Leaving Home: A Bittersweet Farewell
Five years ago, as I glanced back from the rear window of the car taking me to the airport, I caught a final glimpse of the place I called home. I saw the veranda where my grandmother stood every morning to wave goodbye as I left for school. I remember one last affectionate pat on my dog and the warm embrace of my grandmother and dad before I headed through departures. I took a mental snapshot of those precious moments, hoping they would remain etched in my memory forever.
The People Who Shaped Me
I was raised by three remarkable women, my grandmother, the heartbeat of our home, my mother, who has been my guiding star through every challenge, and my sister, who is both my second mother and my best friend in the world. Then there’s my father, an army doctor whose discipline and unwavering commitment to his duty instilled in me the importance of resilience and hard work. And of course, there’s Whisky, our dog, who till his last breath taught me invaluable lessons about patience, courage, and the golden rule of never dangling a treat in front of a hungry animal unless you want to get bitten. Each of them played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.
The Harsh Reality: Adjusting to Life in Germany
The moment I crossed security at the airport, a wave of relief washed over me, a release from months of preparation. But when I glanced back, I saw something in my mother’s eyes—hope for the life she wished for me, and a quiet fear she was trying to hide. I was eighteen then, unaware of the harsh realities waiting for me out there. In those ten days before my mother left Germany, she tried to impart every bit of wisdom she could, and I, being young and naive, didn’t quite grasp why. The real world introduced itself to me swiftly. Finding my way in Germany was like learning to swim by being thrown into the deep end. The language barrier was the first, and perhaps the biggest, challenge. It wasn’t just about ordering coffee or finding my way through bureaucratic mazes, it was about proving my worth in a competitive job market thatdemanded fluency in German, even when the job itself didn't. I started with part-time jobs, internships, and side projects, anything that could help me gain experience, sharpen my skills, and most importantly help me build confidence in my abilities.
Breaking Into the Job Market as an International Student
Internships today require experience. It's an irony that every student faces, but I tackled it by taking initiative beyond the classroom. I sought out industry-relevant certifications, worked on self-driven projects, networked relentlessly, and, most crucially, made sure my resume wasn’t just a list of courses but a reflection of my problem-solving abilities. When I applied for my internships, I just had a history of saying yes to opportunities, even when they scared me. I focused on what made me stand out: adaptability, analytical thinking, and the ability to work hard and overcome challenges. And I was honest—about what I knew, what I didn’t, and what I was eager to learn.
How I Landed My Internship at EY
Starting at EY was both exciting and intimidating. The fast-paced environment, high expectations, and global standards were initially overwhelming, but what made the experience truly rewarding was the support I received. EY nurtured my growth, challenged my thinking, and provided me with opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways. I was surrounded by professionals who encouraged me to learn, make mistakes, and push my limits. Each day presented a new challenge, but with it came the chance to develop skills I never knew I had. It reinforced my belief that international students have a place in top companies, that our unique perspectives and resilience are assets rather than obstacles.
Lessons Learned: What My Mother Knew Before I Did
Looking back at that farewell moment at the airport, I realize now what my mother was trying to teach me in those ten days. She was preparing me for a world where I would have to fight for my place, where I would have to learn to stand out, not by being the loudest in the room but by being the most prepared. She knew, even before I did, that this journey would test me in ways I couldn't yet imagine. And she was right.
To every international student feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where they belong—keep going. Learn, adapt, and put yourself out there. You don’t need to have all the answers;you just need the courage to take that leap of faith.