The Dreamer's Pen

When most people think of DIY projects, they imagine home renovations, crafting, or some kind of hands-on creation. But for me, the most ambitious DIY project I’ve ever taken on wasn’t something I could hold in my hands, it was earning my MBA in just one year while working full time.

This wasn’t just about getting a degree. It was about proving to myself that I could do something incredibly difficult, something that required every ounce of discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance I had. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t have a blueprint to follow. I had to figure everything out on my own.

After work, I would lock myself in a room and study until the late hours of the night. Weekends were spent buried in textbooks and research papers while others were out enjoying their free time. I sacrificed sleep, social events, and any semblance of a personal life to reach my goal. There were moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and frustration, but I refused to give up.

And then, I finished. I completed my MBA in one year. It still amazes me that I did it, but looking back, it wasn’t the first time I had taken on a challenge that required relentless dedication.

When I was in high school, I was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall my my conductor for the Tacoma Youth Symphony. This was a huge honor, but it didn’t come easy. It required countless hours of practice, refining my skills, and pushing through moments of frustration. Just like my MBA, it demanded focus, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Both of these experiences taught me that the hardest things in life are often the most rewarding. Whether it’s mastering an instrument or earning a degree, success isn’t handed to you, it’s something you create for yourself, one late night, one practice session, and one determined step at a time.