Change starts with you!
Dear all,
I have followed the WO for some time to get tips and insights, however this time I will post my first discussion.
I want this to be a motivation for others who are underdogs, constantly battling hurdles and been through struggles in life.
I want to start with saying that I am soon 23 years and in my 2nd year at a non-target university in UK (ranked top 20).
After getting below grades in my 1st year, and failing my 2nd year I decided I have had enough. It was enough of blaming others, not taking responsibility and most importantly not owning my own destiny!
Since September 2016, I decided to take back control over my life. Calling my parents telling them I would let them know in a week (at the start of the semester) if I would continue or not. I thought for a while and I contemplated quitting, but I woke up one day and refused to be a failure anymore. I want to show that you can break your patterns, that you can achieve what you dream for and I want to be an inspiration for people who constantly fail.
I took drastic measures; I stopped seeing certain friends (due to bad influence and demotivating me with their sub-par ambitions), I stopped speaking with my sister (due to her constant negativity, complaint and reminder of how bad I am).
I have not taken one day of vacation since September 2016 (it is May 2017 currently), I spent one evening eating pizza and watching fireworks with some pals during new years (that was pretty much my vacation). And I feel like going on for many years without a break.
What is the result?
I have not landed any summer internship in IB, but that was not my aim. I want to take one step at a time to not overwhelm myself (I intend to apply for summer intern in my 3rd year and I know all that it entails).
However, from being below average student I am now top 3 student in my business school (average grade of 84% in UK), and I can really see my dream of getting into Oxbridge, LSE and Ivey League for masters being a reality. Also, I have been elected the president of the 2nd largest society in my business school (Economics Society).
I now realise what it takes to achieve something, it takes hard work and dedication and being in the right environment. It might sound simple, but I did not realise this before. I always looked for the easy way out. Not anymore! I want to be the best person possible to myself and others from now on!
My next step is to get into a summer analyst program in Asia (preferably sales and trading), my dream is to live and work in China, HK or SG (as I have visited SG and Kuala Lumpur many times and I love it!). I believe I can make it (although I am realistic) with my hardwork and dedication.
I hope you enjoyed my little story, I am simply sharing a thought and inspiring others that they can change their patterns. But it starts with you! No one else :)
All the best,
AL
