Undergraduate / I believe that some of the greatest successes stem from the act of persistence. UBC Personal Profile [3]

What is important to you and why?

250 word max.

"You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages." - Michelle Obama. I believe that some of the greatest successes stem from the act of persistence; recognizing and taking accountability for your actions and mistakes, learning from these experiences, and working diligently to do better thereafter.

Having grown up in the slums of London, my father was forced to drop out of high school and get a job along with his three brothers, to support my widowed grandmother who had recently lost her husband to lung cancer. When he immigrated to Canada, he enrolled in business courses, and by working to pay for his education during his spare time, he put himself through school, becoming the first member of our family to achieve this. I am inspired by his story and feel that he is a strong example to follow.

This final year of high school has not been easy for me. The effort I have put in, despite personal issues, has been more that I have ever put in before. However, with these setbacks, the instinct to persist has become more urgent as well. Persisting through these challenges has not only helped me get closer to my goals, but has also helped me recognize the drive within us that helps us succeed in life.