The one who encouraged you to apply for something big—and you got it.
THE ONE WHO ENCOURAGED YOU TO APPLY FOR SOMETHING BIG—AND YOU GOT IT.
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We all remember those professors, don't we? Not just the rockstar lecturers or the tenured giants whose names we learned before arriving. Sometimes, it's the quiet observers, the ones whose brilliance wasn't loud but profoundly impactful. Perhaps they were the oddballs, the ones who saw the world through a slightly different lens, and because of that, they saw something in you that you hadn't yet recognized.
Remember that moment? You were probably buried in papers, fueled by caffeine, maybe questioning whether you truly belonged amidst such incredible peers. Then, a comment during office hours, a casual suggestion after a seminar, or even a pointed email. "You should apply for this," they said. It was for something monumental, something that felt impossibly competitive, utterly beyond your current scope. A prestigious fellowship, a groundbreaking research opportunity, a highly sought-after grant. Your initial reaction was likely doubt, perhaps even a chuckle at the sheer audacity of the idea.
But their conviction was unwavering. They saw a spark, a unique perspective, a nascent talent you were too busy (or too humble) to see in yourself. They didn't just encourage; they nudged, they guided, they insisted. And because of their genuine belief, you took the leap. You polished your application, poured over essays, perhaps stayed up even later than usual. Then, the unexpected news: you got it. That acceptance wasn't just a validation of your hard work; it was a profound life lesson. It taught you the power of unexpected mentorship, the quiet strength of someone else’s belief, and the courage to reach for what feels just out of reach. These aren't just academic achievements; they are turning points.