Here is my story -
1) Although I finished Engg. (2000 passout) and had a good GRE score couldn't apply and come to the USA (due to financial inability). Didn't have money to apply! Took a job that paid small sum instead and supported family and myself for the initial 3 years then moved to work for large banks in India which when the progress started.
2) Finally came to the US to study in one of the top 20 business school globally in 2005 (700 plus GMAT and 90% scholarship). After years of careful planning and saving money to apply and afford a plane ticket/initial living expenses. Came here without any loans because I had no collateral to pledge for it. Had to work 20 hours and live in a couch for the first year to keep expenses at check while taking a basic required health insurance.
3) Scored near perfect GPA all through my MBA and got placed in a highly reputed Fortune 10 enterprise.
4) Over the years, moved from being an analyst to a Managing Director. Worked my A** off and navigated so much politics at times but largely I love my employer for being fair to the performers at the end of the day. Didn't care much about applying for GC n stuff instead was hell bent on growth and learning so procrastinated applying for GC until I became a Manager in mid-2010 and hence the Jan 2011 PD!
5) First car was a BMW and then a couple upgrades. After marriage and having my lovely boy and girl, me and my childhood sweetheart wife decided to trade our nice cars for utility workhorses a.k.a Minivans and SUVs!
6) Proud owner of a good sized single family home that houses all human comforts needed to raise a happy family.
7) Being in the GC waitline doesn't bother me much unless I hear unnecessary changes that will adversely impact our separate h1b/GC tracks of me and the wifey. Otherwise, I too joke that my son will sponsor us!!
Overall, I'm thankful to god and this country for giving me the life I dreamt for and I have no regrets because I know at this stage of my career my job will actually follow me wherever I go and my family is my number one priority! I did this because of many random acts of kindness that many many people I met in my journey did to me without any expectation. Needless to mention the sacrifices of my parents and near and dear within our family. Sometimes, I feel I don't deserve any of it and get humbled by it. Giving back is the only way out by helping others to achieve their true potential and help them get to a better spot in their lives too, I see that as a duty rather than an option
