Writing spared me the confusion that often accompanies fresh graduates and gave me a space to express myself more deeply than I had imagined. Through my university experience, and particularly through my participation in the I Read competition organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), I became certain of the career path I wanted to pursue. From this certainty, I chose content writing.
Let me take you, dear reader, on a journey back in time. I entered university without a clear idea of what the experience would hold for me. I was an academically outstanding student, and I chose to study Business Administration instead of engineering or health sciences—not because I was passionate about the field, but because I hoped business studies would give me the flexibility to explore my interests and discover where I could truly excel. Honestly, I also wanted more time to devote to my favorite hobby: writing!
My passion for writing began at a young age, alongside other interests like public speaking and stage performance. At the same time, I was an avid reader, driven by the belief that "a good writer is a good reader." Without realizing it, through the many words I wrote and read, I was quietly shaping the contours of my future career and, unconsciously, choosing the path I would follow.
As I immersed myself in university life, I noticed the variety of extracurricular clubs that catered to academic and non-academic interests. Naturally, I gravitated toward the cultural club—and for the first time, I found a space that fostered creativity and encouraged literary and artistic pursuits.
With the enthusiasm of a student fully embracing her university journey, I spent more time participating in club activities than attending lectures! (Of course, this is not an invitation to neglect academics, but rather an encouragement to fully engage in the wide range of experiences that university life offers.)
The cultural club opened new doors for me to understand myself and uncover my skills. Over the years, I wasn’t just writing and organizing cultural events like book sales and art exhibitions—I was also indirectly learning essential skills such as management, strategic planning, content creation, and teamwork.
Without realizing it, I also found myself drawn to a field within my studies: marketing and consumer behavior. I noticed my growing interest in analyzing and understanding the psychological drivers behind behavior, as if I was quietly seeking a connection between the worlds of culture and business administration. This discovery made me realize that I had found a field where I could thrive—one that allowed me to blend my love for reading and analysis with the practical skills I had developed through extracurricular experiences.
Today, as I confidently move forward in my career as a content writer, I realize that choosing to immerse myself in extracurricular activities wasn't just a memorable part of my university experience—it was a turning point that helped shape my professional path.
It wasn't just about choosing a major; it was about discovering my professional identity through lived experiences.
So if you’re a university student, I encourage you: don't confine yourself to the classroom. Step out, explore, engage, and discover yourself through the experiences waiting for you beyond the academic walls!
