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’ve all been there, standing at the precipice of an opportunity that feels just a little too grand for us. Maybe it was a prestigious fellowship, an competitive research grant, or an advanced program that seemed reserved for a select few. The self-doubt whispers, the imposter syndrome rears its head, especially in an environment where excellence is the norm.
I remember a particular professor, known for their quiet demeanor and sharp insights. They weren't the loudest voice in the room, but when they spoke, everyone listened. After a particularly challenging seminar, they pulled me aside. I braced myself for feedback on my latest paper, expecting constructive criticism. Instead, they mentioned an incredible, highly selective opportunity I’d never even considered, dismissing it as out of my league. "You should apply," they said, with a conviction that left no room for argument. "Your perspective is precisely what they need."
My internal monologue screamed "no way." It felt too ambitious, too premature for someone at my stage. Yet, something in their quiet confidence nudged me. They saw something in me I hadn't quite recognized in myself. I applied, pouring my heart into the essays, still half-expecting a polite rejection.
The day the acceptance letter arrived was surreal. It wasn't just about getting in; it was about the profound lesson learned. This wasn't a lesson from a textbook or a lecture. It was about trusting someone else's belief in your potential, especially when your own falters. It was about taking a leap because someone saw the runway before you did. That professor didn't just teach a subject; they taught me to aim higher, to value my unique contributions, and to never discount the quiet encouragement that can change your trajectory entirely.
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