Thankfully, there are a few who will inspire you to keep going, just like this Karanataka bus conductor who burned the midnight oil to clear UPSC exams.
Meet 20-year-old Madhu NC, he works as a bus conductor with Karnataka state-owned BMTC bus during the day and studied for five hours every day to achieve his dream.
His joy knew no bounds when the results were declared in the first week of January. Madhu NC's hard work paid off, his roll number was in the list of those who cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) mains.
According to a Bangalore Mirror report, Madhu started working as a bus conductor at the age of 19. He is the only person in his family to be educated and holds a Masters degree in Political Science.
Speaking to Bangalore Mirror Madhu NC said, "My parents don’t know what exams I have cleared but are very happy for me. I am the first one to be educated."
C Shikha, former IAS officer and the managing director of Bangalore Metropolitan Transportation, has been coaching Madhu for the exams and his upcoming interview.
He takes time off his taxing 8-hour workday and goes for coaching with C Shikha, he told the Mirror, "She has always been very supportive and has guided me on how to write the exams."
"My subjects were Ethics, Political Science, Maths and Science. I would study every day, before and after work. I would also wake up at 4 am and finish my studies before proceeding for work," said a determined Madhu.
For the exams, Madhu didn't opt for any coaching classes and only relied on the guidance given by his seniors at the BMTC office, As for the upcoming interview which is scheduled on March 25, Madhu has been researching online and for tips.