Because, “Why Not?”

Recently, I had the experience of participating in a career reflection workshop, where we delved into the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that have shaped our professional journeys. As I examined my own trajectory, a compelling pattern emerged—one deeply intertwined with roles that provided me the flexibility to meet the demands of my family life.

The roles in which I found the greatest fulfillment were those that offered mentorship, avenues for personal growth, and leadership attuned to the unique challenges of our military lifestyle.

For the past six years, the idea of pursuing a master’s degree in public has been something I felt called explore, yet something always seemed to deter me from taking the leap. Engaging in the reflective exercise, I finally unearthed the root cause of my hesitation.

My passion has gravitated towards the interpersonal dynamics within organizations, leading me to briefly explore the realm of human resources. However, a remark from a respected individual, stating I did not have the attention to detail necessary for such a career, planted a seed of doubt that impacted my confidence and stalled my goals.

A shift occurred during our PCS in 2022 when an opportunity presented itself.

Stepping outside of my comfort zone, I pursued the position and, to my surprise, was offered the role. Fast forward two years, and I’ve not only thrived in my role but also garnered praise for my attention to detail!

Although the idea of furthering my education lingered, it wasn’t until a serendipitous email from our company’s human resources department, announcing education assistance funds, that I could not ignore.

With unwavering support from my family and the encouragement of my manager, I decided to take the first step on the journey of pursuing higher education.

March 2024 marked the beginning of my first class.

While embracing the role of an older learner presents its challenges, it is also filled with excitement, serving as an inspiration for our children, reaffirming that age should never be a barrier to exploration and growth.

As our family navigates the myriad of events unfolding this year, I refuse to let the shadows of doubt hinder my progress.

This is the year of seizing opportunities, of nurturing only the seeds of possibility, and of embracing the mantra: “Why not?” From this moment, only the fruits of positivity and growth will flourish in our garden of ambitions.

Editor’s Note: Way to go Rebecca – We love your attitude and positivity! Read more posts at Mission Milspouse Blog