Life has a way of circling back to remind us of unfinished business. For me, that unfinished business was my college degree. Returning to school after a significant pause wasn’t just about earning a credential, it was about reclaiming a piece of myself I had put on hold. This journey taught me that sometimes in life, we have to "check the box," not just for external validation but for our growth and peace of mind.
Life pulled me in many directions, and finishing my degree took a backseat to other responsibilities. At the time, I told myself I’d get back to it when the time was right. But as the years passed, I felt the weight of that unfinished goal. It wasn’t just about a piece of paper; it was about honoring a promise I made to myself. When I finally decided to return, it wasn’t without hesitation. I questioned whether it was worth it at this stage of my life, whether I could balance the demands of school with my personal and professional commitments. But something inside me said it was time, time to close this chapter so I could fully step into the next.
The journey back going back to school was both humbling and empowering. I wasn’t the same person who had started this journey years ago. Life had taught me resilience, focus, and a deeper understanding of what I wanted from my education. These lessons became my foundation as I navigated assignments, deadlines, and the occasional moment of self-doubt.
There were times when it felt tedious like I was simply checking boxes to fulfill requirements. But in hindsight, those small, seemingly insignificant tasks were stepping stones. They reminded me that progress often looks like showing up day after day, even when the finish line feels far away. Finishing my degree wasn’t just about the diploma; it was about proving to myself that I could follow through. In life, we’re often tempted to leave things undone, especially when the process feels repetitious, or the rewards seem distant. But sometimes, the act of completing something, even if it feels like "just checking the box," is an act of self-respect. It’s a declaration that our goals, no matter how delayed or disrupted, are still worth pursuing.
This experience taught me a few key lessons:
1. Growth Happens in the Grind: It’s not always glamorous, but the process of showing up and doing the work builds character and discipline.
2. It’s Never Too Late: Life isn’t a race. What matters is that we honor our timelines, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
3. Completion Creates Space: By finishing what I started, I freed up my mental and emotional energy to focus on new goals and opportunities.
I officially walk across the stage next Saturday, and that degree will hang on my wall as a reminder of my perseverance. But more than that, it’s a symbol of my commitment to myself. It’s proof that even when life gets busy, even when the road seems long, we can still circle back and finish what we started. So, if you’re sitting on an unfinished goal, wondering if it’s worth it, let this be your sign. Sometimes, checking the box isn’t just about the result; it’s about the person you become in the process.
Be great always,
Faith
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