"Growing up in an Asian family from Kurdistan, success was something that everyone aimed for. Whether it was a good job, finishing education or starting your own family without any financial difficulties and issues. These simple things in a country like Iraq, were not always easy to achieve as a lot of people struggled after the wars and the effects of a corrupt government. However, I never felt like I couldn’t achieve more than that. My grandad was my biggest role model who was able to look after a family of 8 kids and later his grandkids too, without ever showing struggles and always coming home with a smile on his face. He often said he’s achieved more than he ever wanted because he was surrounded by a big family and was able to provide for us all. Therefore, I always saw success as the moment when you feel the happiest, not by the amount of wealth or your status but by being proud of what you have. I studied hard to get into university and took the paths that I believed were best for me in order to one day achieve the success that my grandad felt. Despite coming from a small country that was once war torn I never felt like I had to limit myself to small dreams. One day, I want to be the boss of my own company and be able to provide for everyone around me, never forgetting where I came from and doing all I can to give back to my family. To me that’s success. "
- Sedra England, UK |