A tale of two Students
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Taking right decisions at the right time is the key for success. Sometimes we suffer because of our bad decisions. Life is unpredictable, and it can take us through a rollercoaster of events. In this tale of two students from IIT Kanpur in the early 2000s, we see how different decisions can lead to vastly different outcomes.
The first student was a topper in his class and got selected by Google. However, he chose to go to Purdue University for his MS instead of accepting the job offer. The second student, on the other hand, was a 5-pointer, one of the last rankers, and got into Google because it was his only overseas option. In 2004, Google had a blockbuster IPO, and the second student rose to a much more senior position in the company while the first one got hugely disappointed.
After completing his MS, the first student decided to do an MBA, but the second student kept rising up the ranks in Google. In 2008, the first student got a placement from Morgan Stanley, but due to the recession, his job was shelved before he could even start working. Meanwhile, the second student kept climbing the ladder in Google.
This tale is a reminder that life is full of possibilities, both good and bad. Success does not always depend on one factor, but rather a culmination of several factors. Sometimes, taking the right decision at the right time can make all the difference. The first student's decision to go to Purdue University instead of accepting the job offer from Google may have seemed like the right decision at the time. However, when Google went public and became one of the most successful companies in the world, he may have regretted his decision.
On the other hand, the second student's decision to join Google, despite being a last-ranker in his class, turned out to be a wise decision. He rose through the ranks and became a senior executive in the company, which would have been impossible if he had not taken that chance. Life is full of twists and turns, and it's not always possible to predict the outcome of our decisions. However, it's essential to take decisions with humility and keep an open mind. We never know where life will take us, but we can always make the most of what we have and make the best of the opportunities that come our way.
In conclusion, this tale of two students from IIT Kanpur is a reminder that success is not always about being the best or making the most significant decision. Instead, it's a culmination of several factors, including taking the right decision at the right time and keeping an open mind. Life is full of possibilities, and we should always be prepared to embrace them with humility.
As Charles R. Swindoll rightly says “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it."
Remember “Our decisions shape our destiny”.
Wishing you all abundant success and unlimited happiness.
Venkatesh Panyam
Note:Opinions expressed by authors are their own.
Pics Source:Stockvault
VENKATESH PANYAM
View Details
Like
3 Comments
Repost
You may also like
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
How our Childhood personality traits influence on life outcomes.
How you behave at Age 11 reflects your attainment at Age 50! The First Longitudinal Study (50 Years) Results got published! Can you check your traits at Age 11?Dear Friends and StudentsThree researchers
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
AI Impact on Jobs
Unleashing the Power of AI: Job Market Dynamics (AI shrinks large set of jobs to 4), Skill Reshaping, and New OpportunitiesDear Friends and StudentsRecently I had an opportunity to present my views
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
Know Your College: ANITS, Vizag
Anil Neerukonda Institute of Technology and Sciences (ANITS) – At a Glance Established: 2001 Location: Sangivalasa, Bheemunipatnam, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, Andhra
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
🎨 The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): India’s Pinnacle of Fashion Education
Since its inception in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has redefined fashion education in India. From nurturing young talent
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
Confluence of Declining Math Ability
"Confluence of Declining Math Ability, Mobile Device Usage in Child Development, and AI as Future Teachers: Exploring the Changing Landscape and Implications for the World"Dear Friends and
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
Architecture After JEE Main Paper 2: Careers Beyond Buildings
JEE Main Paper 2 is the primary gateway for students aiming to pursue B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) or B.Plan (Bachelor of Planning). While most aspirants are familiar with the conventional image of
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
All About Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is one of India’s most prestigious academic institutions, renowned globally for its excellence in statistics, mathematics, computer science, and quantitative
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
VIT-AP University (Vellore Institute of Technology – Andhra Pradesh): A Comprehensive Overview
VIT-AP University, located in Inavolu, Amaravati—the capital of Andhra Pradesh—is a prominent private research university. Established in 2017, it is part of the esteemed VIT Group of Institutions
VENKATESH PANYAM
Published 7d+
The Stockdale Paradox: Your Key to Overcoming Exam Stress
Dear students,Are you feeling stressed and anxious about your exams? Do you feel like you are constantly under pressure and fear that you might fail? Don't worry, you are not alone. Exam stress is
Gopika Varshini Lagudu
Published 7d+
Know My Campus: GVPCE
The Begining of My CampusGayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering (GVPCE), Visakhapatnam started in 1996 and has very quickly established itself as one of the most preferred private
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
Is Computer Science Course an Opportunity or Obsession?
Is Computer Science Course (2022 Beyond) an Opportunity or Obsession? Fad or Fortune? Vertical Skill or Horizontal Skill? Read this perspectiveDear Friends and StudentsThe California Gold Rush
Related Blogs
VENKATESH PANYAM
Published 7d+
Let Them Pop: Why Students Need Their Own Time to Excel
Dear Teachers and Parents,As parents and teachers, we often expect all students to excel at the same rate, assuming that if they are all exposed to the same environment and resources, they should all
The Art of Teaching
Published 7d+
Happy Teachers, Happy Students: Building Schools That Thrive
The saying, "Happy teachers make happy students," isn’t just a feel-good mantra—it’s a profound truth that underscores the foundation of a thriving educational
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
What are the Future Job Opportunities for ECE/EEE/Mech/Civil/Chem Students?
What are the Future Job Opportunities for ECE/EEE/Mech/Civil/Chem Students? Yesterday I was sharing a video message (https://youtu.be/PAFuE-S3YL0 ) to all Engineering students on how they
ELCSLAB @ Lendi
Published 7d+
"Raghuvaran B.Tech: A Tale of Determination"
Introduction:"Raghuvaran B. Tech," a Telugu film released in 2014 and directed by Velraj, is a heartwarming story that speaks to the determination and dreams of everyday people. In this review,
The Art of Teaching
Published 7d+
Lessons in Perspective: A Tale for Teachers
As teachers, we often find ourselves anticipating specific answers from our students. But what happens when their responses diverge from our expectations? This story of a young boy and his math teacher
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
Civil Engineering: A Guide for Aspiring Students
What is Civil Engineering?Civil engineering is a core field of engineering that deals with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment. This includes infrastructure