"Nobody should tell you what you want to be in life. Stick with your dream and don't let anybody tell you that you can't make that dream happen."
"...I told my family that I want to be a Software Developer that's why I keep on reading and studying about new programming technologies. But my family objects, especially my mom. They don't want me to study. They just want me to pick whatever job and stick to it. One day, they even kept my programming books in a locked shelf. Imagine, they don't want me to be a programmer..."
I had the same situation more than 3 years ago when i got here in the US. You see, I was a developer in Manila before my family decided to move to the US for a big outsourcing company doing VB6, VB.NET, C# and ASP. I was a Web Administrator for a real state firm before that(doing classic ASP and PHP) and a Analyst Programmer Trainee when I was in college. But almost everybody in my dads side of the family thinks that i should be a US Navy. They said that i can't find any developer job here in the US because "I graduated in the Philippines" and that i can't use my degree because the school that i can from has a curriculum that isn't recognized by the academe in America.
My heart was broken after hearing that from several people... it's hard to accept that what you have worked hard on for 4 long years wont amount to anything in another country. Alot of people told me to give up my dream and just "settle for what's on the table" which means that i just need to take what i can and not live up for my aspirations.
Hearing those kind of opinion specially coming from your family members is somewhat dishearthening.
At first, I was discouraged. I wasn't mad at them at all but i didn't believe what they told me. I knew that I can accomplish my dream if i work and pray hard for it. I worked doubly hard going to the library to read a book everytime I can. I would even borrow books and rigorously read them till i fall asleep. I didn't had the chance to bring my development tools at that time because i was advised not to bring my CDs so i ended up downloading everything all over again via a 56kbps line. I was lucky enough to find
SharpDevelop and that's how i started honing my skills in C#(and VB.NET). Everyday I gain more and more confidence in myself knowing that every tear and pain is a step towards my goal to become a Software Developer in the US.
My first job interview was a disaster. I was sweating like a sheep and so nervous that i dabbled every word I spoke. I knew all the questions they asked me but i wasn't able to communicate well enough to merit me as a valid candidate for the position. I knew right there and then that I failed the job interview. I was sad but held my head up high knowing that I needed that stab so I can be better.
I became event more confident after that faithful event. Taking every piece of experience i learned from it as part of my comunication toolbox(and that is speak clearly, be yourself and don't sweat like you don't know what you are talking about).
I prayed harder too knowing that God has something prepared for me in my future and I was right!
After a month of applying and staying long hours sending my resume our home phone rang with someone on the other line bringing me a message... I was hired and they wanted me to start that week. After putting the phone down i started shouting like crazy. It was so sweet to let that out of my chest that finally, my dream is coming true.
It's been more than 3 years ago since that faithful day. I smile everytime I think of what I have accomplished even with almost everybody saying that I can't be who I want to be. I knew God has promise for me and that it would happen if i work hard and continue to believe Him.
And it did :)
I believe that nobody should tell you to stop dreaming. I believe that you can accomplish anything you want as long as you put your mind, body, heart and faith into it. Anything is possible as long as you work hard, believe and put your trust in God.
Through that battle I held a verse in my heart which I'd like to share to you:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 - taken from the NIV Bible
So I say to you all "Dream on, don't loose hope and never let go!".