Today is Commencement Day at Harvard University. I should have been one of the hundreds of graduate students wearing a cap and gown, glowing with pride to receive a degree from such prestigious institution. Instead I am writing this blog post cheering for my colleagues and friends.
Why didn't I graduate this year? Because I made a choice last December: To slow down the pace of studies while being a mother to my son, Arturo.
It was no sacrifice. It was a choice. And that was the biggest lesson from my experience as a graduate student: To expect the unexpected even when you think you have accomplished what you want. You and you only can decide how to manage the challenges ahead.
The key is for you to decide how to handle every twist and turn and not to let circumstances determine how your experiences turn out. Proactivity and open mindedness are essential to self-managing unexpected challenges. Trust me on this one. I have spent many sleepless nights reflecting on this issue while changing diapers and rocking my little one to sleep.
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