Our lives are like vast canvases, overflowing with experiences that paint a unique picture of who we are. Some stories make us beam with pride, while others teach us valuable lessons. But when it comes to university applications, the pressure to condense these narratives into a single, impactful statement can feel daunting.

This was certainly my experience when I was writing my UCAS personal statement. My gap year overflowed with activities, each vying for a spot in this crucial document. The solution? To prioritize. I created a list that identified the experiences that truly defined my passions and shaped me as an individual.

The initial writing process felt like navigating a minefield. An entire essay, holding the key to my dream university, hinged on these carefully crafted words. My weekly meetings with my editor at Lesli India were like brainstorming sessions. We'd toss around ideas, exploring every avenue and hidden corner of my interests. Slowly, my experiences began to take shape, forming the foundation of my essay.

The more I wrote, the more I realized my first draft resembled a scattered puzzle – interesting pieces, but no clear picture. Week after week, we refined the essay, ensuring each sentence propelled my application for the business course forward.

However, a new hurdle emerged: the character limit. Trimming my essay to fit the word limit felt like carving a statue from a massive block of marble. There was so much I wanted to say, but I knew I had to focus on the most essential details – the details that would make my application shine. With my editor's guidance, we learned to let go. This process forced me to prioritize, highlighting the experiences that truly showcased my fit for the program.

After enduring countless revisions, the essay was finally polished and completed. It had undergone rigorous scrutiny by counselors at Lesli India, who were always available to lend a hand, no matter the hour. The journey was challenging, but with the right support, I was able to transform a blank canvas into a compelling story that opened doors to my future. 

So, the next time you face the blank page of a personal statement, take a deep breath. Think of it as an exciting adventure of self-discovery, not a frantic race against the clock. With a little planning, perseverance and a willingness to refine your work, you too can have a statement that will open the doors to your future.

Imagine standing at a crossroads, with one path leading to the expected, traditional route of high school straight to university. But you wanted more. You craved adventure, self-discovery and a break from the well-trodden path. So, you made a bold choice: the gap year.

During my gap year, I dabbled in various things, but what really shaped me were the experiences I'm about to share. Working in my father’s business during this time was eye-opening. It was like peeking behind the curtain of the business world, gaining insights that would shape my future career. 

However, not everyone saw the value in my decision to take a gap year. I often faced criticism from my relatives who believed I was wasting precious time, but little did they know, it was laying the foundation for something greater. I saw this as an opportunity to change perceptions, which led me to start my Instagram blog - Journey Discovery, where I shared my gap year experiences and built a supportive community.

One of the highlights of my gap year was attending a summer school at Cambridge University. Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone! Those two weeks were more than just a chance to experience university life early; they were about pushing my limits, embracing independence and immersing myself in different cultures.

I even found myself getting into sports, a twist I never saw coming. Whether it was a morning run or a calming yoga session, these activities grounded me in the present moment. Yet, a core belief has always resonated within me: the responsibility to embrace and celebrate our cultural roots. This powerful conviction became the seed of my passion project, "Rediscover Bharat." Through this blog, I embarked on a journey to share India's rich culture and heritage. 

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my parents and the guidance of my teachers and mentors. Their belief in me propelled me forward, shaping me into the person I am today.

As I reflect on my journey of resume building, I realize it was more than just a checklist of achievements. It was a journey of self-discovery, where I uncovered my true passions and values. In the end, my gap year wasn't just about preparing for college; it was about stepping away from the traditional path to finding my own unique way forward. Thinking about taking a gap year? My biggest advice would be to embrace the unexpected! You never know how the things that surprise you the most might just unlock the door to your true self.

In the journey towards higher education, many of us dream of attending a prestigious college and achieving top grades. I, too, was among those ambitious students until a dinner conversation with my parents sparked a new idea: pursuing my education abroad. Little did I know, this path required more than just dreams – it demanded a standout student profile.

Navigating through the maze of opportunities in grade 11, I found myself overwhelmed. Choosing the right activities that truly resonated with me felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's when I turned to Lesli India for guidance and my journey took an unexpected turn.

The initial sessions with Lesli were all about self-discovery – what I enjoyed doing, what areas I wanted to explore and where I aimed to improve. With their help, I narrowed down my choices and dove into various activities, from Model United Nations to organizing blood donation drives and undertaking online courses.

Meeting my mentors regularly kept me accountable and motivated. These experiences taught me the importance of consistency, time management and giving back to society. As my profile grew, so did my confidence.

But when it came time to condense my experiences into a resume for university applications, I faced a new challenge. Despite the irony of a life filled with diverse experiences being squeezed into two pages, continuous support from my mentors and editors helped me articulate my journey effectively.

Just as I thought I had it all figured out, life threw me a curveball and I made the spontaneous decision to take a gap year. Little did I know, this year would become the most transformative chapter of my life. Buckle up, because what happened next was beyond anything I could have imagined. So, stay tuned as I unravel the adventures that awaited me during my year of exploration.