Connecting the Dots: How Diverse Experiences Are Shaping My Future

Written by Nikesh | Oct 21, 2025 9:59:20 AM

Connecting the Dots: How Diverse Experiences Are Shaping My Future

When I look back at my journey so far—building apps, trying business ideas, researching machine learning, and even writing my first book—it’s easy to see them as separate chapters. But as an IBDP2 student, I’m realizing all these experiences don’t exist in isolation. They connect, shaping not just my skills, but my way of seeing the world.

Learning Business Through Action

My first business lessons didn’t come from textbooks—they came from working on actual projects, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing. The challenges, whether it was managing a school marketplace or interning with a tech company, taught me about collaboration, trust, and the reality that mistakes are often more valuable than easy wins.

Technology Meets Curiosity

Diving into coding and machine learning was intimidating at first. There were times when nothing worked and I wondered if I was even cut out for this. But sticking with tough problems made me more determined and creative—because every bug fixed, every algorithm learned, every dashboard built was evidence of growth.

Bridging Global Perspectives

My curiosity took me to places I never imagined—from participating in international research challenges to meeting students with completely different life stories. Each event made me see new viewpoints, not just about technology or business, but about people. Global programs and internships helped me understand that innovation is everywhere, and sometimes the best ideas come from the least expected places.

Learning Is My Superpower

Through certifications and courses, I’m discovering that learning how to learn is my biggest asset. From self-paced coding courses to team-based business simulations, it’s not about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, humble, and always ready to explore the next step.

Aspirations, Not Finish Lines

Dreams of building impactful products and solving real problems guide me, but I know I’m not there yet. As an IBDP2 student, much of my journey is about exploring possibilities and preparing myself for bigger challenges. I keep my aspirations in sight, but I treat every day as a fresh opportunity to learn, absorb, and grow. If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s that connecting diverse experiences makes me better—not just as a student or a builder, but as a person. Every spreadsheet, every code snippet, every business pitch, and every late-night study session is a thread in the bigger picture I’m painting for my future.