Nobody back home in Tajikistan can believe where I am now -- getting ready to take on a summer internship in Singapore. And it's all because I took a big leap of faith eight short months ago, coming to S P Jain to study business.

Throughout the year, I enjoyed my time in Singapore as much as I possibly could, made tons of friends and discovered a new world. From the early days, I knew that it was going to be one of the greatest experiences that I would have in life -- and I was right. Especially, the classes in SP Jain were awesome and the reason behind it is because of the professors that taught those classes.

In addition, I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of doing, which surprised even me. You soak up plenty just by living in Singapore, the financial hub of Asia. During my free time, I took my backpack and travelled around the country and discovered that "everything is possible". From the breathtaking skyscrapers of the Central Business District, to the lights of the working port at night, and the speed that the country lives -- this place is truly wonderful and inspiring. Today, I am thankful for SP Jain for making such a journey possible.

I decided not to go back home for the summer, even though I very much miss my mom, and instead do an internship here in Singapore because it is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. S P Jain is helping me by letting me live on campus, so I don't have to find my own place alone. When my mom does see me, however, she will be amazed at how much I have grown up, become more confident and become more of a man of the world, just in this first year at college. I encourage other young people with big dreams to check out this incredible college, and discover for yourself how much more you can be.