It was December 2009. Winter was at its peak, with 12 inches of snow that day. The trees had no leaves, the sound of wind blowing was the only thing I could hear. The storm was quickly developing and heavy snow was falling on the car windshield.

I was on my way to the US Consulate for processing my work permit in the country. It had been a year since I had landed in the US, on a dependent visa. The great recession had started, and my friends had advised that I may not find a job in the US for the next five years. Every interview I had attended would come to a halt when the question of work permit came into the picture. While I had applied for my work permit, there was no clarity in my mind as to when it would be processed. It was at this time that I decided to drive myself to the Embassy against all odds.

I could not see the highway lanes too well and was following a car ahead of me for some direction. Along a road I barely knew, tree limbs began to fall, weighed low by the snowstorm. I was determined to make it to the embassy. What would take me 2 hours to drive took me 5 long hours, driving at snails pace with the snow gushing by the car window. I finally made it to the US consulate entrance and requested them to process my application. A week later, I received a mail with the work permit. I was grateful that I finally could explore the corporate world. Thanks to James Godfrey and @rebecca timmins for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!

Every time I am faced with an obstacle in my life, I remember this quote “Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway” and move forward. It is this courage that enables me to be my best self.