Rejection Helped Me Become a Published Researcher at 18

Rejection Helped Me Become a Published Researcher at 18

Author: SGI-USA August 16, 2024 Duration: 37:14

Nikita Agrawal, a recent high school graduate from Chicago, was determined to use her research to contribute to the world. Being the first author of an academic journal article is difficult but submitting it while you’re applying for colleges and finishing your senior year is even harder.

 

In today’s episode, Nikita shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her handle painful rejections and utilize feedback to help her become a better academic. Through the process, she learned how to overcome the thoughts that told her to give up.

 

Resources:

Twenty Life-Changing Buddhist Concepts, p. 39.

March 2017 Living Buddhism, p. 49.

 

Cheat Sheet:

03:35 What Nikita liked about growing up Buddhist

10:28 The ambition to publish her research as a high schooler

17:15 Seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth

25:23 How to overcome your own negativity

33:03 Advice for teenagers interested in Buddhism


It’s easy to lose sight of our own strength when life gets complicated, but what if that inherent clarity and capability never actually left? Buddhability explores that very idea through the lived experiences of everyday people. Host Cassidy Bradford guides genuine conversations with a community of practicing Buddhists from SGI-USA, who share how they navigate real-world challenges. You’ll hear personal stories that touch on everything from mental resilience and physical well-being to navigating career shifts and personal relationships. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s a practical look at applying Buddhist principles to uncover a more confident and compassionate way of living. Each episode of the podcast feels like a thoughtful dialogue, focusing on how to reconnect with that inner resourcefulness-your Buddhability-amidst the stress and clutter of modern life. The discussions are grounded in the belief that enlightenment isn’t a distant goal, but a potential we can all access right now to improve our own lives and positively impact the world around us. Tune in for honest reflections and discover how this perspective can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
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