When Starting Over Meant Starting From Scratch
Being placed in a new academic environment with older students left me struggling both socially and academically. Bullying and feeling different made me question whether I belonged. By focusing on what I could control, working harder, accepting myself, and building genuine friendships, I gradually found my footing and
Where it started
Adjusting to a completely different environment where I was academically placed ahead of my level, while also struggling to fit in socially as a younger Indian student.
Where I got stuck
The hardest part was feeling like I didn't belong. I was struggling to adjust to a new education system with older students, while also being bullied for being Indian and having a different accent. As my academic performance started to decline, I began questioning myself and my abilities. I had to overcome the heavy feeling that I just wasn't good enough.
What changed
I decided to focus on what I could control. I worked harder academically to catch up with the new system and improve my performance, while gradually becoming more confident in who I was instead of letting the bullying or differences in my background define me. I also made an active effort to socialise and build genuine friendships.
After that
Eventually, I was able to improve academically, build meaningful friendships, and become much more comfortable and settled in my new environment
What stayed with me
Struggling in a new environment does not mean you are incapable. I learned to adapt, believe in myself, and not let other people's opinions or differences define me.
