Just keep learning, learning, learning

As a "former" journalist, it's hard to believe I endured all of the math required to earn an MBA, but here we are, graduating from Webster University in my living room during a pandemic with my 4-month-old baby girl on my lap. It's been wild three years since I stepped outside my comfort zone to go back to school, and I'm so glad I did.

One of the greatest lessons for me on this journey is that education can be a continuous part of life rather than just a phase. I've often heard things like, "do it now while you can!" and while there's some truth in those words, it might be easier now, but it can be so discouraging to hear if you want to go for it later and are striving to be a lifelong learner. Not to sugarcoat anything, because it can be the hardest thing you've ever done and takes some sacrifice and support, but you can have a family, a career, go where life takes you, all while continuing to learn. I've met many inspiring students doing it every day. And you don't have to be one of the crazy ones like me taking a finance final while in labor to make it happen. Go for that degree, certificate, workshop, whatever it is that will help you grow and expand.

I know I'm not Taylor Swift and this isn't the Grammys or anything, but I didn't do this alone, so I've got a lot of people I'd like to thank. Thank you so much to my rock- my husband, my family and friends. My baby girl Georgia for lifting my spirits with that toothless smile during the capstone. Thank you to Bayer for supporting its employees' development and being an incredible place to work. Thanks to my colleagues (too many to tag- you all are amazing!) for putting up with my complaining and stress, being tutors when I was stuck, and for being cheerleaders every step of the way. Liz Ott, Kate Humphrey, I seriously can't thank you enough for the endless support and encouragement. I'm so grateful that I get to work with some of the most inspiring working mom bosses around. Thanks to the #MizzouMafia and you, Amy Zlatic, having been in similar shoes, sending positive messages at all hours of the night answering my long-winded messages about feeling the pressure to choose education or family. I hope to pass along the lesson and inspire my baby girl one day.