Keeping your eyes on the prize and your focus on your vision

I held the acceptance letter in my hand, feeling excited and frustrated, alone and sad. I'd been accepted to Fordham University and the financial package weighed down my soul. How was I on track to graduate high school as a co-salutatorian and not have a full ride anywhere? Why was my family low-income but not low-income enough for me to be eligible for programs such as SEEK? Should I have asked more questions of the college advisor at a nonprofit a classmate had told me about?

Getting accepted to college turned into one of those incidents that made me feel weighed down by generational poverty and being a first-generation American. It was only this year that I shared with my mother that I'd been accepted to that University, that I didn't even bother to share the news with my parents because I knew they couldn't afford the family contribution. I had however shared that I wasn't able to attend the SUNY school I'd applied to under a program I want not eligible for.

In the end, my goal was to go to college and achieve social mobility, etc. I turned out okay attending Baruch College.

Another time I may share with you how I was accepted to Fordham University a second time, while applying for graduate school and how I decided not to go because I felt I still couldn't afford it.

As a kid, learning that my parents had a grade school education because their parents couldn't afford to send them to school after a point and hearing stories of their limited resources and child labor made me feel mixed feelings. On the one hand, I felt like a strong work ethic and resilience and kindness were in my DNA. On another hand, I felt like I couldn't ask for much except treats and books and as though I had to be excellent and determined to break generational poverty curses.

I remember a time when my late father allowed me to prepare his tax return, feeling guilty and disgusted with myself because I was earning more money than him and still wasn't wealthy. I laughed at myself for thinking it was effortless to become wealthy after achieving social mobility. I started to financially educate myself and become intentional with how I spent my money, time, and energy.

The pandemic has made me do further deep work and learn to unlearn things that I previously hadn't. In trying to help others navigate these challenging times and having other people help me help others, I helped myself. I remembered to tap into my power and to do what it takes to curate my best life.

I had to sit with myself and be honest about the role I played in the challenges I faced. I had to sit with myself and remind myself of who I am and what my vision for my life is.

I confided in a few trusted people about some challenges\ I was facing and one of them suggested I get a new job. I had mixed feelings about going back to work full-time for an employer after nearly five years. I asked myself if there were companies that were excelling at the things that I wanted to do on my own but that I didn't have the team or resources for. I asked myself what I could do as an intrapreneur and as an entrepreneur.

I came up with a few companies and ideas. I asked a few people their opinion on the roles I was considering. I did some research and soul searching, networking, and interviewing. I will let you know how it has turned out at a later time.

But for now, I want to encourage you to remember that you deserve a good life. You alone can define what success and your best life look like. There is no blueprint or secret sauce. You are the CEO of your life and you are the one who writes the script.

I have created a new video series giving tips on things to consider when you are starting a new job.

I will announce when the video series is available on my YouTube channel.

I have created a new complimentary download with a checklist you can use for your first 90 days at a new job. I will announce when you can download the checklist from my website.

I will be sharing some parody and GRWM-type posts on TikTok and Instagram.

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