High school is a time of learning and dreaming of endless possibilities. It has been over two decades since I last roamed the halls of my alma mater. Recently, I embarked on a nostalgic journey back in time during an impromptu visit to my high school with some old friends. As I walked through the familiar corridors, painted in blue and gold, and revisited the classrooms where I once sat, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey life has taken me on and the unexpected lessons I've learned along the way.
I vividly remember being that eager girl with many goals and aspirations for my future. I had dreams of making a difference in the world, but my path was UNCLEAR. Although I had made plans, I had no idea that life would lead me down a different road.
One of the most significant lessons that life has taught me is that the path we envision for ourselves is not always the one we end up taking. I was born into a family of entrepreneurs, and it seemed like fate was leading me in that direction. However, I had different plans for myself. I never aspired to be a business owner; instead, I wanted to explore other opportunities and chart my own unique course.
Being part of an entrepreneurial family, the pressure to follow in their footsteps was always there. However, I resisted the idea thinking it was too challenging and risky. I had my vision of success, one that didn't necessarily involve starting my own business. I pursued a more traditional career path, convinced it was the right choice.
But life has a funny way of leading us down uncharted roads. Despite my initial resistance, I eventually found myself venturing into the world of entrepreneurship. It wasn't a conscious decision; it was more like a series of events that gradually unfolded! I discovered a passion to inspire and help businesses create a productive workplace where people thrive together. Slowly but surely, I pieced together the puzzle, and before I knew it, I was open for business.
Returning to my high school after 20 years was a profound experience that allowed me to reflect on the lessons that life has taught me. I realized the importance of appreciating the journey and the people who walk beside you. Walking back through the school’s doors with my high school best friends, who still inspire me, was nothing short of a blessing. We reminisced about our shared experiences, including a traumatic event in science class that we can now laugh about. We also acknowledged our adolescent mistakes and expressed gratitude for how far we've come.
As I left the school that day, I couldn't help but smile, realizing that my professional life had taken me on an extraordinary adventure, filled with detours, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities. It was within those walls that I developed the strength of a tiger, allowing me to embrace life's twists and turns.
Remember that sometimes life takes us on a career path that was not in our plan, but it could be the journey we were meant to take. Life is full of surprises, and the lessons learned along the way are often the most valuable. Embrace your unique journey, appreciate what you learn, and keep exploring where life takes you. Although high school memories may linger, it's the journey that helps shape who we are.