Love and Learnings

When I decided to include an interview centered around my own experience, t wasn't clear to me what I could contribute that is separate and valuable compared to my Mom and Omi. To formulate the questions, I thought critically about what is top of mind for me right now and how my own story is taking shape. While I'm thinking a lot about the future, I am also so grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the young woman that I am today. I find myself expressing gratitude constantly. I reference my mentors, opportunities for professional and personal growth, friends, and family. Everyone around me has poured into me and as I get older, I will continue to use what I've learned to give back. 

My two favorite concepts from my interview are success and confidence. Before doing the interview, I didn't realize that my definition of success is still under construction. I would love to have a self centric definition of success, measured in units of my own happiness. In many ways, that is my definition. I feel successful when I am content with how I prioritize, work, and make decisions. However, as a young woman at the onset of her career and still having so much to show the world, my markers for success are still somewhat external. What I'm able to accomplish in the next few years and how I further my goal of serving my various communities will tell me if I've succeeded. 

Confidence was also really special for me because building confidence has required me to step outside of my comfort zone. At first, it was really scary. I reflect on the process of interviewing for my job at Blackstone. I was so nervous of failure that for a while, I didn't even want to try. But I did try and I got the job! It built my tolerance for risk and taught me that there's nothing I can't do with the proper preparation. The flip side of that sentiment is that anything that is for you won't pass you and what's meant for you will be. Regardless of how nerve racking or impossible something seems, if God has already spoken it over my life it will be done. I am putting my confidence and faith to the test in this season of my life. I am blessed to have experiences that have strengthened my confidence and faith in myself. 

As I close out my time as an undergraduate student, I know that I've extracted all of the experience and learning that I needed from this time in my life. I am grateful beyond measure for all of the experiences that have shaped me and I look forward to the next chapter in my story.