Back to School

On a recent June afternoon, I attended a graduation ceremony in the same auditorium where I had sat as a graduate 23 years earlier. As the new graduates filed in to the familiar sound of Pomp and Circumstance, a tune that never fails to make me teary, I found myself praying for them. I prayed they would trust the journey each of them was on and not grow weary. I prayed they wouldn’t sell themselves short and that they would truly trust the plan God has in store for them.

As I watched them, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey. Sitting in that same seat 23 years ago, I never could have imagined the life I would build, or the obstacles I would overcome.

At 17, I graduated high school with my one-year-old daughter in my arms. I had no idea what lay ahead for the two of us. I knew I needed to work to support my little family, but beyond that, the future felt uncertain. After a few years of working odd jobs, I made the decision to give college a try. I earned an Associate’s degree in Administrative Assisting.

Looking back, I realize that choice was a way of playing it safe. As a teen mother of color, I set my sights on simply being employable. I couldn’t yet imagine a meaningful, substantial career for myself, only a stable job working for others. I didn’t dream beyond that.

After completing my Associate’s, I took a job as a receptionist at a primary care clinic. That’s where my love for healthcare began. I fell in love with the environment and the feeling that, even in a small way, I was making a difference in people’s lives. Inspired, I returned to school and earned my Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Health Care.

Over the next 15 years, I steadily grew in the healthcare field. I became a Coordinator at a nonprofit healthcare organization, and later, I managed a mental health care office. I found deep fulfillment in being a support system within the healthcare community, always looking for opportunities to engage with patients and help however I could.

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Recently, I encouraged my now 24-year-old daughter to pursue a Master’s degree, since she had already completed her Bachelor’s. She turned the question back to me: “Why don’t you get yours?” Until that moment, I hadn’t even considered it. Shortly after, I shared my "Professional Plan" with my CEO. 

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Still, I’ve weathered enough detours to know that the path may change.

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Today, I can confidently say I am living a life my 17-year-old self could never have imagined. I’ve built a career, raised incredible children, and created a life rooted in resilience and faith.