“I made a list of all the universities that offered full-ride scholarships and detailed the plan to get into each. And I spent the next two years fulfilling that plan.“
In almost six years of being in business, Bold & Determined has approved over 22,400 reader comments.
Of those 22,400 comments, the following comment is the most inspirational comment I have ever received.
After 6 Years and 22,400 Comments, This Is The Most Inspirational Comment I Have Ever Received…
I do promise this comment defines determination and perseverance.
It is heart, soul, blood, guts, perspiration, pain and pride from a young man who really took Bold & Determined to heart.
Below, the comment is reprinted in full. No edits or changes to the words have been made, but I have spaced the words out to make it easier for you to read.
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“I’ve been a B&D reader for three years, I’m 18 years old now and I thank God everyday for leading me to B&D at such an early age.
I live in the middle east, and as you all know, things are fucked up here. No economy, no security, no opportunities.
And unless you have the right last name, your life is shit no matter what you do. My family isn’t that wealthy, we get by and we’re a little better than others.
When I was 16 I was fat, awkward, stupid, shy, cowardly, apologetic, weak and meek. I was everything negative you could think of.
I looked at my future and I was depressed.
I couldn’t stand the idea of me spending the rest of my life in the middle east where I won’t be able to live any life of dignity, luxury, or even basic satisfaction.
I needed to leave.
But how? I couldn’t leave the country easily and I had no interest in living the life of a refugee in Europe. I needed to get out but on my own terms.
If I’m gonna build my life I’m gonna do it with pride and dignity. And believe me friends, it wasn’t gonna come easy.
The very first thing I did was lose weight.
Trust me, if your fat, your gonna hate yourself everyday and you’ll feel weak everyday.
Get rid of that fat and watch yourself become a lion.
In fact, that was the very first email I sent to Victory, I don’t know if he remembers (probably not, he gets tons of emails), and he told me the first thing that I had to do was lose weight.
I downloaded 30DOD (illegally cuz laws in the country didn’t allow internet transactions, sorry Vic, but I had to do it, I’ll buy a legal copy as soon as I can).
The first day of 30DOD was brutal.
I was never able to do a single pushup in my life! And now I’m supposed to do a HUNDRED!
But I didn’t quit. I put on some Lamb of God and got on the floor and almost tore my muscles trying to get that one pushup. Couldn’t do it.
It went like that for a week. Finally, I was able to do it. And once I was able to do one pushup, I was able to do two pushups, then three, then five, then ten, then twenty, then fifty, etc.
In six months I had lost 30 kilograms and was able to do 100 pushups in a row.
Once I lost that weight, I felt… divine? Powerful? Amazing? Regal? Whatever it was, I felt ON FIRE!
But that didn’t really solve my problem did it? I felt great, now I had to build greatness.
I see a lot of teenagers comment on B&D articles asking Vic on advice on what to do, and Vic always answers “endure”.
Haha, that advice works for western children, but for me “to endure” meant “do nothing”.
My parents couldn’t prove the resources to get me out? Well, that means that I’ll just have to get myself out.
I deduced that the easiest way for me to get out was to get accepted into an American university.
I know Vic opposes going to college, but in this context, it was a great choice.
No as an international student (universities like “diversity”) with good grades, I was sure I would get into at least one university.
But that wasn’t enough. My family didn’t have the money to pay $50k a year, I needed a scholarship.
So I made a list of all the universities that offered full-ride scholarships and detailed the plan to get into each.
And I spent the next two years fulfilling that plan.
I worked harder in school. I took the SATs (2230). I did some bullshit charity work to beef up my resume. I did all the bullshit that was gonna get me accepted.
I’d read so many damn books about the whole application process that I can’t even count them.
When the time to apply arrived last summer, my stomach was so stressed I was constipated through the entire ordeal. I spent months writing the best essay I could.
And when last March arrived, and with it came the results…
I didn’t manage to get into any Ivy (sucks I know), but I did manage to get into one of the best private universities in Florida (Rollins College).
I did get my full-ride scholarship too. And now tomorrow morning my flight leaves to Orlando airport.
See those three years I always read B&D, but I never really commented. I never had anything to say because I was still young and inexperienced.
I didn’t need to ask for advice because Victor tells everything so clearly. But most importantly, I was in the learning phase. I was building. I didn’t have time for bullshit.
These past three years were brutal, tense, and void of any fun. My friends would go out to get drunk and I would stay at home studying.
My friends would go out to parties and hook up with girls and I would stay at home because I didn’t have the time for high-school relationship drama.
I depraved myself of the “fun” years.
Do I regret it? Hell no.
Now that I look back, those three years passed by in an instant. I’ve busted my ass off trying to do the impossible.
And now I’ve got my ticket to paradise while those same friends are stuck here in Satan’s Armpit envying me.
So what now? What’s the plan? I’m majoring in business, but I have no interest in becoming a company drone.
These four years ahead of me are crucial to my future. Not because of the things professors are gonna teach me, but because of all the free time and resources at my disposal.
