Nothing is impossible if you have the desire to make it possible. Most of us feel so tired managing do to one thing (it could be your studies or your job) that we offer excuses for not being able to do anything else.

Seventeen-year-old Soumya has, however, combines her studies with her passion -- to dance and to help people dance. She makes sure she finds enough time in the 24 hours all of us get everyday to pursue her passion.

Read on to find out how one can make magic with one's 24 hours.

• From night school student to accounts assistant to...

Name: Soumya Sanjiv Ahuja

Age: 17 years

College: Narsee Monjee College Of Commerce and Economics, northwest Mumbai

Currently in: Second year, junior college (class XII)

Job profile: Soumya runs her own private dance class where she teaches young children Indian classical dancing and Indian classical vocal. She also teaches them how to play the keyboard.

Monthly income: Rs 1,250

In the beginning: Soumya has trained in Indian classical dance (Bharat Natyam); she completed seven years of learning the art form by the time she turned 14. Simultaneously, she also trained in Hindustani classical singing. She actively involved herself in dance and music shows and, in no time, learned enough to train others.

A year later, Soumya's teacher approached her for assistance in taking dance classes in school; these classes were held every weekend. After teaching there for about a year and a half, Soumya felt confident enough to start her own classes. She had, by then, learnt how to handle and manage small children and work at their level.

It was not very difficult for Soumya to spread the word about her private classes. Her neighbours were aware of her talent and were more than delighted to send their children to her for training.

Soumya has been training six students, in the age group of six to 12, for the past four months; two students are learning to play the keyboard, two of them classical singing, and the other two are being trained in the Bharat Natyam dance form.

Studies-work balance: "It's difficult to manage more than studies, but when you pursue a passion, it's fun juggling both," beams Soumya. Sometimes, when it gets difficult for her to live up to her hectic schedule, she cancels personal commitments to ensure her work is not affected. She's thankful that her students' parents are very co-operative and adjust timings according to her convenience.

Time management mantra: She follows a fixed routine, where she attends tuitions from 7 am to 12.30 pm and then goes to college to attend classes until 6 pm. She reaches home by 7 pm, in time to begin her private classes from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. She teaches six days a week. These days, she also spends the weekend assisting a choreographer, Madhumita Roy, in creating a show that will depict dance forms of all ages.

Managing exams: During exams, Soumya continues teaching as it helps her relieve stress. However, she doesn't attend college during that time; this does not prove to be a problem as she manages to keep up her attendance throughout the year.

Skill sets: Soumya has learnt the art of handling children and tackling their behaviour; she has learnt to become more patient. Her classes have helped her polish her talent in music and dance too. Soumya says, "I am not running these classes for commercial purposes; I'm doing it solely for the experience and because I love anything that has to do with music."

Family: Soumya's parents have been extremely supportive. Her father would constantly push her to do something beyond the regular academic routine. Her mother is a teacher and helps Soumya understand the various aspects of teaching. Soumya's success would be incomplete without her parents' co-operation.

Future plans: Soumya plans to do her Bachelor's in commerce along with her CA, and then follow it up with an MBA (with a specialisation in finance or marketing). As for dance and music, they will always continue to be her passion. Provided she has the time and energy, Soumya would also like to do a BA and MA in dance.

Straight from Soumya's heart: "Be focused and hard working, as hard work always pays. Learn to manage your time well. Maintain the will power to keep moving toward your goal." 

Are you a student with a part-time job? Share your tips and experiences

DON'T MISS!