You are more than enough

DeepL Translator (English to Japanese)

My 10s

When I was a kid, my motivation for learning was literally coming from meeting my parents' expectations. Nothing more, nothing less.

Thus, when I was rejected by all the schools I applied, I was devastated.

I felt so sorry to my parents because I felt I let them down, knowing their desire, support, and love towards me. Having said so, I was overwhelmed by expectation. I was 11.

Getting into a school they wanted and becoming who they wanted me to be, had always been my primary goal. And, I was ashamed of myself when I disappointed them.

I had been bound by that childhood experience for a long time.

Every time I failed, I lost my confidence, self-respect, and even self-love.

I wish there were someone who listened to my inner voice and whispered me, “You did more than enough”.

My 20s

Long years passed. I was 22 when I got a life changing opportunity.

I found a job I wanted.

I met with people there and liked the company's culture. It was not well-known by many people including my parents. However, I almost felt it's a fate, “This is it!” because I saw a growth opportunity and potential in myself as well as a company's.

It was the first time I made an important decision just by myself. It was not necessarily something my parents wanted the most. Though, I was very proud of my decision.

It took time until my parents acknowledged it. However, they did as they saw me change.

My 30s

11 years have passed. I was 33. I made the biggest decision in my life. I decided to pursue an MBA in the U.S. and left a company to focus on preparation for a year.

I was married. I hadn't even applied. "It's such a risk taking decision." That's what my friends and colleagues told me. I was also scared and dreamed that I was rejected by all schools I applied, coming from my traumatic experience.

It was my wife, her parents, and my parents, who believed in me and encouraged me for my challenge. It meant so much to me.

In a year, I searched over 50 schools, attended over 20 schools' info. sessions, and interacted with over 100 alumni. I decided to apply 7 schools and visited on campus to all those schools.

Among all, I finally found a school which fits me the best. I chose the school based on its legacy, core values, environment, program, and faculty and students, all of which mattered me much more than its ranking.

Today

15 years passed since my graduation at UNC now. What is so grateful is the continuous relationships with my fellow classmates, faculty, and even current students.

My learning experience at UNC led me to pursue an executive LEAD program at Stanford GSB. And, that taught me learning never ends and opened a door for future.

Message to my 11, 22, and 33 year old myself

I learned from my childhood experience that it is not easy to embrace my weakness and failure.

I learned from my past decisions that taking no action is the biggest risk.

Looking back my life, I'd like to give an advice to 11, 22, and 33 year old myself.

“There is always a 2nd chance in your life. So go for it and take the harder path. Don't forget to treat yourself because you are more than enough!”