One week ago, I walked across the stage and officially earned my MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Since then, I have found myself reflecting, not just on the degree but on the path that led to it. This journey, like many worth taking, was marked by moments of clarity and chaos, progress and pause, fear and faith.
Would I have still embarked on this path if I had known how difficult it would be? Probably not. Many times in life, foresight would cause hesitation. If we knew the hurdles, we might never begin. But the truth is, readiness is often a luxury. We grow through discomfort. We become stronger not before the challenge, but in the midst of it. And looking back now, I’m grateful for the “bliss of ignorance about the future”, because it gave the opportunity to weather the storm, learn and grow through the unknown.
Here are some of the lessons that remain etched in my heart, far beyond textbooks and case studies that marked my daily routine:
1. Protecting Your Mind is Nonnegotiable
Achievement starts with mental clarity. A sound mind is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The Holy Bible reminds us that, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV). During the program, I wrestled with imposter syndrome and moments of anxiety that made even familiar situations feel foreign. Oh, and the days of panic attacks! There were days I questioned my abilities, but I learned that preserving mental well-being is essential to thrive. It is the wellspring of focus, resilience, and meaningful relationships.
2. Self Care is Strategic, Not Selfish
Pacing yourself is a form of wisdom. I learned to listen to my body and my emotions, taking long walks in the park, reading before bed, and unplugging when needed. The pressure of deadlines and career planning was real, but I learned to honor my capacity. Rest is not a detour; it is part of the journey. Self-care helped me show up whole, not just present, and taught me
3. Your Story is a Strategic Asset
Early in the program, I took a class on personal narrative. The insight was profound: people connect more with your journey than your job title. Skills open doors, but stories build trust. The authenticity of your path, your struggles, your resilience, your turning points, creates the kind of connection that no resume can. In interviews, networking, and leadership, your story is what people remember.
4. Disappointment is Not Defeat
There were times I did everything right and still faced silence or rejection. It was difficult to understand. But I learned that outcomes do not always reflect effort in the short term. Resilience means staying the course, even when the results are delayed. True success is found in the courage to keep trying, even after a “no.”
5. Faith Anchors Everything
Moving to a new country and navigating this journey alone would have been impossible without God. In moments of uncertainty, confusion, or loneliness, my faith grounded me. I learned that God’s presence is not conditional. He does not require perfection to remain faithful. In fact, He is most present in our brokenness. That assurance became my peace. As Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.”
6. Embrace Failure as Feedback
Many avoid failure out of fear, but delay often costs more than a misstep. The sooner we try, the sooner we learn. The goal is not perfection, but progress. I learned to fail fast, reflect quickly, and move forward. Do not dwell in regret or self-blame. Extract the lesson, and keep going. Life rewards resilience more than it does precision.
7. The Climb Continues
Graduation is not the peak; it is a milestone. As we achieve goals, we are often met with new, more complex challenges. The higher we climb, the more endurance we need. But perspective changes everything. When you look back, you realize how far you have come. And that realization strengthens your resolve for what lies ahead.
People have asked me, “What’s next? A doctorate?” Maybe one day. But right now, I want to live intentionally, building a career, nurturing relationships, and making room for joy. This journey has stretched and shaped me. I am thankful for every high and low, and for the grace that sustained me through it all.
I step forward not just with a degree, but with renewed purpose, deeper faith, and a stronger sense of self. There is more ahead, and I am here for it.
