Pave Your Own Way: Alejandra

I am blessed to always have been surrounded by women. Growing up in an only girls school was a beautiful journey that helped me gain insights into how loving, smart, creative, strong and determined women are. Yet still, personally I always was surrounded by women following very conventional careers like engineering, law or medical. This made me think the only way possible to pursue a successful professional life was to do something similar.⠀
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In all honesty, I was not really excited about my professional future. I thought it was going to be a boring struggle. When I graduated and started looking for a job I entered a deep existential crisis, not knowing what to do and dreading the idea of a 9 to 5 job that I knew I would absolutely hate. I ended up finding a job that made me mildly happy, and stayed in my comfort zone for a while.

One most precious habit I always treasured from my upbringing is of ‘exercising’. My parents always told me “you can choose whatever sport you want, but you have to do SOMETHING”. So, I tried pretty much everything- dancing, tennis, gymnastics, yoga, body combat. You name it, I’ve tried it.⠀
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One day I found a studio that taught a mixture between yoga, functional training and cardio that I loved. Much to my surprise, the owner approached me one day and mentioned that she observed how much I enjoyed the work out. She offered me a teaching position. I started one of the hardest journey of my life, challenging my body and brain to learn the theory. To start practicing relentlessly and be able to I could teach a group. I was over the moon happy to realize that I just found something I love to do and on top of that get paid for it!⠀

I quit the administration job, and for a few months I only did what I loved- teaching at the studio. Initially it scared me to think about what other people may think, how could I possibly become a fitness instructor and give up my career. Amidst all of this chaos, I discovered something- I was so proud of how I could change people’s lives! I was amazed by the number of students who approached me and told me how much my classes lightened their mood, their days and sometimes even their lives. I was so touched.⠀
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After spending these months towards learning and sharing, my professional aspirations started looking clearer.I applied at a Human Resource Consultancy firm, and fell in love with the work there.⠀
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My daily routine now comprises fitness classes and work. At times, shuffling between the two is very hectic, but I would not change it for the world.⠀
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What I can tell you is: follow your heart, do what you love, don’t care about unsolicited opinions of people, give your best and try your hardest. Life will surprise you with everything you expected and more. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now, don’t put that extra pressure on yourself and let the future unravel!⠀