With Self-Confidence You can Start your Journey!

By Liny Slot, Former I’mACE Magazine Intern

As a child, I dreamed about studying abroad to enrich my education, knowledge and experience of the outside world. Today, I am undertaking a Bachelor of Business in Melbourne, Australia.

I believe that self-confidence is the key to realising your dreams.

In 2016, I was a quiet and passive student. I did not have much life experience, and I did not know what I was going to do in my adult life, because I had only ever learned from books. I tended to adhere to the saying, “Follow the rules and you will be perfect’’. I felt like a robot that kept doing what I was told. For those reasons, I had never taken steps to explore the outside world.

Things began to change when I became an intern at I’mACE Magazine, which would ultimately change my life. At first, I took the position because it only involved reading and writing, but I soon found myself gaining a wealth of other experience that I had not anticipated. Each day, I worked on a range of tasks, learned new skills and interacted with different people. In the blink of an eye, six months passed, during which time I felt myself changing dramatically. I started to appreciate my skills and abilities: I was capable of much more than I thought I was. Although I am still not especially proactive, I am no longer quiet or passive. I no longer allow fear to limit me. When I set myself a goal, I tell myself that I can achieve it, and I step out of my comfort zone to do so.

I am now completing my Bachelor’s degree in Melbourne, which is both exciting and challenging. When I first arrived in Melbourne, one of Australia’s largest capital cities, I was amazed at the modern infrastructure and I wanted to have as many new experiences as possible. A few weeks after I arrived, however, I started to feel homesick as a result of the new food and culture and the cold weather. Fortunately, I have now adapted to my new home and have also made some great friends.

My determination and commitment alone could not have brought me to where I am today. I have received a lot of encouragement from my family, who have always supported me. I am also grateful to the people I met during my internship at I’mACE Magazine, all of whom have played an important role in my personal growth.