Aayushman

Growing up in a dysfunctional and abusive household has affected numerous facets of life. My earliest memories consist of my parents screaming at each other and hurting each other. A failed relationship between two individuals who struggled with several addictions, and upheld a very unstable household has scarred me in several ways.

Fortunately, my uncle adopted me in the earlier years of my life. However, I was the only kid in my school that dreaded vacations, as I had to go back and live with my parents. The constant shame that I experienced owing to all my neighbors knowing about all the fights and being ostracised by several friends at a young age- because their parents deemed me as a bad influence-purely because of my parents' reputation- has haunted me through my formative years.

However, I have managed to stay resilient through all of this, without letting any of this dictate who I grow up to be. I am currently pursuing a B.Tech at IIT Bombay and I am working on two ambitious projects besides my regular duties. The perpetual support and unconditional love from my uncle and aunt, and my friends is the sole reason I have been able to make it this far.

Every time I felt despair, I wanted someone to tell me that life gets better regardless of how bleak things might look, and bad parents don't doom you to be a failure. I hope I can be that person for you!