13th March 2025 Thu

The Journey of Growth and Grit

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in deep shades of amber and violet, I set my mind on the journey ahead. My mission was clear: to grow, to learn, and to shape myself into the person I aspired to become. The road was not an easy one, but that was precisely why I chose to walk it.

The Unexpected Alarm

The night before had stretched long, with my mind consumed by studies and ambition. I had powered through BUSINESS 114 prep in the quiet solitude of the computer space, fueled by the lingering buzz of a Monster energy drink. By the time I finally allowed myself to sleep, it was already past 2 AM.

But fate had different plans. At the break of morning, a sudden, shrill noise shattered the silence—the fire alarm. My heart pounded as I jolted awake. It was a false alarm, but the damage was done. Any hopes of an uninterrupted rest had been stolen away. There was no time to dwell on it. I took a deep breath, gathered myself, and prepared to take on the day.

The Grind Begins

A hot shower and a cup of flat white set the tone as I dived straight into my studies. BUSINESS 111 preparation was no joke—fifteen pages of reading, each word demanding focus and discipline. Hours slipped by, and soon, exhaustion crept in like a stealthy shadow. I surrendered to it, letting my body rest for just a moment… or so I thought. When I woke up, the clock read 4 PM.

The battle was far from over. Determined, I picked up where I left off, pushing through until the last line of reading was conquered just before dinner.

The Night of Camaraderie

That evening, duty called—I had been entrusted with a special role in Jared’s campaign for Hall President. Alongside Vaibhav, I suited up for the event, embodying the silent strength of a guardian. The election was a resounding success. Jared delivered a speech that echoed with confidence, and I found myself acknowledged for the work I had put in. It was a moment of quiet pride, knowing that I had played my part in something bigger than myself.

The night didn’t end there. A game of volleyball with my floormates brought an unexpected thrill. Each spike, each pass, each shared victory on the court strengthened the bonds between us. One particular moment—when Ben and I executed a perfect combination—was exhilarating. As I spoke more English throughout the game, I felt an invisible barrier breaking down. These connections, these shared experiences, were worth more than words could capture.

Lessons and Resolve

But amidst the fun, I reminded myself of the delicate balance between what I wanted to do and what I had to do. Fujii-san’s wisdom echoed in my mind, urging me to stay disciplined. So, with renewed focus, I headed to the library, determined to finish what I had left undone during the day.

Reflecting on the day, I saw areas for improvement:

• No more energy drinks. My body deserved better.
• A structured sleep schedule. 6 AM wake-ups, 10 PM bedtimes. No more compromises.
• Confidence in social interactions. Talking to people—especially those who intimidated me—was the only way to grow.
• No gambling. Every dollar was a reflection of my family’s trust in me.

Every day was a step forward. I could feel it.

Tomorrow’s Quest

With a new dawn on the horizon, I mapped out my next mission:

• Prep for WTRBUS 100 and BUSINESS 111
• Sharpen academic skills
• Excel and coding training
• Deepen my understanding of BUSINESS 114
• Borrow a book
• Equip myself with essentials—baskets, toiletries, and self-care items
• Pay the accommodation fee for the next two weeks

The weight of four university courses was more than I had initially expected. The workload threatened to overwhelm me, yet I reminded myself why I was here. This wasn’t just about university. This was about shaping my future—about understanding, not just memorizing. I couldn't afford to feel like studying was a chore; every step I took led me closer to the life I envisioned.

The Dream Awaits

I dreamed of speaking English fluently, my words carrying the same effortless cool as Quade Cooper. Yet, beyond fluency, I needed precision, elegance, and professionalism. My future lay in securing an investment banking internship, building powerful relationships with investors, and navigating high-stakes negotiations with grace.

To get there, I would need more than just intelligence. Appearance, confidence, and presence mattered. Dressing well, smelling good, maintaining sharp haircuts, and standing tall weren’t just vanity—they were tools. They were signals of self-assurance, silent invitations for opportunity to come knocking.

I reminded myself to capture these moments. To take photos, to document this journey. One day, I would look back and see how far I had come.

As I closed my notebook, a quiet realization settled within me.

I was moving forward. Slowly, but steadily. Every challenge, every lesson, every conversation—I was growing. And I would use everything and everyone around me to carve my path to success.

Because this was my adventure. And I was just getting started.