Never Let Anyone Tell You You're Not Good Enough

Life has a way of testing us, of putting obstacles in our path just to see how badly we want to reach our goals. And sometimes, those obstacles come from the most unexpected places—often from people who are supposed to encourage and guide us. But no matter what anyone tells you, never let anyone define your potential or tell you that you’re not good enough to chase your dreams.

Recently, while working on a project, I was reminded of an episode from my past that shaped who I am today. It’s a story that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope that by sharing it, I can inspire someone out there who might be facing similar doubts or setbacks.

I was 18 years old, just about to finish high school—a thrilling yet daunting time. On one hand, I was excited that this chapter of my life was coming to a close, but on the other, I was terrified because the next chapter seemed so uncertain. Still, I knew I wanted to continue my education and attend university. The idea of university life—the independence, living away from home for the first time, making my own decisions, and experiencing a different kind of freedom—was electrifying. I could already picture myself meeting new people, joining clubs, and studying subjects that truly interested me.

But, as life often goes, things didn’t exactly follow the path I had envisioned.

In high school, like most teenagers, I had my ups and downs. There was a period in my second year when I completely lost interest in school. I skipped classes for months, preferring to hang out with friends who weren’t focused on academics. I got caught up in the fun and excitement of being young, and honestly, I wasn’t thinking much about my future during that time. I racked up over 100 missed classes, and my teachers were understandably concerned. They required me to take extra exams to make sure I hadn’t fallen too far behind. I studied, passed with no trouble, and I could see the surprise in their eyes. I was a good student, even when I wasn’t trying my hardest.

Despite my ups and downs, I never doubted that I wanted to go to university. I knew I was capable, and I believed I had what it took. But then something happened that shook my confidence to the core.

In our final year, the school administration decided that all graduating students would take an IQ test. I don’t remember the exact reason, but we were told it was important, and so we all participated. The idea of an IQ test made me anxious. It wasn’t just another test; it felt like a judgment of my intelligence, my potential, my worth. And back in the 90s, IQ was seen as a major indicator of a person’s abilities and future success.

We took the test, and after a few weeks, we were called individually to hear our results. I wasn’t expecting anything significant. I had forgotten about it by then, caught up in the excitement of finishing school and planning for the next steps.

But when my turn came and I sat down for that meeting, what I heard left me speechless.

"We do not recommend that you go to university. Your IQ results are not high enough for higher education. University is not the right choice for you."

I remember sitting there, frozen. My mind was racing. Had I heard them correctly? Was my school—the very place that was supposed to nurture my ambitions—telling me I wasn’t good enough for university?

In that moment, all my confidence shattered. I was being told that I wasn’t smart enough, that my dream of going to university wasn’t realistic. The education system that I had trusted, the teachers who were supposed to guide me, were instead telling me to give up. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. What was their goal? Did they really think they were helping me? Were they trying to spare me from future disappointment?

I left the meeting in shock, replaying their words over and over in my mind. The uncertainty, the doubt—it all crept in. Maybe they were right. Maybe I wasn’t smart enough. Maybe my dreams were too big. I felt a deep sense of embarrassment, as if somehow, I had failed before I had even begun.

For days, I was consumed by these thoughts. I questioned everything I had ever done. Had all my achievements up to that point been meaningless? I began to doubt not only my academic abilities but also my self-worth. The IQ test, a mere number, had made me question the very essence of who I was.

Thank God for my father.

When I came home that day, I told my dad everything. I expected him to be disappointed, maybe even agree with the school. But instead, I saw a fire in his eyes I hadn’t seen before. He was furious—not at me, but at the system that had tried to put me in a box, to limit my potential based on a single test.

"Don’t listen to them," he told me, his voice firm and unwavering. "They don’t know you. They don’t know what you’re capable of. You are going to university, and you’re going to succeed."

His words were exactly what I needed to hear. His confidence in me was like a spark, reigniting the flame of my own self-belief. In that moment, I realized that the opinions of others—even those in positions of authority—don’t define my future. My will, my determination, and my desire to succeed were far more powerful than any test score.

So, I pushed forward. I applied to multiple universities and sat for several entrance exams. It wasn’t easy—there were rejections, moments of fear and doubt, and times when I questioned whether I was on the right path. But I kept going, fueled by my father’s words and my own determination.

Then, one day, the letter came. I had been accepted into university.

The joy I felt in that moment was indescribable. It wasn’t just about getting into university—it was about proving to myself that I was capable, that I could achieve what I set out to do, despite the doubts and obstacles along the way. My family shared in my excitement, and that sense of accomplishment carried me through the challenges that lay ahead.

University life wasn’t easy. There were moments when I struggled—times when I needed help from friends, when I had to borrow notes, or when I stayed up late cramming for exams. But with determination and the support of those around me, I made it through. Out of the many who started, only 30% of us graduated—and I was one of them.

Looking back now, I am filled with pride for having persevered through one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It taught me a valuable lesson:

Never let anyone tell you that you’re not smart enough, not capable enough, or not worthy enough.

You are more than a test score. You are more than the opinions of others. And most importantly, you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to, as long as you believe in yourself and keep pushing forward.

If you ever find yourself doubting your abilities, remember this Your life is your proof.

Look at everything you’ve already overcome, all the challenges you’ve faced, and all the victories you’ve won. You have more strength, resilience, and potential than you give yourself credit for.

And when the world tries to tell you that you’re not enough, remind yourself of who you are. You are capable. You are worthy. And you are more than enough to achieve your dreams.

By Petra Bais

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