Graduating College at Age 30

Just over a month ago, I celebrated my 30th birthday and not long after I obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the New York City campus of Pace University.

When I graduated from high school more than a decade ago, I refused to attend college unless it was in an environment in which I could fully flourish. I always said, “College is what helped me to get to NYC; I did not come to NYC for college.”

This journey was not an easy one for me. I have never been an academic but I knew school was the most logical and strategic path to get me to where I have to go. I hit the pavement hard after my first year in this competitive city. For that I want to thank a special lady, who was a stranger at the time, for giving me an opportunity to financially pick myself up. Also, what I don’t mention in the video is that I came in as Economics being my major knowing damn well I hate the subject but I received a grant because of it; I decided to suck it up and push forward.

A lesson that is taught to me over and over is do what you love because although I did what I had to do I ended up finishing my third semester with a 1.10 GPA. It was inevitable that I was going to lose the grant but I just could not afford to lose my scholarship. I thought I would after that tragic GPA. In my fourth semester I switched my major to Global Marketing Management. Although marketing is still business, there is a creative side that speaks to me. Fast forward to present time and now I finally realized that it is in front of the camera that I want to be. I see myself as the host of a talk show or maybe even acting. I’m just happy that I am realizing more and more everyday what sparks my passion.

I was not able to overcome my hardships during my time spent in college alone. I want to thank all of my loved ones for keeping me grounded and lifting me up all at once. Also, I empathize with anyone who has to balance a full course load and keep a job just to make ends meet.

With that being said, I do not want to see a lick of school for a long time. I am grateful for all that school, in and out, has taught me but it is time to make these dreams of mine into a complete reality.

Sidenote: At least I can say I walked the stage of Radio City Music Hall.