Persistence and consistency paid off for this accountant at school and at work
My most significant challenge-turned-accomplishment is a combination of graduating from college and earning my CPA. Life had other plans for me when I became pregnant during my senior year of high school. Most people automatically assumed that I would abandon my plans to go to college. However, I knew that I needed an education if I wanted to support myself and my family. I was fortunate to have a supportive family that helped ensure I could pursue my education.
When my son was just four weeks old, I started my college classes. As a commuter student, I spent hours between classes in the Accounting/MIS suite, where I could immerse myself in my studies and engage with professors who knew me by name. College became my sanctuary—a place where I discovered my voice and gained the confidence to grow. The education I received prepared me for everything I’ve encountered in my career. Despite the many challenges of being a new mom and a new college student, I worked diligently to stay on an accelerated path and completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
Earning my college degree was truly a significant milestone, particularly because I’m the first in my family to achieve it. After graduating, I stepped into the professional world, joining Andersen as an audit associate. The fast-paced environment of public accounting quickly consumed me, and studying for the CPA exam fell down my list of priorities. Soon, I realized that not passing the CPA exam would limit my career opportunities. Finding time to study while working and taking care of a family was challenging. It was easy to get discouraged, especially when I missed passing sections of the exam by just a few points, lost credits, and had to retake the parts I already passed. Taking deliberate actions with consistency, for example dedicating time to study, was the key to overcoming this challenge. I could then pass the exam.
My experiences have taught me that persistence and consistency are crucial to success in so many aspects of life. These experiences and this journey have taught me the value of resilience and hard work, leading me to where I am today. My educational, personal, and professional accomplishments are my story and a testament to tackling obstacles and achieving my goals.
