IT MAGAZINE IT MAGAZINE - DECEMBER ISSUE | Page 9

DEAR READER, See the tree branches swaying to the melody of the wind? December is here, indeed. Christmas lights everywhere, the new year is almost here. It is a time that brings people together but it is also a time where challenges arise. Friends, the end of the semester is near, but that is only half the battle for this year, still, there is nothing to fear. Ah, Fear. The one thing everyone seems to be talking about yet only a few can truly overcome. We have all had days where we have lived in fear. The fear of losing someone dear, or when the future is unclear. The fear that life is going to get tough, or that we are simply not good enough. And then comes the greatest fear of all; death. We all have our dreams and aspirations. But sometimes, we get so trapped in our fears that we set our dreams aside and settle for monotony simply because it is familiar and safe, because it is cosy and comfortable. Friend, remember that fear is nothing more than a state of mind, nothing but an illusion. The only thing you should fear is yourself because you are the only one who could stop yourself from achieving greatness. Remember, you are unique and your potential is as broad as the sky. So reach for the stars and follow your dreams because a life that is lived in fear is one full of regrets. In 20, 30, even 40 years from now you will look back at your life and wonder. What if I took that leap of faith? What if I stepped into the unknown and dived into the uncertain? Fear can weigh us down, stop us from attaining our aspirations, and hinder us from turning our dreams into reality. It is indubitably not easy to fully face our fears. Nonetheless, embracing our fears is the first step towards conquering them. What remains is the acceptance that life is a series of ups and downs, that success and failure are intertwined, and that failure does not define one's true worth. So for now, go ahead and sift through these pages, read about those who overcame their fears, and believe that you my friend can also do the same. Editor's Note Yours truly, Maria Belhaddad EDITOR, IT MAGAZINE IT Magazine / December Issue 7