From Rejection to Recognition: My Journey Through Research and Resilience

From Rejection to Recognition: My Journey Through Research and Resilience

Success is often romanticized, but behind every achievement lies a story of setbacks, sleepless nights, and silent persistence. As I stand today with the honor of winning 1st Place in the GTCRC Proposal Writing Contest 2025, I feel it's not just a personal victory but a tribute to a journey that began with confusion, failure, and the courage to keep going.

The Beginning: A Humble First Step

It was back in July 2023, when I was serving as an Envoy of the Govt. Titumir College Research Club (GTCRC). The club had just announced its very first Intra-College Research Proposal Contest. Inspired and slightly nervous, I decided to participate—teaming up with two fellow research enthusiasts: my friend Kamruzzaman, now our club’s vice president, and Shah Al-Amin Promiz, a key figure from our 2nd executive committee.

We chose a timely yet complex topic: “Inflation and Budget 2023–24.” Though driven by passion, we were new to the world of academic research. From the literature review to structuring the proposal, every step was a challenge. I vividly remember the long list of feedback we received from our reviewers—so overwhelming that we couldn't even address it all.

Due to academic scheduling issues, our final presentation didn’t take place until February 15, 2024—almost seven months later. On presentation day, as I sat nervously listening to others present fluently in English, my heart raced. I stumbled, felt uncertain, and walked away thinking I had failed. The results confirmed that feeling—we ranked fifth out of six teams.

But something changed that day.

Instead of walking away from research, I walked deeper into it.

The Climb: Learning Through Failure

Rather than letting that initial experience define me, I let it drive me. Over the next year and a half, I remained connected to GTCRC, actively learning from mentors, seniors, and fellow club members. Two individuals, in particular, helped shape my growth:

Ali Ahmed, Founder President of GTCRC,

Eftekhan Mahmud Asik, Former Senior Vice President.

Their belief in the power of research—and in me—gave me the clarity and confidence I had been lacking. I observed, I asked questions, I participated, and slowly, I began to lead.

The Breakthrough: Proposal Writing Contest 2025

Fast forward to July 2025, the topic of this year’s proposal contest was “Impact of the July Revolution.” With real-world relevance and emotional depth, it resonated with me. Drawing from my refined research skills and past experiences, I constructed a proposal rooted in data, policy impact, and socioeconomic consequences—especially for low-income families.

This time, I didn't overthink. I just trusted the process.

And to my humble surprise, I stood first.

Beyond the Trophy: A Deeper Meaning

This recognition is more than a title—it's a reflection of resilience. It's a reminder that our past failures don’t disqualify us; they prepare us. In fact, had I not failed in 2023, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to learn more, try harder, and eventually stand where I do today.

It’s also a celebration of the people around me—my team, my mentors, and the countless members of GTCRC who inspired me to never give up. To all the participants of the GTCRC Proposal Writing Contest 2025 and GTCRC Research Fest 2.0—thank you for making this community so vibrant.

Final Words

In my 16 years of academic life, this is the first time I've placed first in any competitive event. And while this might not seem like a big deal to others, for me, it means everything.

So, to anyone reading this:

Your first attempt might not be your best.

Your first failure might not be your last.

But if you stay committed, your breakthrough will come.

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