Despite a few hiccups, I have now successfully attained my business degree, a journey that extended far beyond its intended duration. Life presented me with a myriad of distractions and reasons to defer my studies: teenage infatuation and adolescent turmoil, heartaches and heartbreaks, work and leisure, marriage and motherhood, pandemic and lockdown. Yet, the true culprit was perpetual procrastination. The excitement of academia gradually gave way to the monotony of adulthood, and my tertiary education seemed to lack a clear purpose, feeling more like a detached obligation.
A heartfelt conversation with my eldest daughter changed everything; her pride in me completing my degree reignited the dormant flames of ambition. Suddenly, excuses crumbled and motivation surged. It transformed a scholarly duty into a promise to my first born and, in a way, to myself.
My father’s efforts to inspire my teenage study habits left him with a head of grey hair, a poignant testament to the challenges faced. My husband’s encouragement and support turned what was once a burdensome learning regimen into a shared accomplishment.
With my graduation ceremony set for May, and no cap-and-gown photo to brag about, here’s a 2004 throwback: I’m at my friend’s graduation - the very year I was supposed to complete my degree before taking a two-decade detour. Little did I know, this photo would come in handy someday.
This experience proves that it’s never too late to learn and grow, and you can always make your parents and children proud, regardless of your age.
