2017-2018

I cannot believe this is it. In less than two weeks I will be an alumna of the University of Cincinnati. This is a bittersweet moment and I cannot believe my undergrad journey is coming to an end. I have overcome many obstacles and am left with amazing memories of my time at UC. From the struggles, the late nights and early mornings, the breakdowns to the amazing friends I have gained, giving birth to my daughter, and the experiences and opportunities that have been awarded to me; this has truly been a remarkable 5 years and I am looking forward to what the future holds.

 

Looking back on my time at UC makes me realize that I have grown and matured a lot and my experience here has shaped the person I have become. Choosing to attend the University of Cincinnati was one of the best decisions I have made thus far, and deciding to transfer into the University Honors Program (UHP) my sophomore year was an even better one. UHP has provided me with many opportunities to develop as a person and realize my true passion while challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone. Through the Honors Program I have been able to accomplish so many things and rediscover myself along the way through reflection. I continually reflect on my experiences, so I can continue to learn, grow, and better myself. When I reflect I just stop and think about the amazing opportunities and experiences I have had and the many different possibilities that my future holds. Through reflection I was able to discover my passions. My experiences have molded me into the individual that I am now because each one has impacted me differently. Studying abroad and being able to collaborate with individuals from a different University abroad is what made me realize that I want to live and work abroad in the near future. I never even considered that being an option for me until being a part of the University Honors program.

 

Along with the Honors Program I also became a mother my senior year of college. I have to say that my daughter, Ariyah, is truly a blessing. You never know how much you can love someone until you have a mini me running around. She is so full of life and a little too much attitude. She is like me in every way. She has inspired a lot of growth in me and completely changed my perspective on things. It is no longer about me, it is always about US! I will make sure that I achieve every goal and dream that I have for the future just so I can show her that anything is possible no matter what obstacles you may face in life. My beautiful little girl is my biggest motivation and she pushes me to do what I have to do to be successful in life.

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Now that undergrad is coming to an end I have begun to focus all my energy on planning for what’s next… the great unknown. After a lot of contemplation and apprehension I have decided to pursue a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in International Business. I have applied to two amazing schools and I am currently awaiting the outcome. Pursuing a MBA has always been at the back of my mind, but it was never something I thought I would do directly following undergrad. In the end I decided that it is the best next step to get me where I want to be. I aspire to work for a global fortune 500 company while living abroad. I have wanted to live abroad for a while now and I finally feel like I am taking the necessary steps to get closer to achieving that dream. Nothing will stand in the way of my dreams, so lookout world; here I come!

My journey is only just beginning.