[I] chose my major (Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Human Resources) because I thoroughly enjoy being a problem solver. I like having all the answers. I have worked in the Human Resources field for quite some time and I have found that the personnel that run such departments are leaned on heavily by their respective corporations. In short, I like being the “go to guy”. Having a degree in Business will also offer me the versatility I will need to climb the corporate ladder. If I ever grow tired of one particular concentration, I can try something else that is more challenging but still under the business umbrella.
I have overcome many obstacles while attempting to further my formal education. I initially started when I was a Private serving on active duty in the Army. I was told that a degree would be a could way to advance through the ranks and so I signed up for school the very next day. I had only finished one course when I received news that I would be deployed. Upon my return from Iraq I started my education again. I made it through about five courses before I found out that I was pregnant. I developed a severe and very serious condition called pre eclampsia which ultimately resulted in me going into pre term labor. I took a short leave of absence to watch over my very sick child. She eventually died and I went back to school immediately so that I could continue my education.
Graduating with this degree will mean everything to me. Although I could probably get a job with my work experience, I do not want just a job, I want a career. I do not want my lack of formal education to prohibit me from advancing in any career path I may choose. Once I graduate, I will be the first in my entire family to have a college education. Many have started but none have finished. The moral of my story is that I have fallen, stumbled, tripped, but somehow I have always found a way to get back up and never quit. I know many people that have gone through similar situations and they used it as an excuse to give up on life. I choose to use my experiences as building blocks for my path to success.
DiversityJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Nakeida Duncan as one of the finalists for its December 2012 application deadline. Vote for her essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), click the ‘star’ just above comments section below, and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.