From doubt to purpose – the inspiring journey of Amine Athamena

There are moments in life when it’s important to pause and look back. With the graduation ceremony just around the corner, we asked some of our amazing HEC Paris Master’s students to write a letter to themselves - a heartfelt message on the eve of this defining milestone.
 

In this deeply personal letter, Amine Athamena, a student in the Master of Science X-HEC Entrepreneurs program, reflects on his journey with striking honesty and clarity. From his first uncertain steps on campus to the lessons and friendships that shaped him, Amine opens a window into what it means to grow, to belong, and to lead with purpose.

More than just a farewell to student life, this letter is a celebration of transformation - and a reminder that the end of one chapter is only the beginning of another.
 

Dear Amine,

Tomorrow, you’ll walk across the stage and receive your diploma. But tonight, take a moment. Breathe. Look back at how far you’ve come.

Do you remember that first day you arrived at HEC Paris? You didn’t know anyone. You were full of questions, full of doubts - but there was one thing you were sure of: you were ready to give it everything and to have no regrets. You didn’t have the typical background, the perfect résumé, or the right "codes." But you had hunger. Hunger to learn, to create, to change your reality.

HEC Paris turned out to be so much more than a school. It was a space of possibility. A family of ideas, friendships, and shared convictions. It was where you found your voice -the one that says you can come from anywhere and still dream big. The one that doesn’t just want to walk through doors but build them for others too.

You think back to the late nights at the library, the long journeys between Paris and Jouy, the awkward but sincere meetings with professionals, the honest conversations over dinner with founders and classmates. You think about the setbacks that taught you more than the wins - about the “no’s” that pushed you to define clearer “yeses.”

You learned that entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a company. It’s a mindset — a way of seeing the world through the lens of action, courage, and purpose. You learned that real impact often starts with listening. With truly seeing others.

The diversity and richness of this community changed you. It taught you to look beyond appearances, to collaborate with people who think differently, and to be inspired by the most unexpected journeys. It showed you that collective intelligence will always surpass individual ambition.

So now, on the eve of graduation, you feel a mix of gratitude, pride, and that quiet unease that comes with stepping into the unknown. You don’t know exactly where this road will lead yet - but you do know how you want to walk it: with intention, with courage, and most of all, with integrity.

If there’s one thing you need to remind yourself, it’s this: never forget why you started.

Remember - you’re not here just to succeed. You’re here to uplift, to serve, and to leave this world better than you found it. That’s your purpose. That’s your power. That’s your raison d’être.

Stay humble. Stay curious. Stay committed. And remember - your greatest strength isn’t what you know, but what you’re able to pass on to others.

Congratulations. Now go write the next chapter.

See you in a few years - or decades - proud of who you’ve become, anchored in your values, and still committed to growth, purpose, and impact.

With deep respect,
Amine Athamena
 

Amine’s words carry the weight of experience and the lightness of hope. In them, we find the essence of what HEC Paris strives to instill - not just knowledge, but conviction. Not just ambition, but intention.

This letter isn’t just Amine’s story - it’s a mirror for anyone who has ever dared to dream differently, to push through doubt, to believe in the power of community. It’s a call to walk forward with humility, resilience, and the courage to uplift others.

Find out more about the Master of Science X-HEC Entrepreneurs