Reimagining success in new terms

In the hustle and bustle of student life, success can often feel elusive. We're bombarded with images of achievement, flooded with stories of stellar internships, and inundated with LinkedIn profiles polished to perfection. It’s so easy to lose sight of our own accomplishments and to feel like we're constantly lagging behind. 

As students, we're expected to juggle academic excellence, extracurricular activities, internships, and the looming specter of post-graduation uncertainty. The pressure to excel can be suffocating, leaving little room for reflection or celebration of our achievements. It's a relentless cycle where every success is quickly overshadowed by the next hurdle on the horizon. The job market feels like a battleground, with fierce competition and seemingly impossible standards. We're told to network tirelessly, perfect our resumes, and craft impeccable cover letters—all while maintaining a facade of confidence and competence. It's a daunting prospect, especially when faced with a sea of seemingly more qualified candidates. In a world where social media reigns supreme, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We scroll through carefully curated feeds filled with highlight reels of other people's lives, convinced that we're falling short. But the truth is, social media is a facade—a curated version of reality that often masks the struggles and challenges faced behind the scenes. 

Amidst the chaos, it's crucial to remember that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It's not about ticking off boxes on a predetermined checklist or measuring ourselves against arbitrary standards set by… whoever. True success is deeply personal, and shaped by our individual values, passions, and aspirations. It's okay to take a step back and redefine what success means to us. It’s about finding fulfillment in our own journey, embracing the lessons learned from setbacks, and celebrating the small victories along the way. 

Success is not just about landing the perfect job or securing a prestigious internship—it's about growth, resilience, and self-discovery. I have to remind myself; success is not always linear—that sometimes, our greatest achievements come from the most unexpected places.

At the end of the day, we're all human. On those inevitable bad days when self-doubt creeps in and rejection feels like an insurmountable obstacle, it's essential to practice self-care and resilience. Take a step back and allow yourself to acknowledge and process your emotions. It's okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even defeated. Reach out to friends, family, or mentors for support, and remember that you're not alone. As I navigate my final year, I've come to cherish the candid conversations I've shared with friends about our struggles. In these moments of vulnerability, we find solace and connection, realizing that we're not alone in our challenges. Whether it's grappling with imposter syndrome, navigating the uncertainties of the job market, or simply trying to “find our place in the world”, we're united by our shared experiences. These conversations remind me that behind the polished stories of success lie real people with real fears and insecurities. And it's in these moments of shared vulnerability that true bonds are forged, and a sense of solidarity emerges. In the end, it's not our successes that define us, but our ability to support and uplift one another in times of need.

So to my fellow students navigating university and beyond, I urge you to redefine success on your own terms. Don’t lose sight of your growth, your worth, your potential. Remember that there's space for everyone at the table, and your unique voice and experiences have the power to shape the future in ways you never thought possible. People have been saying recently: “do it for the plot”. If plots were without twists, turns, and unexpected detours, safe to say the film is quite boring. Success can be our narrative arc, filled with its highs and lows. Don’t be scared to share both because more people will resonate than you think. And for a cheesy final line: you’ve got this.