Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, and for me, the path to success was paved by the IELTS test. Born and raised in Nepal, in remote village, English was never my strong suit. However, fueled by a passion for knowledge and the dream of studying in Germany, I embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement that eventually led me to conquer the IELTS test and change my life forever.
The Humble Beginnings: My journey began with humble beginnings. Back in school, English seemed like an insurmountable challenge. My scores in the SLC examination reflected my struggle, leaving me with only 37 marks out of 100. And, no improvement in intermediate level (+2). However, then, I refused to be deterred by my initial setbacks and took it upon myself to improve my language skills.
A Love for English Literature: In pursuit of knowledge, I delved into the world of English literature. From Hollywood movies to the profound works of Paulo Coelho, OSHO, Eckhart Tolle, and Sad-guru, I immersed myself in the beauty of the language. The biographies of great Western thinkers and philosophers, and self-help books by Bryan Tracy, Robin Sharma, Tony Robbins, Napoleon Hill, and Dale Carnegie became my companions on this transformative journey. Apart from reading and watching movies, I started blogging each and every event of my life in my official blog www.bhimprasad.com.np in the English language.
The Dream of Studying in Germany: As I expanded my horizons through reading and listening, my passion for education led me to dream of studying in Germany- a nation known for fostering great thinkers, philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians. However, to make this dream a reality, I had to face the daunting challenge of passing the IELTS test.
Confronting the IELTS Challenge: Determined to assess my language skills and identify areas for improvement, I registered for the IELTS test. With no formal training, I relied on internet resources and Cambridge IELTS books for preparation. Because, I am an autodidact person since my childhood, that is I prefers self-directed learning and independent study. That is why, in my life I have not learned anything by paying money, whatever I have learned, I have learned through self-study, I believe a lot in my self-study. Finally, I took the IELTS exam with a mix of fear and courage, but yes I tried my best.
Surpassing Expectations: On the day of reckoning, I went to see the result, and then, I looked at my report with a mix of anxiety and hope. The results were astounding- scoring an overall 6.5 in my first attempt, with impressive scores in writing module (7.5) and respectable scores in reading module (6.5), listening module (6.0) and speaking module (5.5). The realization that my subconscious mind had absorbed a wealth of vocabulary through my constant exposure to English materials was nothing short of a miracle.
Refining Speaking Skills: Motivated by my success and eager to achieve even more, I set out to improve my speaking skills. For the next month, I practiced relentlessly, adhering to the IELTS speaking module structure, facing myself in the mirror, and honing my pronunciation and fluency.
Triumph and Beyond: My hard work paid off, and I achieved an impressive overall score of 6.5 and 6.0 in each module on my next IELTS attempt. Armed with a solid academic performance, almost a decade of working experience in professional field and an accepting IELTS score, I secured admission to a German University for an Master Degree Program with a prestigious DAAD scholarship.
The Journey Continues: Life in Germany offered boundless opportunities for growth and excellence. Thriving in my studies, I caught the attention of the German Government and additionally was awarded the "Deutschlandstipendium" a scholarship reserved for high-achieving and talented students.
Although, I may have read almost three hundred books within five years (from 2016 to 2021) which not only shaped my mental clarity, developed my crystal clear mindset, and transformed all areas of my life, but it unknowingly worked wonders on my English language skills as well. Through my voracious reading habits, I absorbed a vast array of vocabulary and linguistic nuances, without even realizing it. This invaluable asset proved to be the key skill required to thrive in today's English Language colonized world.
Looking back, it is clear that the IELTS test was the turning point in my life. From being a struggling student with minimal proficiency in English, I transformed into a confident individual with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. My journey of self-improvement, driven by the desire to study in Germany, culminated in academic success and the recognition of my potential.
The IELTS test not only opened the doors to higher education but also unlocked a world of possibilities. It taught me the value of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of continuous learning. The transformational power of the IELTS test reminds us that with dedication and passion, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
To anyone facing similar challenges, remember that life's greatest triumphs often emerge from our most profound struggles. Embrace the journey, savor the process, and let the IELTS test be the catalyst that propels you towards your dreams. Your story could be the next one that inspires the world.
