Prompt: In what way(s) did you personally grow this year? How did you demonstrate or rebuild the resilience needed to move forward? How will you utilize resources and your support network to hold yourself accountable in continuing this growth?
This past year has been one of the most challenging and transformative periods of my life. I embarked on multiple endeavors that I am deeply passionate about, although they ultimately ended in failures and important lessons.
In the Fall semester, I got an on-campus job to support my studies at UC. Soon after, I was offered an internship at CincyTech, a regional venture capital firm, which is an opportunity I couldn’t pass on even though I had already had a part-time job. Grateful for both opportunities, I decided to take on both part-time roles while managing an 18-credit course load. Additionally, I took on leadership roles in extracurricular activities, serving as a Project Lead at Queen City Consulting and a Senior Consultant at Net Impact UC Consulting, while also engaging in an impact investing project through a program at the University of North Carolina. As a result, I found myself working and studying over 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Despite my efforts, I was mediocre in most of my endeavors at best and I struggled to achieve the level of exceptionalism I always strive for. In fact, I even failed to get into my dream scholarship program due to inadequate preparation for the final interview despite putting in significant effort throughout the process.
As a sophomore business student, this period is crucial for preparing for junior summer internships at prestigious companies. I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of my career direction, yet fortunate to secure interviews at some exciting investment firms. Despite these opportunities, I did not progress in the selection processes. At the end of the Spring semester, I faced a crisis, feeling like I was missing out on many opportunities. Upon reflection, I realized that while these opportunities were lucrative, they did not align with my passions and beliefs. This experience taught me the importance of having clear, focused goals and the courage to chase long-term passions over short-term opportunities. Achieving clarity of thought and taking calculated risks are essential for growth and change.
Halfway through the Spring semester, I realized the need to refine my focus. Instead of being a "Co-Pilot" through life, I began to intentionally navigate energy and time in my experiences to maximize the value and lessons they could provide. This shift in perspective made my experiences more fulfilling and reduced my fear of missing out.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the danger of hubris. I now understand the importance of humility and recognizing my limits. By acknowledging my shortcomings and staying grounded, I can approach challenges with a clearer mind and a more strategic plan. Resilience has also been a key theme in my growth. Facing failures and setbacks has taught me the importance of perseverance. Each setback provided an opportunity to reassess my strategies, learn from my mistakes, and build a stronger foundation for future endeavors. Resilience is about bouncing back and continuing to strive towards my goals, despite the obstacles that come my way.
To hold myself accountable and ensure my continued growth, I will set specific, measurable goals and regularly review my progress. I will seek feedback from mentors and peers, using their insights to improve and adapt. Additionally, I will maintain a reflective journal to track my experiences, thoughts, and lessons learned. This practice will help me stay aligned with my long-term vision and remind me to prioritize my passions over short-term gains. This past year has been transformational, and I am grateful for the valuable lessons I have learned. Moving forward, I will continue to reach out and engage in conversations with diverse individuals, absorbing various worldviews, learning about the current state of the world, and pursuing my passions.