THANK YOU!!!

I’ve been doing a lot of hugging this weekend.  Why, you ask?  I have finally after 2 long years completed my MBA and I couldn’t have done it without the support of family and friends (you’re included in this).  

Have you ever seen that show “Wipeout”?  You know the show…the one where they feature one overly excited and optimistic contestant's attempt at finishing an obstacle course.  If you haven’t seen it, the contestant starts out pretty smoothly through the first few obstacles.  She starts to feel more confident and then all of a sudden...

WHAM…a giant red ball comes out of no where, sucker punches her and she falls into the water.  She emerges from the water only to keep trying to beat what will continue to be a challenging course. 

The first obstacle, in my case, was work related.  About the time I agreed to the program, something MAJOR happened at work that would challenge me, in a good away, for the entire school year. WHAM!!  I muddled through figuring out how to juggle, work, a toddler and school. 

February of last year I get a sucker punch to the gut.  WHAM...WHAM...This one almost did me in.  I was ready to throw in the towel.  To crawl out of the Wipeout pool, and feel sorry for myself.  My dad died.  I'll never forget; a week after dad died, I had class.  I didn't want to leave my mom.  I didn't want to sit in class but my mom kicked me out and told me I had to.  On my way to class I got a ticket and I crumbled..right there on the side of the road.  I have NO idea how I even made it to school that day.  

August of last year one more giant red ball was determined to be the final blow..pregnancy.  SURPRISE!  Now don’t get me wrong, I  was happy to welcome Baby Nuunie to the world but in my mind, this would’ve happened a little later on.  The final year would be challenging..dealing with fatigue, work and chasing a toddler, my study time (9:30 – 11:00 pm) was quickly taken up by needed sleep.  Again, my husband and family provided the support.

Now that the end is here, I am getting a lot of comments like…

”I don’t know how you did it.” 

“I don’t know how you managed it all.” 

The short answer is family.  I really couldn’t have done it without them so while I did all the heavy book lifting, they carried a large burden too and for that I’m truly thankful.

I also have you to thank.  You all never failed to cheer me on, energize and inspire me.  You kept my moral up and it was invaluable support.  

So I’m closing the textbook on this chapter in my life and looking ahead.  It’s been a wild ride but I’m stronger and now know that I can TRULY achieve anything I want and so can you!!

I'm sending all of you virtual hugs for your role in making my graduate school dream a reality!!

On a side note...yesterday I also got the news that I'm a finalist to be the Got Chocolate Milk Team, all I need is your vote. Here's the link in case you want to through a vote my way.  :)  VOTE HERE!