Steve Jobs said,“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” That's my advice to anyone joining S P Jain. Here's how the dots have connected on my own journey so far as a Jaguar.
S P Jain's very first student from Tunisia! That was supposed to be me. I was so proud and excited to be representing my country, and was all set to join my new classmates in September in Singapore. But at the last minute, it wasn't possible. Can you imagine how disappointed I was, with my airline ticket in hand and my bags all packed? I really thought that all was lost. I almost gave up hope.
But then it turned out that I was able to join the brand new Mumbai campus in January instead. This was a huge challenge for me. I had read everything about Singapore, but knew very little about India. Plus, I had
never traveled out of my country before, or been alone. My parents weren't so sure that they wanted me to go to India. However, I convinced them to let me go. I would make the best of it, and learn about yet another new country.
The beginning was very hard -- like any beginning. But I quickly met people who helped me with the stuff of the school, classmates as well as teachers. They made me feel at home and special.
Just in my first few months, I have had opportunities that I never could have dreamed of. I got to meet the American and Australian ambassadors, for instance. We visited the Securities and Exchange Board of India, a fascinating experience. We have had an awesome series of guest lecturers coming to campus, inspiring and motivating us to become real global business leaders.
Just a few days ago, Mr. Amit Dasgupta came to me and said, "You know, Wejdene, every day you seem to be happier." And it's true. Every single day I feel more thankful to be here, and grateful for this chance to learn so much about the world.
So you see, I learned that sometimes it can be a very good idea to take a big risk. Looking backwards, I definitely see how the dots connected, and led me to a new life through S P Jain. And this is only the beginning! I am determined to see my education through to the end, and prove to the S P Jain family just how much a dedicated young Tunisian woman can accomplish!
~ Wejdene Hakiri, BBA16 Mumbai