UDCTthat was the first choice top-ranking students in merit list of engineering stream.
Our result was declared on June 4, 1996. I saw my marksheet & I was shattered. I
had scored 91% in PCM which meant I could not fulfill my dream. I felt as if the whole world
came crashing down. It was raining heavily.I had tears in my eyes. My heart was pounding
faster. I never felt such a looming emotion before. The entire atmosphere appeared dull &
gloomy. appeared dull I felt as if a 50 Kg rock is placed on my heart. I was inconsolable. I
used to wonder why my father made a decision to shift our family in my 12th std. Had I
stayed in the old school..
I had only 15 days to apply for the engineering stream. I have to do research &
apply for a suitable course. At that time we had 2 rounds 30% + 70%. In 30% round you
have to give 3 choices & whatever gets allocated by the computerized allotment system has
to be accepted. It was a tough choice to do.
I started to analyse my life. I used to remember the good old days & wondered why
used to feel so confident then. What is missing in my life.
I even consulted an astrologer. Boy, You are passing through dasha of Mars & sub
dasha of Saturn for last one year. Both these planets are not favorable to you. But do not
worry, work hard & you will be successful. You have a good horoscope
I accepted the situation. I read a 2 self-help books 1. Positive Mental Attitude by
Napoleane Hill & The Power of positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. These books have
tremendous wisdom in then. I wished I had read them a year ago. They helped me change
my attitude from negative to positive.
I made a promise to myself I will do the best in whatever course I choose come
what may .
I revisited my strengths & made a solid plan not to repeat the mistakes I did in 12th
std.I spent next 4 years studying seriously. In the final year I scored 75% & stood second in
the course. I grabbed the first job in campus placement with my dream company.
My dear friends, Believe in yourself. Have complete faith in your strengths & Work
with them. Do not pay any heed to any negatives Set goal, make a plan & follow it diligently.
Success will be yours.
Next time life throws a challenge at you, accept it , believe in yourself, use your
strengths & bounce back !!