Hello all! Thanks for allowing me to share my experience with you. I will tell you my story, maybe you will feel somehow identified.
I always wanted to pursue a graduate degree. As a kid I preferred to go looking for new evidence in nature instead of playing during school recess. I dreamed of joining those great minds in search for life truth and purpose.
Many things made me give up on my dream after College, my low English proficiency was a very big issue for me; it made me feel embarrassed. Lack of confidence, not being a good competitor. I didn’t even try, and suffered in secret, as I never shared or showed my inner ambitions, as many other things that I used to keep to myself.
I immersed myself in industry and enjoyed it very much. I was very good at development and innovation. Those were good times.
Years later I paused my career for the sublime job to construct a family… it is funny sometimes how life surprises us in unexpected ways. As in the effort to offer my daughter the best I could give her, I ended up dusting my buried passion and swallowing my old fears. I was the same person lacking of proficiency, just a lot older; but this time with a more powerful reason than any other force in me.
Nothing stopped me, not my fear or my empty pockets. I came from Mexico with two bags and a girl in my arms (as she slept in every airport from plane to plane!). We had some clothes, toys and a pillow to make our new home where my baby could rest her head and sleep pleasantly. That’s all I need. The only thing I couldn’t understand at that time was the weakness and tiredness of my body. I rely on my physical strength and resistance, as I have Military bloodline, but after being here for one month, I found out that I was 2 months pregnant! I felt an excitement difficult to describe.
I’ve been here for 2 years now. I have a 6 years old and a 1 year old baby. A very powerful combination. And I am in my final year of graduate studies. It is highly stressful; I feel nervous, sad sometimes and tired, but also enthusiastic, excited and so proud of my steps.
I could never have done this without Memorial… The Dean of the program and my Supervisor have never let me down, they believed in me and provided me with a level of support that I had never felt before.
I have found in Memorial a land of opportunities and resources to launch my potential and reach the life I have imagined for my family and for me! Memorial is eager to see us triumph! I feel so much gratitude that I can’t wait to start giving back!
I invite you to work now for the little face(s) that will be sleeping beside you tomorrow, or to strive towards whatever your dream might be. Don’t give up for any reason today, stronger reasons may be awaiting for you around the corner.
From my heart,
Isabel