Leveling up with LSE

Please join me for a candid reflection of how a few weeks abroad at LSE Summer School changed my perspective.

As an average Indian boy who called himself an extrovert but knew he was more introverted, venturing to London alone for Summer School was a daring move. Back home in Mumbai, I stuck to the familiar, choosing a university close to home and often retreating to the comfort of my parents' house on weekends. While I had friends, I never truly pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone.

However, my time in London shattered those barriers. What started as a mere application soon transformed into an experience that taught me invaluable lessons about myself. Surrounded by a diverse group of people, the lines of nationality blurred, we connected over shared interests rather than cultural backgrounds. It was a powerful realisation that despite our differences, we were all human beings with similar thoughts and desires. This new confidence allowed me to embrace my quirks and confidently stand out in a crowd, knowing that it only enriched my experiences.

I owe it to LSE for reinstating my interest in a subject like Economics and making me understand my passion for the subject. The energy and enthusiasm of my peers were contagious, and the professors' genuine love for their subject inspired me. In particular, Dr. Gharad Bryan left a lasting impact on me, not just for his expertise but for his passion and dedication to teaching the course EC307: Development Economics. It lit a fire under me and made me question “have I been taking the right steps to unleash my full potential?”.

Attending Spark events was a pivotal moment in my professional journey. Specifically, I attended “Obtaining THAT job. Reflections on a decade of graduates” , where under the guidance of seasoned professionals like Maurice Patrick (MD at Barclays Capital) I gained valuable insights and while the prospect of networking with ambitious students initially filled me with fear, as I immersed myself in conversations, I realised that others shared my nervousness. Talking to future professionals, just like me, grappling with similar insecurities was oddly reassuring. It dawned on me that everyone experiences uncertainty when navigating new environments. This revelation empowered me to embrace vulnerability and step out of my comfort zone. Through LinkedIn, I discovered a platform where I could confront my flaws head-on. By engaging with industry leaders and leveraging the platform's resources, I learned to transform my weaknesses into strengths. LinkedIn became more than just a networking tool—it became a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Living alone in a foreign country at the age of 20 felt nerve-wracking, especially considering the cultural differences from India. However, embarking on this journey for Summer School in London proved transformative. Navigating new cultures and customs forced me to adapt, fostering independence and resilience. As I explored the world through weekend trips and immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of London life, I discovered a newfound strength within myself. Each decision, whether big or small, required careful consideration, honing my ability to be both decisive and cautious. This experience wasn't just about academic pursuits; it was a crash course in life skills that would shape my future endeavours and fortify me for the challenges ahead.

My transformative journey through Summer School sparked within me a deep desire to pay forward the invaluable lessons I had learned. It was this motivation that led me to pursue becoming a Summer School Ambassador. In this role, I found a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment. Serving as a guide to prospective students, I felt empowered to share my experiences and insights, offering support and encouragement to those embarking on their own journeys. The responsibilities of being an ambassador not only strengthened my communication and leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of empathy and compassion. These qualities, honed through my ambassadorship, have equipped me with the tools needed to confront the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead in life, instilling in me a sense of resilience and readiness to face whatever obstacles may come my way.

In just a few weeks, Summer School transformed me in ways I never expected. It challenged my preconceived notions, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and reignited my passion for learning. While it may not have been a fairy-tale transformation, it was a journey of self-discovery and growth that I’ll always cherish. The conclusion and goal of this blog was to nudge you in the right direction and tell you that sometimes the risks that we take do give us positive payoffs.

 

This blog was written by one of our 2023 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.