3 Lessons I learned outside of the classroom

1. It takes a village: I started to realise that when I walked around campus with my family during my graduation, most people would congratulate my family for my graduation and I wouldn’t understand why because technically I was the one graduating, I was the one who actually went to Harvard and worked hard for my degree so why would they congratulate my family instead of me? But on my Harvard First gen graduation, it finally clicked, one of the speakers talked about her journey and the countless people that helped her to get there and it was something that just clicked with me then and there because I was very grateful for my family for their support, but it never downed on my the little things that they have done that I took for grated, like my grandma cooking for me so instead of having to make my own meals, I could use this time to study and that speach in particular was very life changing for me because it made me appreciate much more the people in my life in ways I haven’t before. You may be the architect of your success, but remember, you didn't build that empire alone, so acknowledge and appreciate the countless individuals who have supported you along the way, whether it's mentors, teachers, friends, or family. Their contributions, no matter how small, have played a pivotal role in shaping your journey. So get in the habit of sending thank you notes to the people in your life that have played a big or small role in your success, they will appreciate it.

2. Adopting a growth mindset: I think for the longest time I had a fixed mindset and I didn’t even know it, I believed that my abilities and intelligence were static, like I know I was not the smartes cookie in the jar so what’s the point of even trying to get the best grade? And that was the case for me until I got to Harvard that I learned that I could actually be good at anything if I was willing to learn and put in the effort to get better at it. This growth mindset helped me to view challenges as opportunities to stretch my own capabilities and evolve into the best version of myself. And since then I have dared to take on so many cool challenges, like learning how to kitesurf, rockclimbing, learning Chinese. I know I am not good at any of those things, YET, but I know that one day I will be if I keep putting the time and effort to improve it.

3. Surround yourself with gratness: Being in the company of greatness can inspire you to elevate your own aspirations and achievements. I don’t think I would have started my travel tech startup if I haven’t gone to Harvard, I never thought I was enough or that I had the skills ot pull it off as a solo founder, but there is something about being surrounded by other ambitious founders that inspired me to aim higher as well and take the shot instead of waiting for the best timing or waiting to find a co-founder. So as much as possible, try to surround yourself with other ambitious people and you will see that you will also start aiming higher as a result.

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