Describe your personal, educational, and professional experiences and how they informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
My parents instilled in me from a young age that education is power; cliche but true. No one can take away your knowledge and as a Latina, if I wanted to achieve professional success in my career, I had to work for it and getting an education was key. And now, I can look back and know that I would not be where I am without my education. In my current role, my resume would not have even been looked at if I didn’t meet the minimum requirements of having a master’s degree. I have more career goals I’d like to achieve and it is because of my professional career goals that I decided to go back to school yet again and get an Education Specialist degree and soon a Doctorate Degree in Education, Ed.D.
What challenges did you encounter along your educational trajectory? How did you overcome those challenges?
Some of the challenges I encountered along the way were feelings of wanting to give up. It’s no secret that going back to school is hard work! Throw in a family and other responsibilities it can feel very overwhelming but it’s important to find your support system and keep pushing through! When you want to quit, don’t! This too shall pass and it will be worth it!
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree?
Feel the fear and do it anyway! I was so scared and intimidated to go back to school. I have a full-time job, a spouse and young children and felt like I might not have what it takes to spend time in school, and have homework again. I told my mom my apprehensions and this was her advice, she said “feel the fear and do it anyway”. That was all she needed to say and I was encouraged by the challenge and the charge to prove that I was capable. I’ll forever be grateful for that conversation over the kitchen table. If I can do it, anyone can and the sacrifice will be worth it!
What did you enjoy most about your graduate/professional program?
I enjoyed studying something I am passionate about and the people in my cohort. We’ve built such a strong and encouraging relationship and support each other along the way and I am grateful for each of them.
Melanie is the Director of HSI Programs at National Louis University and is passionate about advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education. She is working on starting her own consulting business and when she’s not chasing her career goals, she’s chasing her three boys, soon to be four with her husband of 7 years.
