Petrol pump worker at night, student during day: Raigad college girl's inspiring story goes viral on social media

A college student from Maharashtra has drawn widespread appreciation online after a social media user shared her story of working at a petrol pump after attending classes to support her education.

The student spends her days in college and works at a Shell fuel station until around 10 pm to earn money for her college fees. Her determination came to light after a customer's chance interaction with her during a late-night visit to the petrol pump.

Customer shares encounter on social media

X user Vineeth K shared the experience after stopping at a Shell petrol pump around 9 pm following a long commute through heavy traffic. While getting his vehicle refuelled, he noticed that the young attendant spoke to him in Hindi instead of Marathi, which is commonly spoken in the region.

When he asked about her background, she told him that she was from Raigad district in Maharashtra and had moved to the area for higher education.

Vineeth said he became curious about why she was working at the petrol pump and asked how she had started the job.

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Student works after college to pay fees

According to Vineeth, the student told him that she attends college during the day before reporting for her petrol pump shift, which continues until about 10 pm.

She also works longer hours on weekends, taking double shifts in the morning and evening to earn enough to pay her college fees.

Sharing his reaction, Vineeth said he was surprised by her commitment and inspired by her efforts. He said the interaction made him reflect on how people often complain about everyday difficulties while others quietly work much harder to build a better future.

He also offered to help her with her education if she ever needed support.

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Internet praises student's determination

The post quickly gained attention on social media, with users applauding the student's dedication and commitment to completing her education despite financial challenges.

Several users shared similar experiences of students taking up part-time jobs to support their studies. One user said they had seen a young man working at a petrol pump during his college vacations for two months every year, often taking double shifts. The user added that the student had brought a friend along this year and described both as sincere workers, calling them the country's real future.

Another user said stories like these were inspiring and offered assistance to the student if required.

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Debate over student jobs and education costs

While many users praised the student's resilience, some also raised questions about the affordability of education and the challenges faced by students.

A user said such stories highlighted concerns about the education system and argued that the high cost of education creates difficulties for many families. Another user said wider access to quality education could help India better utilise its young population and economic potential.

Some users also discussed the value of part-time employment for students, saying such experiences teach responsibility, teamwork and financial independence. One user shared that their friend, a highly paid executive in the US, encouraged his son to work at McDonald's during summer breaks, describing the experience as valuable for learning workplace skills and earning independently.

The student's story has become a symbol of perseverance, with many users saying her efforts reflect the determination of young people who continue pursuing their ambitions despite financial pressures.

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