Describe an occasion when you asked someone for advice.

You should say:

• what the advice was
• who gave you this advice
• what you thought about this advice
• why you asked for advice

Part 3 for this cue card is 'Advice.'

Well, one time I found myself in a real roller coaster of emotions. I was increasingly anxious about my future because I had to make a choice that could potentially shape my entire career. The two options on the table were equally daunting. The first was to pursue a career in one of those big-name companies like Google or Amazon, which would require either a bachelor's degree or significant work experience. The second option, however, was to go back to the drawing board and apply to a top-tier university like MIT or Cambridge, which would demand stellar grades, a scholarship, and a great IELTS score.

Honestly, I felt like a fish out of water. I had ants in my pants, not knowing which path to take. So, I decided to bare my soul to my English teacher, who happens to be a man of his word, a PhD candidate, and a successful entrepreneur. He patiently listened to my dilemma and gave me brutally honest advice. He suggested that option two—applying to the universities—would be the perfect example of long-term thinking and would open doors I hadn't even imagined.

At first, I was visibly disappointed because, you know, going back to study seemed a painfully tough decision. It would mean more pressure, possible financial challenges, and putting my career on hold. But then he shared a metaphor that completely changed my perspective. He said, "Your pain can either make you or break you. People are like coal: dirty and cheap at first. But under pressure, coal can turn into a diamond. So, are you going to break under the weight or shine brighter than ever?"

That really hit home. I realized I had to swallow my pride, face the challenge, and push through. I chose to apply to top universities and have been working tirelessly ever since to get my act together and meet the requirements. It’s not been easy, but I feel immensely grateful for his advice, which helped me see the bigger picture.

The reason I trusted him was not just his expertise, but also his fierce loyalty to his students and his ability to inspire confidence. I’d say he’s someone I deeply respect, almost like a mentor or even a mutual friend of my future self—the successful person I aspire to be.