The Judges Laughed. My Principal Fumed. I Learned a Lesson.

How a high school tech fair fueled my passion for technology (and taught me a thing or two about dealing with setbacks).

I've always been fascinated by technology. As a child, I would spend hours taking apart computers and other electronic devices, trying to figure out how they worked. I also loved to build things, and I would often create my own electronic gadgets and toys.

In high school, this passion led me to represent my school at the Sindh Board Tech Fair in 2001-02. I poured my heart and soul into my project - a nice 3D simulation. With the full support of my principal, we went all out. Giant projection TVs, a prime spot right in the center of the hall – we were ready to wow the crowd.

And did we ever! People flocked to our booth the entire time. The buzz was undeniable. I was riding high on confidence, convinced that a top prize was within reach.

But then came the twist. The judges, after praising my work, disqualified me. Their reason? They claimed what I'd developed was simply "impossible," implying that I couldn't have possibly created it myself.

It was a crushing blow. I tried to explain the countless hours, the dedication, the sheer effort behind my project, but it fell on deaf ears. Whether it was genuine disbelief or a move to favor someone else, I'll never know.

That experience left a mark. It was a harsh lesson in navigating expectations, especially in a competitive environment where things aren't always fair. But it also ignited a fire in me. I refused to let their doubts define me. I knew what I was capable of, and I was determined to prove them wrong.

Even after years of success, that feeling of 'not being good enough' still lingers.

That tech fair fiasco became a turning point. It fueled my drive to push further, to explore deeper, and to never let anyone else's limitations dictate my potential. It's a memory that still stings a bit, but it's also a reminder that sometimes, the greatest obstacles can lead to the most unexpected triumphs.

The Imposter Within

Even with years of experience and a string of successful projects under my belt, that tech fair experience left a lingering doubt - a whisper of "imposter syndrome" that sometimes creeps in. It's that nagging feeling that maybe I'm not as good as I think I am, that maybe I've just been lucky, that maybe one day everyone will realize I'm a fraud.

This feeling is especially pronounced when I'm working with new clients. I often find myself overthinking, second-guessing, and struggling to convince them that I'm the best person for the job. It's like that tech fair all over again, that feeling of being underestimated and misunderstood.

But I'm learning to overcome this. I'm learning to trust my skills and experience, and to let my work speak for itself. I'm also learning to be more open and communicative with my clients, to share my passion for technology and my commitment to delivering the best possible solutions.

It's a work in progress, but I'm making progress. And I know that with each successful project, that imposter within gets a little quieter.