I submitted my LAST final on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 6:56 P.M. It's official, I am finished, DONE, DUNNZO! I'm finished with school! I'm finished with exams, papers, staying up late, class assignments... did I mention, I'M FINISHED?!
I think it's so important to celebrate all your milestones in life, from something minor to something grand -- it's an accomplishment and no one can tell you otherwise. I'm guilty of not celebrating these milestones, not that I didn't want to, not that I am not excited -- my brain has already started mentally preparing for the next steps toward the future. Sometimes, it's the small life reminders that tell me to pause and celebrate! This MBA program at Sac State has been wonderful and such an amazing experience. If I had to redo this program again (in another life), there's no doubt in my mind that I would take this same route. The coursework and class discussions are so real and relatable, I couldn't help but engage -- something that I didn't do in my undergrad.
When it all began. So, let's take it back -- how did I end up on this path? I had an amazing friend and coworker, Eric who insisted I apply for this program back in Fall 2021. He pulled up the application on his computer and sat it right in front of me, "APPLY!!!!" he said forcefully. I read through the app, made the submission and paid the fee that day--- it wasn't too bad after all. I decided to focus on the Entrepreneurship & Global Business concentration.
On April 23, 2021, I received an admission email from the College of Business Administration at Sac State. My MBA journey began. LET'S GOOOO!
It's insane how time flew by in this program. I remember starting my orientation on Zoom because we were slowly transitioning back from COVID-19 but it was not fully in person just yet. I was so amazed by the professors in this program -- their knowledge base, experience and desire to teach. They used a hybrid model to keep classes engaging and just genuinely cared about their students, as human beings. I was (and still am) working 40+ hours a week, sometimes it felt like more. I started my day at 6:15 A.M. every day during the work week and went to class in the evenings. I don't drink coffee so I'm not too sure how I stayed awake for 24 hours, but I did. I spent my Saturdays sleeping in till noon and Sundays dedicated to homework. I found my perfect routine to stay afloat but somehow, I felt like I was always running out of time. Time management is so crucial to keep my mind at ease but much needed.
Special thanks.I want to give thanks to a few people that made a great impact during my educational journey. First and foremost, it has to Eric for getting me on this path and both of us smiling at the end. Even though this picture of us below is unfocused, it's a great representation of our friendship and personality -- we'll laugh through it. :)
Although I don't have pictures of those folks -- they are still worth the mention. My boss, Jeff, for providing flexibility and listening to Eric and I to brag about the topics we learned in class. Both Jeff and Gwen (another coworker) basically went through the MBA program informally because they learned just as much as we shared during the early morning chit-chats right before work. Eric and I were so excited everytime a business concept clicked with our work lives. "OHHH SO THAT'S WHAT A BOTTLENECK IS!" Then, I would intimidate Jeff by showing him our long financial statements and ask him to calculate the present value. Immediately, he was stressed just looking at it. LOL. And of course, the support of friends and family -- feeling happy and excited for me. I am raised by first-generation immigrant parents so my mom thought I just loved school and wondered why I was going again! LOL. I did send her pictures in my gown so she knows I'm done and that's all that matters. :)
The Grad CAP. For those that don't know, I love creating (visit my website at createwithling.com) and I get inspo from all kinds of things, people and events. I really love the Kpop group, BLACKPINK and they always use the phrase "BLACKPINK in Your Area!" before the start of their songs. So of course, I had to do a word-play and incorporate it on the cap! it's pretty fitting if you ask me. And of course, your girl loves boba and cute stuff (i.e., hello kitty).
What's next? I'm just going to enjoy my life and continue on the celebration as we wrap up the end of 2023. Let me soak it in. If you haven't got the chance to visit Sac State, the campus is so beautiful in the fall.
Thanks for reading till the end!
Sincerely,
Your NEW MBA Graduate.
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