Computers: First love for 1st grad in loadman’s family

CHENNAI: A first graduate in the family, M Aarthi’s love for computers is what made her choose IT in the Tamil Nadu engineering admissions this year. Coming from a humble background, Aarthi aims to complete her studies and get a job to support her father who is a loadman. “They were very happy that I am getting into engineering and they have never let our financial problems get in the way of my studies,” said the 17-year-old.With a cutoff mark of 194.5, she has secured a seat in Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology in Trichy.
Hailing from Arangur Village in Cuddalore, Aarthi studied in a government school until Class 10. “She scored 471 out of 500 in Class 10 and looking at her scores authorities from Mullai Higher Secondary School in Thottiyam offered free education for Class 11 and 12,” said her cousin, Aravind M, who accompanied her to the counselling session.
Aarthi is quite sure of what she wants to do in future. The youngster wants to get a job first and then pursue higher studies once her family is financially stable. Coming across as a much-focused teenager, she said, “I checked with my school principal and close relatives about the scope in the field. They advised me that this is one of the good courses with plenty of opportunities.”
Now her father would have to take up a loan to pay her fees, but she says they aren’t worried about it. “They were always there for me and will be. My father used to wake me up early every morning to prepare for board exams and would be awake late in the night to keep me company, while my mother made sure that I didn’t skip meals,” laughs Aarthi.