Believe, Persevere, Achieve

Today, I received a heartfelt email from a student in Kosovo who had read my book Good Morning, Hope https://geni.us/GMHreview.

They asked me a profound question: How do you stay motivated and believe in yourself? This inquiry took me back to the people who have profoundly inspired me throughout my journey, including Nobel Prize Laureate Katalin Karikó, who is renowned for her groundbreaking work in mRNA technology (this laid the foundation for the development of mRNA vaccines, pivotal in our fight against COVID-19).

One of Karikó’s most powerful quotes is, "I never doubted myself, and if I did, it was for a very short time." Karikó faced countless rejections and scepticism from her peers, yet her confidence in her vision never faltered.

She teaches us that maintaining faith in our abilities and dreams is crucial, even when confronted with adversity. Her journey is a perfect example of the importance of perseverance and the incredible things that can be achieved when we believe in ourselves.

Reflecting on her story brings to mind my journey from a war-torn country to becoming a scientist at Harvard. As a child in Albania during a time of conflict, my primary concern was safety. The idea of attending prestigious institutions like Harvard, Oxford, or Cambridge was far beyond my wildest dreams. However, my mother’s passion for science and my curiosity kept me going. Despite numerous challenges and scepticism, I persevered.

These experiences and words serve as a powerful reminder that no matter the circumstances, dedication and self-belief can lead to remarkable accomplishments.

This is also the message I hope to pass on to every aspiring scientist and student out there. Believe in yourself, stay resilient, and you can achieve incredible things.

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