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.
Follow for more profound professor moments and unexpected life lessons.
We all remember those hallowed halls, the air thick with ambition and intellectual curiosity. It was easy to feel small, surrounded by so many brilliant minds, each on their own formidable path. For me, the imposter syndrome hit hardest when a certain professor, whose lectures were legendary for their depth and rigor, suggested I apply for a highly competitive international research fellowship. My first thought? Absolutely not. My qualifications felt flimsy, my resume a patchwork compared to the titans around me.
I remember his office hours. He didn't just suggest it; he laid out precisely why he believed I was uniquely suited. His conviction cut through my self-doubt. He saw potential I was blind to, a quiet strength I hadn't recognized. He even offered to review my application essays, his red pen not just correcting grammar but sharpening my narrative, pushing me to articulate my vision with a clarity I hadn't known I possessed.
The application was daunting. Days turned into weeks of meticulous crafting, fueled by caffeine and a growing, fragile hope. When the acceptance letter arrived, it felt surreal. A wave of disbelief, then immense gratitude, washed over me. It wasn't just getting "it"; it was realizing someone else had seen a future for me I hadn't dared to imagine. That single act of encouragement didn't just open a door; it fundamentally altered my trajectory, teaching me the incredible power of mentorship and the importance of saying "yes" even when fear whispers "no."