When I was in high school, my guidance counselor told me that I likely wouldn’t finish college. This was mostly due to my SAT score and the fact that I was quiet and not a standout. While I participated in sports and several extracurricular activities, I wasn’t considered what one might call “popular.” After being told something like that by someone who is supposedly “guiding” you, it’s only natural to want to give up. However, for me, it only added fuel to the fire.

I attended the University of Southern Indiana right out of high school. I was very active at USI in various clubs and organizations. I won scholarships and awards due to my grades and involvement at the university. I was also employed throughout my college career. I went on to graduate with honors in 1996 with two bachelor’s degrees. (Take that, Mrs. Buxton!) This was a huge confidence booster for me and helped me go on to find a good full-time job.

I have always believed that setting goals (bucket list goals and short-term goals) motivates, keeps you on track, and gives you something to look forward to. This is something I teach in wellness coaching. It’s about empowering yourself.

I set a goal for myself to get a master’s degree. Initially, this goal had more to do with furthering my career than anything else. I went about it the wrong way which is likely one reason I kept trying and failing. That, along with not having enough confidence I would succeed.

My first attempt at a master’s degree was through Indiana State University. I made it through half a semester and quit. Then, a few years later, I attempted a master’s through the University of Alabama. I completed one semester and quit again. My excuse was that life got in the way as I kept running into obstacles. I started thinking I wasn’t cut out for further schooling. The truth is life will always get in the way. You just have to learn how to balance it better.

I waited several more years before trying again. This was after I found a career I loved and was passionate about. I decided to make earning a master’s degree a bucket list goal and something to complete by the time I was 50. After losing my friend to suicide and my brother passing away at the age of 52, I realized that life is just too short. If I don’t do this now, it will never happen.

After much research, I found a program through the University of Missouri. In the fall of 2020 (during the midst of a global pandemic), I started classes to work toward a Master of Education in Student Learning and Wellbeing. I began this program with the mindset that I need to work at my own pace and realize that this is a long-term goal. Like my undergraduate studies, I wanted to do well. Throughout this journey, I wanted to practice what I preach so I made sure to continue exercising, eating healthy, and practicing overall self-care. Like a turtle, I learned that slow and steady wins the race.

Little did I know after I began this journey, I would encounter some of life’s greatest challenges. Not only was there a global pandemic, but I lost my father, raised a teenager, started a large produce garden and green space at Ivy Tech, underwent major surgery, started menopause, was diagnosed with a rare, debilitating muscle disease that affects brain function, underwent numerous medical procedures, made several trips to Vanderbilt Medical Center, was hospitalized twice, then in my final semester, Izzy my long-time fur companion, was diagnosed with aggressive cancer.

I had several minor breakdowns and wanted to quit taking classes more times than I could count. One of the things that kept me going was how engaged I was in this program and saw firsthand how much it benefited me, personally and professionally. This, and the fact that I knew if I didn’t finish this time, it was never going to happen. With my brain fog issues worsening, I knew this was my only hope of finally earning a master’s degree. So, I pressed on.

When I realized I wasn’t going to complete this bucket list goal by the time I turned 50, I learned to give myself grace. I was battling an illness that came out of nowhere and had to learn my new normal without giving up on school. This mindset is what got me through.

The third time became a charm. Not only did I complete 39 credit hours, but I earned a 4.0 GPA and nailed my capstone project. To say I’m proud of myself for pressing on is an understatement. I know my parents and brother would also be proud of this accomplishment. Not only was I the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, I am now the first to earn a master’s. (I must admit it’s pretty cool having new initials behind my name.)

It’s probably not very common for an online student to drive nearly five hours to attend their graduation, but I feel I owe it to myself. The weekend of December 13-15 will be the beginning of many celebrations for me. Life is short, celebrate every achievement.

One of my favorite quotes is by Audrey Hepburn: Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible.’ I definitely find this to be true. Never underestimate the quiet students (or employees). There is power in silence, confidence, and persistence. Boom!