Am I gonna party? Sure, every now and then, fuck, I earned it. But more importantly, I’m gonna use these four years to build a blog, a vlog, an online business.
And by the time I graduate, I would already have a steady means of income.
And once again, I will laugh when my friends are struggling to get into bullshit paying jobs while I have my own money coming everyday.
I can’t thank Victor enough. I hope to meet him someday and buy him a drink.
Three years ago, if you talked to that fat weak kid, you would’ve never thought that he would ever amount to anything.
He was weak. Because of B&D, that kid is dead. Reborn as a lion, a dragon, a beast.
Now, I’m proud, I’m smart, I’m strong… I’m free.
For all those teenagers out there, just know that no matter how old you are or how powerless you feel, there’s always a way for you to take matters into your own hands.
An idle time is time wasted. And as Vic always says, time is the most precious resource.
And now as soon as I arrive to the US, I’m registering my own blog through BADnet.
I won’t comment again until I make it.
See you all in four years.
Daniel.”
——
What a comment.
Woo, boy, what a comment.
Don't forget to pick up 30 Days Of Discipline.
It ain't no game fella, it's a life changer.
Until next time.
Your man,
-Victor Pride
This kid is freaking fantastic. Damn, but that is a great story of rebuilding one’s self! Makes me want to roar!
Daniel, let us know when you have your blog (etc). I’ll be right there to see what you do next.
Fucking Awesome…..
Wow - Excellent work, Daniel. Best of luck in your pursuits.
B&D helped me as well. Not to the degree you experienced but it made my life 10x better.
You’re lucky to have found it so young. I would say make the most of it, but it looks like you will.
- Hoz
This reminds me of how I managed to get a scholarship at one of the biggest business schools in MO. I didn’t party, didn’t have fun time as a BA student. I was always studying and working. When I found B&D, I realized this is just my philosophy :) Be bold and determined, don’t waste your time on wining, finding excuses or “being an honest guy”. These time wasters are for weak people.. Only they find excuses why they can’t get educated or successful in life. Then when they are in their 50s-60s and they meet you to negotiate contracts and you are just in your early thirties, they wonder how the hell did it happen, why this young lady or young boy knows more than me.. And that hurts their ego a lot…
This is great!
The main thing that separates him from others is; he realised it was him who needed to do something about it. That’s what I’m starting to see in other people these days, the main difference between the successful and the losers is the successful realise it’s up to them to do it. Losers want someone else to help them out.
I notice a lack of Ego in his writing too. I mentioned Thursday I was reading “Ego is the Enemy” and I see some of the things mentioned in there in this guy’s writing.
What a guy!
You should still think of gettimg a green card or immigrating to a developed nation somehow.
It might be harder to immigrate with a business degree vs a STEM degree, so I would also research your major. Being self employed can make it hard to get a green card to the USA unfortunately, so I would still think about that job & green card.
Or you can get married lol!
Killer comment!
I love such stories of determination and striving! You know the pattern: it’s always about working hard towards a goal! This is the only way to success! This is the only way to live! This is the only way to achieve everything what you really want! Everyone has heard these hackneyed phrases, but few have comprehended them. The big truth lies deeper: the vast majority of people don’t know what they want, hence they have no goals to strive for. If you didn’t figure out your psyche, you ain’t ready for B&D.
Wow!
Amazing post.
Thanks
Kshitij Kapoor says
Hey Daniel
If you are reading this can you please mail me the list of Universities that you made.
I am in the final year of school living in India.
Thanks.
Ze baat ;)
Hey Kshittij,
Daniel just described how he made sacrifices and did the work.
Now you should just go and do your own research.
Don’t expect other people to spoon feed you.
Strong story and it proves that we’re all equal and capable of doing great thing no matter where we start from. Society gives us a tunnel vision and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only who left it behind. Good luck with your goals Daniel. You’ve got the right mindset so keep on hustling
That fired me up, Daniel. Your efforts are an inspiration to many young men who feel like they have no way out. It was so beautiful it makes me want to cry with gratitude. Awesome job, and keep kicking ass my brother.
Fucking inspiring… You motivate me to make a move…Thankyou for sharing your story brotha
Daniel, wherever you are reach out to me I’m here in Orlando, love to help you get established with some good people, and job or car if you need one. shoot me an email [email protected]
Wow Ryan, that is so generous ! Victor, do you see it happening ? You are building a community here bro ! The Lion Society ! Keep up the good work. And Dan, thanks for sharing this inspiring story.
Holy moly! That was intense. I want to hug that child. As a 31 year old man I have to say that is beyond inspiring. Take home points: Take care of your health first, work your ass off, know it will take TIME (doesn’t happen overnight) and educate yourself, read, study, fill your brain with endless knowledge until you become the Alpha Lion of your world in all areas of life you desire. Awesome post Vic. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Daniel next time I’m down in Orlando I want to buy you a beer brotha!
This kid is the epitome of everything that B&D is about.
The mindset. The lifestyle. As long as it takes.
Thanks for sharing Vic.
