I believe everything happens best case scenario in life and that we are at the right place, at the right time, always. My failed attempts at obtaining the position at Emirates initiated great things inside of me. This desire I had turned out to be only the tip of the iceberg of my aspirations.
In 2019, while reflecting about the why’s & how’s of my unsuccessful applications, I caught myself feeling that not having a schooling background could have something to do with my defeat. I kept on picturing the recruiter picking another candidate over me because the word university was written on his/her file.
I did not want to let myself feel like I wasn’t good enough, nor that not having a diploma would define who I am as a person. A buried part of me then resurfaced at that point: I had the limiting belief that I was not made for university and that I could not experience success if I would take a chance at it. The bold and courageous girl I normally am did not like the sound of that and responded fiercely: I applied to a distance university & got accepted.
I began with 2 courses, as a freelance student, while working on a full-time schedule. Starting university, 13 years after leaving the academic system was a huge deal for me. I felt like I had just dived, headfirst, into black hole. I soon enough realized that the blend of my long working hours as a server and my new student career were no good match. The pressure was hard to cope with, it wasn’t going well.
Then, March arrived, followed by the whole covid-19 lockdown situation. I had to stop working mid-month. I took a few days off then decided to roll my sleeves up and attack my courses. I was motivated, determined and organized. I even managed to stay focused through a few moments of despair and a couple of citations & references breakdowns! Haha
In the blink of an eye, I obtained my very first A+’s and oh, how proud was I. I am still studying as of now, always aiming for good grades and planning on doing so for the next few years. I am the living proof that we can achieve anything we set our mind to, that it is never too late to take action and that, as Einstein wisely said: "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity."
Thank you Covid for the precious time you provided me & thank you 2020.
With love and motivation,
Ashley xx