My parents always taught me the importance of the company you keep. I’ve always believed those you surround yourself with define who you are. Reflecting on these past few years I know that to be truer than ever. The experiences I have been fortunate enough to have are in no small part attributed to my mentors, supporters, and friends.
This post is dedicated to the people who have shaped me. Those who have patiently given advice, listened to me think out loud, and taught me everything they know. I couldn’t be where I am today without you. Even to those who doubted me – thank you! Sincerely. I am a competitive person by nature and you added to my already present internal drive, so I am grateful for that.
The law of attraction is something my parents have instilled in me for as long as I can remember. As aspirational immigrants, they would always encourage my sister and me to challenge ourselves in the company we keep. My dad would remind us of his favorite quote, “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.”
I’ve taken this advice seriously and I believe it’s made me who I am today. I’ve surrounded myself with close friends who inspire me, women who dare to break barriers, and mentors who have a genuine desire to see me succeed. This belief has guided me to explore different paths and take on experiences I never would have thought to do. I felt so lucky to have built this support system throughout the beginning of my career, but really saw it come to fruition when I pursued my MBA.
Throughout my time at Booth I found a community of curious and diverse individuals who have challenged me to compete with the best version of myself. Even during the admissions process, I wanted to educate myself and prepare myself the most I could. I reached out to any alumni I could find a connection to, as well as a few cold LinkedIn messages. Every one of them gave me their time and advice on the process and experience. I will always want pay this back to the community, it’s one of the main reasons I am so proud to have been an Admissions Ambassador at Booth.
This village that has helped me get to where I am today has given me the chance to explore so many avenues I never would have had the opportunity, or courage, to before. I studied financial courses that taught me concepts I will leverage throughout my career. Six phenomenal women and I further built the Chicago Women in Business club and broke barriers we hope the women at Booth continue to challenge. I had the opportunity to intern as an investor at Jump Capital with an amazing team and get hands on venture capital experience. I even began to build a skincare line with two amazing peers of mine! The opportunities were limitless and the support was fundamental.
I am excited to see what else there is to come and I cannot wait to take on my next adventure at Collectors Universe. I’m thankful to those who have not only helped me get to where I am, but also have provided me the tools to keep growing and becoming a better version of myself.
Most of all, thank you to my parents who have been the ultimate examples of hard work and dedication, and who have taught me that at the end of the day people is what matters.
