My MBA Journey at Illinois State University

Today, I celebrate my journey and everyone who has helped me achieve this excellent feat, Congratulations Ukweni Ngozi Jnr (MBA)!! Congratulations Girl, You achieved your purpose on this mission!!! I celebrate you because the uniqueness of your story is your superpower! #Becoming

For many unforeseen reasons challenges, I had my luggage from Nigeria walking across the Quad from Williams Hall to State Farm Hall of Business to attend my first class. I was afraid that if I missed that first class I will lose my scholarship so I gathered all the strength from my story, braced the -24C weather to show up that day… It has been an unforgettable journey but today, I am raising my glass and cheering for you because there is always HOPE.

One book I read and practiced at an early age that has changed my life was '7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey'; my favorite habit was "Begin with the End in mind". To me, it meant "The Power of Purpose' .... But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the King's meat, nor the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself... Daniel 1 vs 8 KJV. Daniel Purposed (Decision) and Requested (Action).

This lesson inspires me so much and when I started my MBA, I had an end in mind and it did not matter how my day turned out as long as I could tell myself every night 'Engee, you did your best today'. There was no compromising on Excellence...My decision was simple "Everyone I met in ISU will remember me- my impact and legacy were important." They will remember 3things -Excellence, Leadership, and Community Development! Because whether I am conscious of my impact or not, on May 9th, 2020, my dash in @illinoisstateu will end. I didn't get the chance to capture every moment through working hard, the highs and the lows, the joy, the worry, the fatigue, the rejections, the voices, the fights, the tears, sleepless nights, bright mornings, happiness, studying, fun and every roller coaster emotion between that.. But I can tell you that I lived through it all. In the end, I was awarded 2019-2020 MBA Distinguished Student Leadership Award

Excellence?

Serve God?

Community Development?

Study Abroad?

Leadership ?

Freelance Consulting ?

CGPA 4.0?

Visit 5 States?

Build my Network?

Impact Investment?

Work with WBG?

Double my Net Asset Value?

Make my school proud?

Make my family proud?

Join MBA Hall of Fame?

Beta Gamma Sigma ?

National Black MBA Association?

National Association of Black Accountants?

No school loan?

Have fun?

Learn, Relearn and Unlearn?

Grow?

Mentor and be Mentored?

Make a difference?

Remember to reflect on this, "What is your purpose- for each task, each action, each word, each decision, each choice, each habit, each conversation?". #RedbirdProud #Classof2020 #MBA #engeeukwenibrand #illinoisstateuniversity