[box]Share your Schulich memories! As the year comes to a close, it’s been fun to see (and celebrate) the many exciting things our undergrads are up to! Tell us your lessons learned, advice for incoming students, your plans for the summer, or a highlight from your time at Schulich (and abroad!) You can e-mail us at undergrad@schulich.yorku.ca or tweet your stories to us @schulich_BBA using hashtag #SchuMemories.[/box]

Quanita Ahmed is a 2016 BBA Candidate and she specialised in Finance. Upon graduation, she will be joining Tim Hortons as an Analyst in their Global Business Services Division.

Congratulations Class of 2016,

We made it; we have all accomplished an incredible milestone. All our hard work, coffee runs and all-nighters have culminatedin this, and I could not be more proud of this batch of Schulich graduates.

It has been an incredible journey and while the feeling is bittersweet, let us all embrace what is yet to come. Over the past four years I have learned a great deal from this institution. My professors taught me the value of learning; how important it is to be a life-long student and to be open to new opportunities at every step of our lives. My peers taught me the importance of hard work; that there is no substitute for it and that we can achieve anything we put our hearts into.

I realise that all of you are excited to conquer the world, which is why I want to share five lessons I have learned during my four years here:

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1) If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough

Don’t be afraid to dream, my friends. If you want something with immense conviction, the universe will conspire to make it happen. I have met individuals who did not pursue something because they doubted themselves and I have met others who have reached magnificent heights because of their determination. The only difference between the two is that one focused on how far they had to go, and the other focused on how far they had come. The world’s greatest leaders, thinkers and innovators are who they are because they believed that they were capable of something great, despite innumerable challenges. So, don’t be afraid. The only thing worse than failing is not trying at all.

2) Cherish your friends

In a few years, some of you might move away to another country or province. You will meet fascinating people everywhere but don’t forget the friends you made here – after all, if you can get through BPTP together, you can get through anything in life! Take time to meet up, be enthralled by each other’s journies and take delight in each other’s company. Your job may make you rich, but your friends will make you happy. Stay in touch.

3) Never be intimidated by your peers’ success

I get it: Schulich is full of smart people and it intimidates us. I remember when I was in second year and I would hear stories about how some people were getting internships at Fortune 500 companies and there I was, spending my time frivolously. As I look back on the successes of those individuals, I realise how much they all deserved it. Their hard work and dedication was no secret- after all, a suit and tie was their unofficial uniform. It’s good to be motivated by our peers, but don’t be scared of their accomplishments. Your journey is exactly that; it’s yours. Make it individualistic and unique because you are bound for a completely different destination than everyone else.

 

4) Remember, your life and career are marathons, not sprints

I read this life-changing advice a long time ago and it continues to resonate with me to this day. As natural leaders, we are tempted to press the ‘more’ button and step up to take initiative in every aspect of our lives. Know this – sometimes it is okay to take the back seat and let things run their course. Your careers will be demanding and it will serve you well if you pick your battles carefully. Often, things will not go our way but we will move on to the next chapter and will have had the privilege to learn some important lessons. Don’t fret over the small things and achieving your exact goals; a well lived life seldom goes as planned.

5) Be self-aware and self-reflective

Finally, take the time to reflect on yourself –  your actions, decisions, where you want to be in a few years and so on. I have known this to be an incredibly important and yet understated piece of advice. Self-awareness will allow you to continuously evolve, adapt and be proactive. Being self-aware and reflective is the ultimate trait of champions!

As you go on to the next chapter in your life, remember how fortunate you are with the opportunities that have come your way. May you have the courage to stand up for what is right and the wisdom to be responsible members of our society. Be patient and respond to every call that excites your spirit. Above all, may we understand the value of happiness and that there should be no compromise for it.

Carpe diem my friends. This is just the beginning!