The Biggest Bet of My Life at Just 20

I wanted to share something super personal and incredibly exciting that’s happening in my life right now. You know how everyone around our age is either starting college or planning out their next academic move? Well, I was almost one of them. I had my flight tickets to Canada booked, my bags nearly packed, and my college admission lined up. It was all set. But I chose to take a massive detour, one that involves a lot of guts, a dash of craziness, and an unshakable belief in my own dreams.

The Leap of Faith

So here’s the full story: Instead of heading to a foreign university, I’m now sitting in my home office, leading a small but mighty team of three developers. Together with my partner, Kunal Konde, we’ve decided to invest $70,000 - the money I earned myself from my previous apps and startup ventures for college - into our startup, Recheck.

The logical question that everyone keeps asking is, “Why wouldn’t you just go to college first?” or “Shouldn’t you at least get your degree before you start something like this?” And honestly, I get it. It’s a fair question. Universities are typically seen as the safest bet for a bright future. There’s that protective sense of security, social acceptance, and proven pathways that college provides.

But here’s the thing: I’ve always been someone who believes in doing things a little differently. Perhaps it’s my curiosity, or maybe just stubbornness, but I’ve always felt a pull toward building something from scratch. Something that’s my own. Something that shakes things up. And when the Recheck idea came about, it clicked. It felt big. It felt real. It felt like something worth betting everything on.

The Crazy Part

Now, I won’t lie, there’s a bit of craziness involved. Betting your entire college fund on a startup at 20? That’s not exactly the definition of “playing it safe.” My parents were skeptical at first. My friends thought I’d lost it. Relatives were, like, “Are you sure?” And hey, I wasn’t entirely sure. But I do know this: If there’s a time in our lives to take these giant leaps, it’s when we’re young.

No mortgage.
No kids.
No life-altering responsibilities that tie me down.

All I’ve got is a passionate sense of purpose, bottomless energy, and that reckless optimism that says, “Yes, I can handle anything life throws at me.” And you know what? That’s more powerful than any safety net or Plan B.

Why It Feels Right

Sure, going to a university in Canada would’ve been a brilliant experience. I’d get to explore a new country, meet new people, and gain that valuable piece of paper. But from where I stand right now, I’m learning lessons every single day that no traditional classroom could replicate.

Leadership: I’m leading a team, actually motivating and guiding people who believe in my vision. That’s real-time leadership experience.
Problem-Solving: Every day in a startup is a puzzle. Something breaks, something goes wrong, and you have to fix it now. No professor is giving you assignments with safe deadlines. You learn to be extremely resourceful.
Resilience: Startups are an emotional rollercoaster. One minute, you’re celebrating a small win; the next, you might be in panic mode because a critical feature isn’t working. You learn to stay calm under extreme pressure.
Networking: Instead of classmates, I’m dealing with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors who’ve been in the industry for years. These connections feel like golden tickets for growth.

My Mindset Right Now

You know how we sometimes have that fear of missing out? Every now and then, I do wonder what my life would be like if I were on campus, experiencing dorm life, and spending late nights cramming for exams or hanging out in the cafeteria. But I’m quickly reminded of the bigger picture: I’m building my dream.

And no matter how this plays out, whether Recheck becomes the next big thing or not, the journey itself is shaping me into a better entrepreneur, a better leader, and a more confident version of myself. The growth is tangible and the lessons are limitless.

Why I’m Sharing This

To any of you reading this, especially if you’re in your early 20s or about to embark on some monumental life decision, I want you to remember one thing: sometimes the riskiest choice is playing it safe.

Life is short, and the opportunities you can’t see right now might be the ones that change your life the most. If I can share one takeaway from this rollercoaster ride, it’s that you are capable of so much more than you think. So don’t let anyone tell you you’re “too young,” “too inexperienced,” or that your idea is “too risky.” Because guess what? At 20, you have the advantage of time. You have the freedom to fail without massive repercussions. That’s an incredible edge to have, if you choose to use it.

Locked In

Right now, our team is completely locked in and fired up. Recheck is happening. It’s real. It’s growing. And every single day, we get closer to realizing the vision we’ve been obsessing over.

Is it all sunshine and rainbows? Heck no. There are days I doubt myself. Days when I wonder if I’ve made a colossal mistake. But then I remember: even if this fails spectacularly, the value of what I’m learning, about myself, about business, about software development, is absolutely priceless.

I’ll keep sharing updates, both the highs and the lows, because, hey, this is real life. It’s messy, unpredictable, and oh-so-exciting. Thanks for sticking with me through this journey. Your support means the world, and I hope my story gives you the nudge (or push) you might need to chase whatever wild dream is buzzing in your own mind.