A Conversation at 30,000 Feet
On a recent flight to Dubai, I found myself in quiet conversation with a fellow passenger. What began as a casual exchange soon turned into a story I’ll never forget.
He looked me in the eye and said:
“The only reason I’m sitting on this flight right now… is because of education. Nothing else.”
There was a time, he shared, when his family had absolutely nothing. He had two options: drop out of school and start earning by working in a kirana shop, or struggle through financial hardship and complete his education.
His choice wasn’t popular.
He was ridiculed by relatives and neighbours for not “doing something useful” or helping the family financially. He left home for many years, enduring distance and difficulty, while his family continued to live through tough times.
But he stayed committed — and it paid off.
From a Small Town to a Global Life
He studied at some of India’s best universities, went on to work in the UK education sector, and slowly built a life of dignity, purpose, and impact.
Today, he lives in the UK not only with his wife and children, but also with his parents, siblings, and even cousins — all of whom he was able to bring over.
As he told me:
“Education didn’t just change my life. It changed my entire family’s destiny.”
That sentence, spoken so simply, struck me harder than most things I’ve heard in boardrooms or strategy meetings.
Education Is More Than a Degree
He never spoke about his qualifications with ego.
He spoke about the discipline, vision, and long-term mindset that learning had given him.
To him, education wasn’t a way out — it was a way through.
It was the quiet force that allowed him to:
- Build courage when life pushed back
- Think critically and act confidently
- Create opportunities for himself and others
“Don’t Become a Dinosaur”
Before we landed, he left me with one more thought:
“Today, a postgraduate degree isn’t enough. You have to become a subject-matter expert. You have to stay updated. Otherwise, you become a dinosaur — respected once, but irrelevant now.”
It was raw. Real.
And deeply aligned with everything we try to teach our students at Erudmite.
In today’s world, where industries shift every few years and entire job sectors can vanish overnight, relevance isn’t optional. It’s survival. Learning can’t stop at graduation — it has to be continuous.
The Choice Between Survival and Growth
What moved me most was not just what he achieved — but what he gave up in the short term to get there.
He could have chosen survival: a small job, a steady but limited life, short-term relief for his family.
Instead, he chose growth — the path of sacrifice, discomfort, and isolation — so that in the long run, he could rewrite not just his story, but his family’s.
This is the painful truth about education that isn’t talked about enough:
It often demands patience when everyone around you is looking for proof.
It asks you to believe in a future you can’t yet touch.
And it expects you to make peace with being misunderstood.
The Ripple Effect: From a Flight to the Erudmite Team
After that flight, I couldn’t keep the story to myself. I shared it with our wider Erudmite team — from the counsellors who guide students every day, to the team members who support operations behind the scenes.
Because what we’re building at Erudmite isn’t just a platform — it’s a movement.
A movement powered by people who believe in transformation through education.
Everyone on the team — whether they work directly with students or behind the screen — heard this story.
And they understood its weight.
Because behind every course selection, every counselling session, every clarification we provide — there’s a person trying to choose growth over survival.
This is why we exist.
To remind learners that education is not a formality — it’s a tool for reinvention.
And that when used with intention, it can protect, elevate, and empower — far beyond a university campus.
Final Thoughts
As I walked out of the airport that day, I realized something:
We often talk about education like it’s just a phase — school, college, graduation.
But for those who truly embrace it, education is a lifelong mindset.
It’s what gives you the ability to move forward when life pulls you back.
It’s what lets you change not only your own story — but your family’s.
And sometimes, it’s what gets you on a flight you never imagined boarding.
At Erudmite, we’re not just in the business of applications.
We’re here to help people step into their next version — one that’s bolder, brighter, and more prepared.
FAQs: What This Story Teaches Us About Learning & Growth
Q1: Why is being a subject-matter expert so important today?
Because general knowledge isn’t enough anymore. Employers and industries want depth, not just degrees. Subject expertise keeps you valuable — and relevant.
Q2: Can education really change someone’s whole family situation?
Yes. As the story above shows, one person’s educational journey can uplift generations. It creates financial independence, global exposure, and a network of new possibilities.
Q3: Is it too late to upskill or specialize if I already have a degree?
Never. Continuous learning is the only way to avoid career stagnation. Whether it’s a short course or a new Master’s, every step keeps you ahead.
Q4: How does Erudmite support this kind of transformation?
We offer not just guidance on admissions, but honest clarity about what paths will truly add value to your goals — whether academic, professional, or personal.
Q5: I’m feeling stuck. Where do I begin?
Start by asking yourself where you want to go — not just geographically, but in life. Then speak to someone who can help you map the way. That’s what we’re here for.
Q6: What if my family or society doesn’t support my decision to study?
This is more common than you think. Many of our students come from environments where education isn’t seen as an immediate necessity. That’s why we share stories like this — to remind you that your vision is valid, even if it isn’t immediately understood.
Q7: What does Erudmite mean when it talks about transformation?
We mean real, lasting change. Not just getting into a university, but stepping into a version of yourself that’s more confident, competent, and capable of shaping your future — and others
