Misfits. Outsiders. Those born under a bad sign. Be it war veterans, racial minorities, folks with disabilities, or those with a history scarred by trauma – I never dismiss them. Their tales, their experiences, are a treasure trove of human spirit for me. Particularly those who are in the thick of the storm, who are wrestling with their predicaments, and are tirelessly working towards a better tomorrow. These are the souls that harbor a hunger for healing. These are the people I stake my faith on.

They just need a little push, a helping hand… to climb the ladder, to reach the next rung in life. I never viewed their circumstances as problems, but rather as a testament to their strength. Their stories, their battles, they never fail to fill me with awe and empathy. They make me wonder, how can I lend them my support, my resources?

Life has brought a myriad of people to my doorstep, each grappling with a unique issue. As a problem solver at heart, I always strive to find a solution. I’ve worked with individuals who had everything going for them but were on the verge of jeopardizing their immigration status. I navigated them through the process, and eventually, helped them extend their visas.

Then there were those who wanted to make a comeback into the world of programming. I’ve seen a slew of them, transitioning from diverse backgrounds to development. Nothing brings me more joy than to witness their success. From designers to accountants, I’ve had the privilege of guiding numerous people through this transition.

But I believe, the fight is within…

This journey, this struggle against adversity, doesn’t end with individual victories. The lessons learned, the experiences gathered, have the power to resonate far beyond the immediate circumstances. The resilience of the underdog can inspire others, can galvanize them to face their own battles, fostering an environment of collective growth and mutual support.

These experiences also illuminate systemic issues that might have been brushed under the rug. The plight of immigrants seeking a better life, the hurdles faced by people with disabilities, or the roadblocks encountered by those changing careers – each story is a poignant reminder of the need for empathy, comprehension, and proactive problem-solving in our society.

Imagine if we stopped labelling people by their struggles and started acknowledging them for their resilience? What if we shifted our focus from what’s ‘wrong’ with them to what they’re doing ‘right’? This change in perspective could pave the way for a more inclusive, understanding, and resilient society.

Underdogs aren’t people burdened with problems. They are individuals brimming with potential. They aren’t defined by their battles but by their determination to conquer them. They personify the spirit of resilience, the power of persistence, and the courage to keep marching ahead, regardless of the odds.

I firmly believe that real strength is an inner attribute, and anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can tap into this power