NONFICTION
She Believed She Could
So she did — A story in 100 words
“I’m planning to go back to school,” she said as they sipped their sake, mountains in the backdrop, sashimi on its way.
“I don’t see how you can afford to,” her mom snarked back. She’d been supporting her the last few months through unemployment.
She already had three degrees, but she had been raising her kids, bouncing herself right out of the job market.
“I can’t afford NOT to,” she exclaimed, and in her typical fiery spirit, she did as she said she would. Chopsticks in hand, toddler in lap, mountains before her; she believed she could so she did.
Three years ago, while in between jobs, I decided to return to school.
I already had a Bachelor’s degree and two graduate degrees including a Master’s in Human Resources and a Ph.D. in Psychology, but as life happened, kids came, and marriages ended— I had neglected to pursue the licensure I needed to practice my trade.
I found myself between jobs, with a whole lot of education and yet no career, and decided that I never wanted to feel that helpless again!
The story above depicts a true conversation between my mother and I as we lunched with my sister in California just after I lost my job. I have never forgotten it.
My mother is a brilliant psychologist herself. I have followed in her footsteps, despite taking the long and twisted way around and despite her initial reaction, she has been a pillar of support for me through this journey.
As I am set to graduate tomorrow, I recall and reflect on this dialogue and I celebrate my commitment, determination, and perseverance, that has led me to sport my graduation cap and proudly walk across the stage (this fall, thanks a lot Covid) to accept my third graduate diploma.
I did it! And I did it while working full time and raising two children, maintaining straight A’s along the way!
Having others’ support is important, but what really matters most is our own conviction; knowing what we want, and then honoring our word to ourselves.
I believed I could, so I did.