“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
We all have a very important role to play in life. Our mere existence influences the paths, the choices, what happens, how it happens. Each and every one of us has a purpose - no matter where we came from, what we have done in the past, what we plan to do - we can all make a difference but we all need to believe we can do it.
You’ll meet people in your life who were sent to test you - your patience, your strength, your courage, and your determination. There is no right and wrong answer with how you deal with such people, but the outcome is shaped by how you respond. For me, I seem to have come across many of these people... Unfortunately. I’ve had people who said I'd never succeed academically, that I was maybe just a ‘D-grade student’ (Biology). I didn’t take to that too lightly, no, instead of letting that defeat me or push me back in the dirt I used this to my advantage. I knew they didn’t know the full story (the back story if you wish, they didn’t know what was going on in my personal life). I used that new found determination and proved them wrong - firstly where the A-Levels were concerned and then up into further education, obtaining my First Class Hons and Distinction for my Masters.
Academia and the obstacles I met along the way aside, I've also have to deal with the sort of people who try to break you down personally. I’ve had the jealous and bitter remarks from girls who have way too much time on their hands and I've had ill-advice from family when I was at my weakest. I somehow found it in myself to look them in the eye and say no to the family, to laugh off the bitterness, and to actually feel flattered that someone could talk about me so much. Honestly, if someone devotes that much time to talk about your existence then don’t feel disheartened, feel flattered.
Follow your dreams - however big, however small. Stuff your rucksack with a million and one clothes you'll probably never wear, arm yourself with a travel guide and enough money to let you live your adventure (although in reality we always come back skint, I’ve just about paid off my Australian adventure and I came back over a year and a half ago!). Stick your nose into those books, endure a little stress, overdose on tea, power on through and prove that YOU can achieve anything. Whether we're looking at this from an academic perspective or a life's-lesson perspective, muster up enough courage and anything is possible.
Remember that we are the masters of our own density, no being can lead our lives and no one should let them influence it either. Remember that you - yes, you - are playing the lead role in life, this is your story from start to finish. Those who say you can't do it, prove to them you can. Stand up to those who think you are weak. Speak out to those who do not believe you. If, at the end of this, they still continue to live their lives in attempt to thrash your dreams, do not let it influence your decisions, merely laugh at their sordid attempts (over a glass of wine of you may, it helps immensely) and take no notice. At the end of the day, whatever they think/ believe/ say does not matter in your life... It has no impact on your present or your future - only your past. If you can let go of the past (or at least grab it by the horns and face up to it) then you've already won the race...
// Little Fish (in a very big sea), x
