The Almost Guy: Always Trying, Never Quitting

Ram grow up in small town in Andhra Pradesh. His father working in government office, mother is homemaker. From childhood, Ram was always told – “Study hard, beta. Only education can change life.” So Ram studied. Not like topper types, but he always tried his level best.

In school, he wanted to come first. He worked day and night, left even playing cricket with friends, but still… someone else always came first. Ram used to come 2nd or 3rd, sometimes 4th also. But he never give up. He thought, “Next time pakka I will top.” But next time also same story. He get good marks, but never highest.

Even in college also same. Engineering college. Everyone talking about IIT or NIT. Ram didn’t crack that. He joined local college. First he feel bad. But then he thought, “It’s okay. I’ll make the best of what I have.”

He was always trying to improve. Watching YouTube videos for skills, attending free webinars, applying for internships—even if unpaid. His friends used to say, “Aree yaar, chill a bit. Why you working so hard?” But Ram knew, he can’t afford to chill. Middle class life doesn’t give second chance always.

Sometimes he feel low. Like when he see rich guys with contacts getting jobs easily. Or when LinkedIn full of success stories and he’s just… waiting for one reply from HR. But he wipe his tears, take deep breath and says to himself, “One step at a time, Ram. One step at a time.”

Now he’s still fighting. Still learning. Not yet rich. Not yet successful. But not a loser also. Because Ram never stopped trying.

That’s the thing about middle class guys. We don’t shine in spotlight. But we keep walking. Slowly, silently. But we walk.