It’s the end of an era y’all! This last post is dedicated to myself and my parents who instilled these values into me. Throughout my life, I have encountered various people who have tried to diminish me. For whatever reason, they felt the need to decide what I could or could not handle based on my perceived circumstances. They weren’t paying attention. I may not have answered questions fast and the way they wanted but that didn’t mean I didn’t know it. They weren’t focused on the right things. I reserve my energy and words for when it counts. 

I recall situations where I was told “I didn’t qualify” only to see the same opportunity given to a person less experienced and less qualified. “My personality was too much” yet they could behave like a professional hyena and I was expected to deal with it. No ma’am. I learned early on how to navigate obstacles or doubters by playing a better hand. I spoke out and kept moving forward to a better opportunity when it arose. I may have been behind but I felt that I was always where God wanted me.

I consider life on earth to be simply a human experience meaning it’s what I make it. I choose to make mine about love and serving the Lord through the people. I want to put good energy into this world. I have wild dreams and I completely believe they are attainable. I know I will be successful and everyone connected to me will flourish as well. That’s the kind of energy I’m about and I’m so thankful for all the character-building I have experienced these past 12 years. I am a better friend, daughter, sister, and overall person because of it. 

Well, that’s all folks! Hopefully, you enjoyed reading this series as much as I did writing it. I have successfully completed my last rotation as of 5 PM today, I AM NO LONGER A STUDENT! Woohoo, go me!

Reflections during this period: 

Check out these programs (Ways to Expose Your Kids to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) – Solo Travels with Ber) to get your kids early exposure to STEM careers. If they don’t like it then cool but at least you gave them the opportunity. You don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do. Just don’t expect to reap the benefits of the things you don’t do.

It is necessary to be your own advocate and know what works best for you. Tune out the noise and focus on your own journey. Do what you love and the money will follow.

This series is titled 12 Years A Student. I will share my journey to becoming an optometrist throughout several posts. Subscribe to get notifications for the new posts. Graduation gifts are unnecessary but always appreciated. If you would like to send something, then my Cashapp is $missBERbie or PayPal at paypal.me/missberladyTTC.