Beyond Professional Growth: The Personal Transformation I Didn’t Expect

By Dr. Sara Sheakhani

(2024 LYP Program Participant & Scholarship Winner)

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When I applied for the Live Your Potential scholarship earlier this year, my goal was simple: I wanted to feel a sense of belonging. I longed to connect with others who shared similar values, to find sisterhood, and to build friendships that would uplift me. What I didn’t anticipate was how much more I would gain—and how this experience would deeply transform both my personal and professional life.

The training program, as you might expect, was designed to enhance professional growth. It provided actionable tools, resources, and strategies to help women advance their careers and achieve their goals. But what struck me the most wasn’t just the professional insight I gained; it was the unexpected personal shift that happened along the way.

For the first time in a long time, I began to truly reflect on how I saw myself. This training wasn’t just about sharpening skills or gaining knowledge—it was about looking inward and cultivating self-efficacy. I started to believe in my ability to take control of my life, to navigate challenges with confidence, and to embrace my unique strengths.

That newfound confidence spilled over into every area of my life. I realized I wasn’t just showing up to improve my professional capabilities—I was showing up for me. And that shift in perspective was life-changing.

One of the most profound lessons I learned was the importance of self-compassion. For years, I held myself to impossibly high standards, often being my own harshest critic. But through this program, I began to reframe the way I spoke to myself. I committed to treating myself with the same kindness and understanding I would offer a close friend.

This journey has led me to adopt a new personal mission: to be compassionate toward myself. To celebrate my small wins. To acknowledge my progress, even when it feels imperfect. And to trust that I am enough, just as I am.

If you’re considering applying for this scholarship or stepping into a space where you’re surrounded by a supportive community, my advice is simple: do it. You may enter seeking connection or professional growth, but the journey will take you so much deeper. You might just find the person you’ve been searching for all along—yourself.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Sara Shearkhani is a research scientist at Michael Garron Hospital and East Toronto East Partners, and an assistant professor (status) at the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation of University of Toronto.