Holy shit. Damn son, that’s some perspective!
Daniel, if you see this, I live a few miles from Rollins and would be happy to buy you a beer at Fiddlers Green once you get settled. (It’s an Irish bar right in front of your school… You’ll see it when you get there)
Additionally, happy to help you any way I can. If you need domains/hosting/whatever for your new aspirations, I’ve got plenty of servers you can have whatever you need for free, and I’ll donate the rest. Congrats!
Holy-inspirational!
Good man! I salute you!
I started reading B&D a year ago. The transformations Ive made in that year were minimal but still virtuous just the same because I’m doing way more than I was a year ago. Who would have ever thought a former hoodlum from Brooklyn with drastically change his ways with the help of a magnificent online publication? I did of course “Thanks Vic”. Its great to see that you’ve touched others lives the same way you’ve managed to inspire mine.
Sincerely
Staying Bold and very determined
Yes fucking awesome post. I did 30 days of Discipline and failed in multiple areas. Its time to redo. Thanks Vic for posting and Daniel for writing this to Vic. You are a complete inspiration. I look forward to hearing from you again. You are a Lion Beast!
Actually had a friend in Rollins when I was in college. I’m from Miami. If you ever come down hit me up I’ll show you around. just click on my name it will take you to my site.
Amazing story, what a fucking go getter.
Kids gonna be big
A fat Arab loses weight and goes to university.
I hope he wont join jihadi clubs for 72 virgins in heaven like muhammad atta and his arab friends did. They all were arabs and got very good opportunities in USA. I know two indian muslims who live in USA, work their, one of them did his MBA from their but they hate USA and tell stories about how police (white policemen) misbehave all the time with their community across USA. This b&d fan should only concentrate towards his goal
Nice one young man…. nice one Vic.
Nice fake advertising!
You wish.
30DOD should be in every house. !! Damn sure they won’t teach this stuff in schools.
What a great and inspirational story.
Again and again, it reminded me that success does not come from nothing.
It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and a lot of commitment sustained over a long time.
Thanks for the great sharing, both Daniel and Vic. :)
Definetly a great comment, very inspirational!
Oh well, time to start/try 30DoD again….
What I like about this story is that will power and drive can make you rich.
I am from Brazil and I can definitely relate to him. Now I’m in the U.S on a full ride soccer scholarship and I’m in my senior year. Big changes in my mindset and priorities have happened since I came here. And believe me, most people at school do not have your best interest at heart. They want to include you on their own agenda (parties, “hang out’ giving you “advice”). Just make sure you remember that always, and surround yourself with the right people! Best of luck mate!!
Also, do you guys have any ideas of how to start an online business while in college? Given the fact that I cannot have “work” outside of campus, otherwise it is illegal according to my visa status (F-1)…
check out the E-2 visa, it’s from entrepreneurs. You can switch from the F-1 to the E-2 as long as you open a company.
Congratulations Daniel!
You got there early and you have a great life ahead.
Victor, you earned that comment dude! Cheers.
Congratulations, but please don’t waste your education on a business degree unless you are going to an Ivy. You are much better off studying computer science or another tech degree.
as a 16 year old kid i feel lucky too to have found B&D before it was too late
living here in africa doesnt make it any easier too to some extent i relate to what
u went through ..Best of luck in your pursuits dude ..make us proud
Really inspiring story.
He reminds me of me. Very young but doing everything that can be done each day to achieve my goals.
Already when I was 15 and discovered the whole world of Personal development, I started going hard at it. Fitness, reading, meditating, praciticing guitar, everyday till the end.
Now I can’t go back anymore. Seeing how most people my age do nothing but watch tv and stalk on social media.
Thank You Vic. You also played a big role in my journey towards FREEDOM.
Dan
Beautiful story..
You can really have whatever you want once you burn all possibilities of retreat.
I left my parents house with $2000 that I invested in a business. I’m 20 years old and went to go live in a shitty $300 apartment in the middle of the WORST place in Toronto.
For food, I ate Wonderbread and Margarine, both costed $2. It lasted me 2 weeks. When I wanted luxury, I TOASTED the bread before I put the margarine on it.
At night it was so cold, I had to wear every single shirt I had. It was still so cold, that for a blanket, all I had was a WET TOWEL that I used to shower with earlier. I had to use that as a blanket, and put myself in a fetal position to stay warm, praying that I can get 4 hours of sleep before getting back up to work.
Now my business makes $30,000 in SALES per month.
You can do ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO, WITH ABSOLUTE BURNING OBSESSION IN ITS FULFILMENT. BURN ALL BRIDGES OF RETREAT BEHIND YOU, HAVE THE FAITH OF A SCHIZOPHRENIC, AND DON’T EVER EVER STOP BELIEVING AND WORKING TOWARDS YOUR GOAL!!!! VISUALIZE IT EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY WITH SUCH STRONG BELIEF THAT YOU LITTERLY FEEL A SHIVER RUN DOWN YOUR SPINE!!
YOU CAN DO IT BABY