Hruthik is a 21-year-old young-blooded final-year BTech student at IIIT Dharwad. A native of Andhra Pradesh, his life has been full of academic pressures, career decisions, and personal struggles that have been part of many students in India.
His story is a little different, though, as his father substantially outlined the path he trod. Like all young students, Hruthik, too, found his crossroads immediately after finishing his 10th standard.
“My hobbies or passions were nothing substantial. My father guided me through every step of my academic life.”
His childhood had its own share of ups and downs related to family, especially with his mother. He felt he didn’t get to enjoy his childhood as much because his mother was his class teacher in school.
Looking back now, he feels that those structured and strict years shaped him for the better, but his early life felt stifling as it was then. Whether he chose MPC for his higher secondary or engineering for his career path, his father made most of the choices regarding what Hruthik had to study.
“Had my father told me to pursue MBBS, I would have done that also because I believe in my father when it comes to my life choices. He knows everything better than me.”
The path his father chose for him was not at all difficult for him to follow. In fact, Hruthik credits his father with guiding both the brothers on the right track and hence saving them from struggles. Hruthik worked hard for the JEE Mains and managed to get admitted to IIIT Dharwad.
However, once in college, the challenges of balancing academics and career goals started growing, and a new worry popped up because he had to choose a career.
“I was preparing for my CAT exams while doing my software studies. I wasn’t too attached to either, so all right, this path in the MBA direction was fine by me.”
But running parallel to his efforts in academics was this other set of emotions bubbling up to the surface, which he didn’t fully comprehend nor know how to handle.
Hruthik first learned about YourDOST from his college, which partnered with IIIT Dharwad as its official mental health partner. His first session with his counsellor, Ms Vijayalakshmi, wasn’t planned with any specific goal.
“Honestly, I did not even think about the therapy. My friends tried it casually, so I thought, why not? If it helps, it is for my good.”
What began as an innocent question of managing his sleep soon turned much deeper.
“I started by asking for tips on sleeping better. But I just went on to share everything, from academics to financial insecurities to personal stuff like relationships. Vijayalakshmi ma’am would listen a lot and was never judgmental.”
The therapy proved rather enlightening for Hruthik. His counsellor did not provide solutions but helped him explore many options. More significantly, she gave him practical tools for handling time, money, and emotions.
She taught him techniques such as the Pomodoro technique for studying and breaking work into 25-minute intervals into his daily routine. She helped him incorporate his hobbies, which are editing videos and playing badminton, into his schedule and even helped him create better financial habits.
However, Hruthik valued his emotional rapport with his counsellor more than the tips and techniques. She didn’t advise him just on immediate solutions but also on future planning. She also asked him about the consequences of his actions and gave him steps to walk out in a positive way.
Today, Hruthik looks back with loads of gratitude, not just towards his counsellor but also towards his university, for an opportunity to access therapy.
“I feel grateful. I can manage my finances, time, and emotional life better. Through therapy, I became more aware. I do feel much growth, and that is enough for me.”
Today, Hruthik leads his life further with this development in self-awareness, resilience, and hope. He gives himself 5 out of 5 for feeling better, and as for his improvement, he sees himself as brave enough to seek help and be a better person.
We at YourDOST are glad to be part of the journey and wish you the best for the future!
Hruthik’s Warrior Tips:
1.“We should treat others with the same respect that we expect from others.”
2.“Always give out love, and it will find a way to come back to you.”
3.“Always be cautious about your money and finances, as they help you grow personally.”
Are you someone who has gone through a difficult phase and emerged stronger and better, with some professional help? Share your story with us to encourage thousands of others who might be struggling. Click here to submit your story.
