My name is Nandini Sharma, and for twenty-one years of my life, I have been a professional athlete. Sport has shaped who I am: it taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. When I was nineteen, I received a life-changing opportunity to move to the United States of America to study and play for the University of Central Florida. This marked the beginning of a new chapter one where academics, athletics, and personal growth came together in an environment that was both exciting and challenging.
I lived in the USA for six years. The first five years were spent completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and the final year I worked as an Accounts Manager. The education system there was structured, efficient, and rich in resources. However, even while studying in one of the world’s most powerful economies, I felt that something was missing. I realised I lacked a deeper personal connection with my professors. There was very little opportunity to speak openly with them, to share ideas, or receive mentorship. And although the country was developed, I still did not feel I was receiving true global exposure—my life remained restricted to one country and one culture.
After finishing my studies, I transitioned into full-time work. When I applied to extend my visa, it was unexpectedly rejected. I then faced a difficult crossroads: stay in the U.S. and continue studying, or return home to India. Even though staying would have been the easier choice, I reflected deeply and chose to come back. Leaving behind the life, friendships, and comfort I had built was not easy, but I believed that returning would open the door to something bigger.
Back in India, I spent a year preparing for the GRE with the ambition of joining a top global university—one that would finally give me the international exposure I had always wanted. I received offers from several universities around the world, but I made a deliberate decision not to accept any of them. Instead, I chose SP Jain School of Global Management.
The reason was simple: I wanted real, meaningful global exposure, and I believed that Asia represented the future of global business. SP Jain’s tri-city model offered something unique—an education across Singapore, London, and Dubai. These cities are not random choices; they are carefully selected global hubs, each chosen because of its strategic importance in international business. Singapore is a gateway to Asia, known for innovation and financial strength. London is one of the world’s most influential financial and cultural centers. Dubai is a rapidly growing global business and logistics powerhouse. SP Jain’s decision to place campuses in these cities is intentional and well-thought-out, ensuring students experience global business ecosystems firsthand rather than just learning about them in theory.
Another reason I chose SP Jain was the personal connection it offered. Unlike my experience in the U.S., here the faculty truly engage with students. Professors are approachable, invested, and genuinely care about our growth. Some of the teachers who shaped my perspective are Dr. Konstadinos Kutsikos, Arvind Subramanyam, and Manek Mukesh. From them, I learned not just academic concepts but also how to think independently, communicate with confidence, and approach challenges with clarity.
From my journey so far, I strongly believe that students today must take responsibility for their own learning. A university can provide resources, networks, events, and opportunities—but it is the student who decides how much of it they will use. Students should not wait for things to happen; they must create their own opportunities. Building relationships with professors, asking questions freely, seeking mentorship, and engaging in discussions are essential. Equally important is networking with classmates from different countries, because true global exposure comes from interacting with diverse perspectives.
Students must push themselves beyond the classroom. Attending conferences, joining clubs, participating in competitions, volunteering, and taking internships all contribute to real growth. Marks are temporary, but skills, confidence, and experiences stay for life. Most importantly, students should think long-term. University is not just about completing assignments; it is about developing oneself.
The students who will succeed are the ones who are curious, proactive, and willing to go beyond what is required. When students take ownership of their journey, the university becomes more than a place to study—it becomes a place to transform.