My Journey of Self Discovery

General
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Preparing for competitive exams taught me more than studying for them ever could. From my teenage years I was fascinated by the defense forces and had a great will to join them but was always skeptical about it questioning my physical abilities and mindset. However, after completing my BSc Microbiology I gave defense exams AFCAT for entry into Indian Air Force (IAF),CDS for entry into Indian Army, Navy and also Air Force and one intelligence services entrance exam IB ACIO.

My preparation for these exams was modest with a feeling of falling behind always struck in my mind as most of my classmates pursued higher studies while I focused only on these exams. Even though I tried my best and was hopeful of cracking at least one of these exams, unfortunately I couldn’t clear any of these. Initially I was disappointed over this but later it made me realized that this failure has taught me lessons of discipline, consistency, time management, importance of self belief and mental strength and many more which I can cherish throughout my life.

Only a few candidates manage to clear these exams given the intense physical and personality assessments. Also, reflection on my attempt made me realize not to rely entirely on these exams but to embrace another career path. Also, I was adamant that even if I fail to fulfil my dream of serving the nation by joining the defense forces, I will find my own ways to contribute to the well-being of my country .

Hence i decided to pursue Masters in Public Health (MPH) after BSc Microbiology as I found the curriculum of MPH matching my interests and a direction to fulfil my dream of serving the nation. Admissions being already closed I decided to pursue it the next year. I am currently on a gap year and trying my best to build my skills as well as personality during this period. With a few months left before my MPH begins I am excited to learn and grow from the experiences the upcoming journey unfolds and emerge out being a better version of myself.

Be open to share the incidences that shaped your self discovery journey in the comments below.

MBH/AB

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I had the similar vision for myself but life threw in a lot of surprises and the journey was a roller coaster ride. Looking forward with starry eyes to a new chapter of career waiting for me.

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This resonates deeply with me. After my +2 in science, as we all know majorly looking for NEET, but I dint score well.
when I dint achieve the score, I hoped for I felt that same initial fear and uncertainty about the future, and I gave an attempt into other fields, where I got into one of the prestigious universities. that journey of being a student dint a clear an exam to the student in the best university and following her passion – patient safety. I truly believe that life is full of surprises and sometimes the paths we dint plan for are the ones where we find ourselves the most.

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Beautifully penned.

After years of being in the academic field and facing our own share of successes and failures, I am sure we realize that whatever is destined somehow finds its way back to us. Whether it was the exam you did not crack, even after putting in your best, or that skill you just could not put your heart into learning, the smallest of failures eventually lead you to your destined success.

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This post shows us why is it important to have a plan b. We should not attach our entire life with one competitive exam . When I was preparing neet and could not get into mbbs, the world shattered for me as well. But with the support of my family and friends , I started to see life from a different lens.
Life is an experience , if one door gets closed, start looking for another one. There will definitely be another one for you!

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