Another Goal crossed off the list: MBA Completed!!!

Hey Everyone,

I can finally say that I am finally living the "calm before the storm". I started an MBA degree part time back in the spring of 2010. Although I often felt like I would never finish, I have to be honest in that I took it slow and steady. I never took more than 2 classes per semester and didn't always take summer classes. However, when I realized during the fall of 2013 that I could actually finish my degree if I took up four classes the following semester I decided to suck it up and do it. And so I did. As one of those sayings go "don't delay happiness".

If you are a close family member or friend you can be a testament to how difficult getting his degree has been for me and how many sacrifices I had to endure in order to get through semesters. From missing celebratory events of loved ones to having my laptop and books with me during vacations or mothers day/fathers day celebrations, to crying by myself at night feeling alone and wondering whether so much sacrifice would be worth it. But one thing is for sure. The support from my parents, my sister and friends was always incredible. And that means the world.

Despite my love and passion for finance I have to be honest in that my most difficult and challenging classes where all finance related (note: finance was my concentration!). There were times where I either wanted to quit because of how difficult things would get and I have to admit there were a couple of times where I would fear I would fail a class (I have never failed a class in my entire life *knock on wood*). However, thanks to a whole lot of focus, determination, and most importantly-- prayers; I managed to pass each and every single one of my finance courses as well as all other courses I took on. I maintained a GPA over 3.0+ during my entire MBA career which was no easy task working full time and going to school at night.

Today I can finally add the "MBA" designation next to my name and I am also incredibly excited for what's to come in my life. I am so incredibly lucky to be starting an internship with one of my favorite companies this summer (will share more about that soon) doing what I LOVE. And after that, the sky is the limit. I am not sure what exactly is going to happen in my life going forward but all I know is that I have goals, plans, and an incredibly good feeling for what's to come. Instincts never lie!

Something I am very proud of is that I was able to finish this degree with very minimal debt. I was lucky enough that when I started this degree I worked for an employer that was paying for my courses. When I changed employers, although they didn't pay for the courses, I was almost done with the MBA and I managed to work out my finances in a way where I was able to  keep loans at a minimum. I plan to start paying back ASAP and have a clean slate once again. I also welcome donations if any one out there wants to be a generous soul :)

Now that school is behind me I will have more time to blog and do the things I enjoy. I have so much catching up to do and looking forward to it. Thank you for reading and cheers to new beginnings!

I forgot to mention this but my MBA is in Finance and Entrepreneurship.

Additional Photos:

The Ceremony:

 

Dad and I:

Grandma and I:

 

Couple of classmates I found (we were all scattered!):

 

 

 

Mom and I:

 

"Mystery" ensemble under the gown (dress from express):

 

...And in honor of my favorite author whom passed away this week, may God rest her soul. I leave you with a very relevant quote:

Like her, I don't want to just live. I want to THRIVE and leave this world with a legacy that can continue on for generations. Thank you Maya for the gifts you gave to this world!... Lets get this show on the road.

Tell me: What is your favorite Maya Angelou quote?

Love,

Mabel A. Nunez, MBA

:)

Fortunate Fridays {Great Week Edition}

Hey Everyone!!

Hope you all had a great week. I have LOT's to be thankful for this week. One thing I was to point out is this: nobody's life is perfect. No one's. Although I do go through ups and downs, like the rest of the world--- I CHOOSE to focus on the positive and enjoy sharing what I feel fortunate for each and every week with all of you, in part, with hopes of inspiring others to also focus on what is good in their lives and strengthen the positive. Thanks for reading and for sharing the good with me.

So this week was great. I cant complain. Had a lot going on and although I am not working at the current time I am constantly wondering where my time goes and trying to approach time management as effectively as possible. Making progress but nonetheless, still a work in progress.

Without further 'ado here is my fortunate-for list of the week:

1. The Angel that is ALWAYS protecting me from HARM and who is next to me when amazing things happen. This week I received yet another revelation that someone is always by my side. I have gone through some stuff in my life where the fact that everything turned out okay and that I am good and well can only be explained by something above and beyond what the eye can see. Thank you! 


2. Picking up my Cap and Gown (Ahh!!! Need I say more??) I could but I'd probably go on and on. Definitely a proud moment. All I could do was look up to the sky and thank the lord! MBA, here I come.

3. Amazing Lunch date with my two favorite ex-co workers-- Passed by my old job this past Tuesday and was able to have lunch with two of my favorite people. We went to Hale and Hearty, had a yummy lunch and cached up on life. Had such a great time. Definitely miss these girls:

4. Spontaneous trips with good friends.
After finals,  I made a spare of the moment decision to accompany a good friend of mine up to Albany for one of his good friend's graduation celebration. He had invited me a while ago but I couldn't make up my mind because I had so much going on with school and everything else. However, I am glad I ultimately decided to go. Albany, NY is where my Alma Mater is located so I had a great time reminiscing on my good old college days. I cant believe next year will be 10 yrs since I received by bachelors degree. Crazy! Here are some photos of the trip:

On our way!

Reminiscing on the good old college mall days:

 

Being Silly:

 

Road towards campus!

Being silly (again!) at some random store we found at the mall:

Posing in front of the mall:

 

Finally Dinner (@ Unos):

 

 Infamous Bathroom Pic:

5. Keeping up my fitness routine!!! Worked out pretty much every day and feeling stronger after re-incorporating Jillian 30 day shred in to my routine again. I love her and that's my favorite DVD of hers!

6. Getting my hands on Almond Butter!!! Let me just say Almond butter is a "Staple" at my apartment and living without it for almost a month was unheard of! Grabbed two jars during my recent trip to Trader Joes:

7. Finally found a place to live in DC for the summer! After a good amount of headaches in trying to decide where the heck I was going to live for the summer (guys-- I still have to catch up you guys on this one). I am just happy the search is over! Excited!!! Note: If you are a blogger or reader from the Washington, DC area please email me. Would love to meet you!

8. An AMAZING final meeting with my consulting team and the CEO of the company we consulted for this semester. This has to have been the best project I worked on during my entire MBA career. Definitely felt fortunate for the experience from beginning to end:

So, this week's Meme or "saying of the week" is something I created myself. This week I had an "Aha" moment after having a conversation with someone which serious opened my eyes about the infamous saying: never take anything personal. Ladies and gentleman, life experiences have taught me that if there is a list of "top 10 sayings in the world that are absolutely and 100% true" the "never take anything personal" one is on the very top of the list. The experience I went through inspired me to come up with the following:

 

...And that's all folks. Thanks for reading. And remember: ALWAYS look at the bright side of life. Never give up. Keep on reaching for your goals and as hard as it may be to see this sometimes: There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. GOD IS GOOD!

Tell me, whats your favorite quote? do you enjoy road trips? anything exciting hapenning this weekend?

With love,
Mabelle