Today is the first day of the last class I need to earn my MBA. I think we all have lived long enough to realize that with the end of a chapter a new one starts. Sometimes we know what’s coming next and other times we are walking blindfolded leaning on faith with a keen ear to the heavens listening for that small, still voice regarding which direction to go. I have no idea what is coming next with the completion of this task but at this very moment I am so proud of myself for starting this process and finishing it amongst all of the tomfoolery, foolishness, and mayhem that reared its ugly head in the two and half years it took me to finish.
See, when I started this journey I had big dreams for my pending MBA status. I would doodle my name with a comma behind it and the letters MBA. I was going to climb the corporate ladder and lead meetings and throw around the fact that I had a masters degree, because at the time the perception of what people thought of those that had an MBA in my mind overpowered the enormous amount of dedication and will power that it takes to start and finish something in the face of adversity and life changes.
That fantasy, la la land that I was living in got dealt a swift kick in the gut when my mother died only four months into the program. She wanted this for me, I started this for her, but somehow she bowed out gracefully before I even got started good. When she left I knew finishing wasn’t an option. There were nights when I thought my laptop might short circuit from the enormous amount of tears that fell on my keyboard while typing assignments through tear blurred vision…I kept typing. At times I was working 50+hours a week, I didn’t eat on my lunch breaks, or I typed waiting on my flights, or muted conference calls typing vigorously at my desk so when I got home they would have my undivided attention..I slept when I found time. I cried some nights when it was 3a and I had to get ready for work and mentally prepare myself for a 2 hour commute that started at 6a…I kept reading. I kept the party going, and tried to never let them see me sweat, and look at me now..I FINISHED!!!
FAST FORWARD….
Soooo….all that jazz about spewing around my accomplishments and putting MBA behind my name is now a bunch of stupidity in my current mind space. I could care less if someone had MBA, GED or STUPID behind their name. What really matters is the G O O D that we put forth in this life in taking care of our obligations, chasing our dreams and helping others. If I want anyone to know me as anything, I’ll put DREAM CHASER behind my name. That garners more acclaim than any level of education, or career accomplishment in my book. Don’t get me wrong higher education is a great thing to have for those who want it, and I have since learned to respect those who have taken the journey for their level of dedication and not the fact that they have a piece of paper or letters behind their name because many start but never finish many things in life independent of educational aspirations.
In ten weeks, I’ll get the tangible representation of my hardwork and dedication in paper form and I will leave it at my mothers grave, and I’ll take the knowledge and start a new journey…right now I don’t know where it will lead me but as the old folks used to say…I think I’ll run on and see what the end gonna be!!!
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| Mommy, this one’s for you!!! |
What have you started and finished in the face of adversity that can evoke a smile and tears at the same time?
8 Comments
Christina
October 4, 2010 at 8:48 amThis is such a great post! I so admire your dedication to finishing what you started. That is something that I struggle with even today! Putting forth that time and effort is something to be so proud of, and Im happy for you!
Casey Martinez
October 4, 2010 at 9:44 amWhat a beautiful way to honor your mama. I'm sooooo sorry that she is gone from this Earth but, I'm sure she is watching you from Heaven and is SO proud. I'm with you…I used to think that I was such a dud because I haven't finished my degree work yet..3 years done and then moved from CA to NC and most of what I did would not transfer and I decided it wasn't worth it to me anymore..now I am dream chasing photography and loving it. I agree…living life to the fullest and pursuing God and your heart is the most honorable thing!! Very beautiful post!
Niya
October 4, 2010 at 1:19 pmMommy (yours and mine) is so proud of you!! I love your new perspective. I left so many things unfinished searching for what is right for me. Now I've found it and am following through relentlessly!
Niya McIver, DREAM CHASER
Candy Cake Company, LLC
…has a nice ring to it!
Kelli Flournoy
October 4, 2010 at 3:22 pmWell, now that was about the most touching thing I've read in a very long time. You did it sister and I am ever so proud of you…it is indeed a moment of celebration for your hard work and dedication…you have overcome so many obstacles in the last few years and I hope you take a moment to celebrate this culmination….love you tons!
Erika at BluLabel Bungalow
October 4, 2010 at 7:55 pmWow Mimi, what an amazing post! I had to think back to those days when you were working,going to school, and doing all that you were doing. You did more in 24 hours than most do in a week. Boy, time flies can't believe you will be finished in ten weeks?!
I am so proud of you and ALL that you have accomplished educationally and personally.
Your strength amazes me 😉 Love you…
Laila
October 6, 2010 at 9:36 amThanks for sharing this. You are definitely an inspiration and I know your mom is BEAMING at her baby girl! *hugs*
Help! Mama Remote...
October 7, 2010 at 9:54 amWhat a wonderful tribute to your mom. What a beautiful woman she was & wanted the best for you.
AO xoxxo
October 7, 2010 at 11:39 amWow!! Good for you for finishing your MBA!!! But isn't it funny that when we set out to complete a task and finish it, we realize after it is complete it wasn't important as what we thought it is or would be? I have learned the most important things in life are God, family, health and happiness. Your momma would be so proud of you! I am sure she is smiling down on you from heaven! Good for you for being a dream chaser!!