Bengaluru Techie Shares Emotional and Financial Challenges of Pursuing Dreams Abroad
Bengaluru-born techie outlines hidden financial, emotional struggles of chasing the NRI dream
Image: Hindustan Times
Sabah Husen Qazi, a Bengaluru-born tech professional, reveals the hidden struggles of relocating abroad, including a daunting $70,000 student loan and intense homesickness. Now thriving in Toronto, Canada, she emphasizes the emotional toll and resilience required to succeed in a foreign land, encouraging others to embrace their journeys.
- 01Qazi initially faced significant academic setbacks, including failing to enter the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), which deeply affected her confidence.
- 02She earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology in Bangalore and a master's from Cornell University in New York.
- 03Qazi's total tuition loan amounted to $70,000, with an upfront payment of $10,000 depleting her savings before moving.
- 04Despite achieving success, Qazi struggled with homesickness and the emotional burden of being far from her mother, who raised her alone.
- 05Her journey taught her that success is not solely defined by academic performance but by resilience, relationships, and the courage to seek opportunities.
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Sabah Husen Qazi, a 33-year-old tech professional originally from Bengaluru, India, shares her challenging journey of relocating abroad, which is often romanticized yet fraught with difficulties. After facing significant academic hurdles, including failing to gain admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Qazi pursued her education at Cornell University in New York, where she earned a master's degree in computer science. Despite her academic achievements, she encountered emotional and financial struggles, including a staggering $70,000 student loan and the challenges of homesickness. Qazi's experience highlights the harsh realities of moving abroad, including the pressure of building a new life without a safety net. She emphasizes that success is not merely about grades but about resilience and the ability to forge connections in unfamiliar environments. Today, Qazi thrives in Toronto, Canada, where she leads product development and mentors young women, encouraging them to embrace challenges and seek opportunities beyond their comfort zones. Her story serves as a reminder that the journey to success is often filled with unseen hardships that require strength and determination to overcome.
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Qazi's experiences resonate with many aspiring professionals, particularly women, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges of pursuing opportunities abroad.
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