Class of 2026
As I reflect on the journey that has led me to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I must acknowledge how far I have come. Prior to motherhood, I was working toward the goal of earning my undergraduate degree in Human Resources Development. It was a long journey of part-time course work, as I worked full-time for the City of Tyler. During the process, I felt that I had everything I needed and having the degree would solidify the hard work I put in to get to that point. In my reflection, I felt a sense of accomplishment and I was content. I was comfortable. My goals at the time did not extend beyond earning my bachelor’s degree, nor did they include ideations of seeking other employment opportunities. I knew that to elevate at my former employer I would have to wait until someone retired or moved on to other opportunities. That fact did not push me to want more or to intentionally make myself uncomfortable to reach higher heights. I was familiar with the job; I was good at it, and I knew I had good benefits and a nice pension. I could retire early in 2035, and that was my original goal.
When I learned I would be a mother, during my final year of my undergraduate education, everything I thought I knew and thought I wanted was no longer enough. I knew that my unborn child deserved to live a life that was comfortable and prior to becoming pregnant, my salary would only support me comfortably. I knew that parenthood would undoubtedly bring new expenses and unforeseen challenges. My life would no longer be the same, and I could no longer operate in a comfortable space if I was going to provide for someone else. I had to set an example for my child and to me that meant working even harder. Throughout my pregnancy I continued to work toward finishing my degree, not taking any breaks before and after delivery. During my maternity leave, I continued to attend school part-time, while caring for my child. I did not put a pause on my education for fear of not finishing, because that was simply not an option.
A dear friend of mine knew of my pregnancy and knew that my desire to be a mother who could fully support my child without any assistance, regardless of the father being present, would mean I needed a change. My friend explained to me the benefits of the Consortium and how that foundation supported him and allowed him to earn his MBA from Indiana University. I was intrigued and wanted to know how I could follow in his footsteps. He agreed to mentor me and guide me through the process. Of course, this meant that I would need to seriously consider the possibility of moving to a new city and state. I would have to evaluate how that move would impact my child and my family. After months of long conversations with my family and mentor sessions with my friend, I narrowed down a list of viable schools that would be the best fit for me. On that list, UW-Madison was number one. I sought out this program specifically because of the placement rating for internships and the strategic human resources management specialization. I began my research before I completed my undergraduate degree because I knew I needed a program that would allow me to start immediately upon graduation because to my earlier point, if I stopped, I feared I may not go on because life could get in the way. I needed to be able to complete my degree and start an MBA program the following fall semester.
Navigating the recruitment process with UW-Madison was practically a breeze. The leadership in the administration office and the SHR Center were all supportive and provided me with resources I needed to be able to start in fall 2024. Since my journey began prior to completing my bachelor’s degree, I had to apply directly to the school’s MBA program and then undergo the referral process to become a Consortium fellow. I am so fortunate and extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a business badger and Consortium fellow! Yet, that isn’t the end of the support I have received. I was also tapped to be a Forte’ Foundation fellow. Both prestigious foundations provide me with access to an incredible network of business professionals that I can lean on for guidance, support, resources and scholarship opportunities. The MBA program has provided me with knowledge and gainful opportunities, such as my internship with the Microsoft Corporation, where I will work in summer 2025.
I could not have gotten this far without the help and support of my family, my mentors and the leadership staff at UW-Madison. As I continue to reflect on my journey, I now accept the fact that I have more to contribute to this world. Life has more to offer. I have only scratched the surface on what is possible when you believe in yourself, and you surround yourself with like-minded individuals that push you out of your comfort zone. I now tell myself that no goal is too large or unattainable if I put in the work and plan. My future goals, in addition to completing the MBA program is to become SHRM-certified, earn a full-time offer of employment with a Fortune 50 company – one that allows me to reunite with my family. That could even be an offer with Microsoft, to work remotely. I plan to gradually seek and accept new human resources roles leading to management and executive leadership. My desire to provide a better life for me and my family is already coming to fruition, and I am forever grateful to the SHR Center, UW-Madison’s MBA program and my family for helping me realize my potential.
Together Forward.