Are You Thinking of Grad School?

I’ve made friends in my grad program who have walked with me through breakups, my first clothing line launching, birthday celebrations — and have become the dearest of D.C. friends. (Shout out to Elise!) All of my favorite friends are women I met in grad school or undergrad. I was just maid of honor in my undergrad roommate’s wedding. University brings you into a pool of like-minded women who know how to help you level up in every area of life.

All of my professors in my grad program are currently working in their fields and have used their connections to advance my career and open opportunities for me. (In D.C. — that means you have professors who know Presidential staff — OKAY.)

There are unique life experiences open to only students.

Because I was a student, one day I marched into a senate building + asked to speak with someone on a presidential candidate’s team. Oh yeah, I had no appointment. Being a student gave me the reason to be there + they gave me the time of day.

Can I list all the things I learned off the top of my head? It would take me a moment to remember all the theories and whatnot. But I have been in conversations that have expanded my mind as a woman, a professional, and a human. It makes me more agile in my field and more critical in my everyday thinking and problem-solving. That’s more valuable than knowing every theory I ever read about.

I love my career field now more than when I started because of all I learned!

There is a powerful momentum and energy that comes with growing yourself and working towards that degree. I wore heels to class more often than not. *I just took a DNA test. Turns out I’m 100% a badass woman getting that degree. *

I believe in people who are self-taught. Starting a company at 15 made me a pro at teaching myself everything. However, anyone with a phone can put whatever they want in their IG bio or on their website. There’s a different kind of credibility that comes with a degree. I’m an expert in my field + no one can take that away.

This issue isn’t trying to convince anyone who does not want or cannot afford to go to college to do so. It’s for people who feel the significance of their decisions weighing in the balance. For the woman wanting a little nudge in one direction or another — maybe this is your sign.

I’ll say it again: I’m grateful I got my master’s degree even though it wasn’t required for my career. No regrets. It grew me into the woman I am today! Did I need the books or tuition costs? Hell no. However, it transformed me into an even more confident human, both in my personal life and in my professional life. As a result, you know I’m wearing those heels with a little more sass these days. Xx