One of the things that’s come to my attention while going through this process is that. We live our lives for other people & not our own. Our purpose in life is to give ourselves away, to the point in which we make someone else’s life better. And, to continue doing so that we make the world a better place. Now, this may not mean trying to conquer the whole world at one time. Honestly, that is a little over zealous & somewhat arrogant depending on your place in the world. We should strive to make the community that we live around us better. So, ideally, it starts where you are. If I am part of a family, I need to come to know myself and my role in that family. And, once that is solid, I continue to build internal self to a point that I can be of service to my surrounding community, and ultimately the world that the community is a part of. I have found that this value is true, no matter what stage of life one is in. It worked for me as a child, a teenager, a young adult, and especially now, as an adult. It is the circle of life. As I am reflecting on what I want my life to look like 20 years from now, what my career vision is. And, how that vision contributes to the world around me, I will continue to embrace this philosophy that I have practiced through my life.
It gives me a solid foundation and a sense of purpose. When, I was a child, it was being involved in various activities that built my character & personality, which was ultimately dancing, cheerleading, and being in pageants. These were journey’s of self discovery that started out with me just wanting to “win a completion…or a crown”, but as time went on, I discovered that participating in these events not only made me a better person, but it also allowed me the opportunity to encourage people (i.e. the team I was cheering for, the pageant I was competing in, or the audience I was dancing for) to look within themselves and be able to ignite that same passion for purpose within themselves to go after it with fervor to also make a difference in the world. This is the true cornerstone of greatness. And, as life begins to come full circle for me. And, I am now a parent and mentor among sorts. I desire to be able to make a difference in the generation that comes behind me in my immediate circle. So, That I can assist in making their dreams come true, just as I worked so hard for my own to do so. this time around. It allows me to bring so much more value to who I am & why I have experienced the things I have both great & not so awesome. It never matters where you come from or what you go through…The only thing matters is this moment right now, and who you decide to be from this point on and into the future. You really truly can be & do whatever it is you want to do in this world.
So, how does this apply to my MBA Journey? I am glad you asked. The Vision? The Question: What is my career vision? Why is this choice meaningful to you? I have to understand, how I want these things that I value outside of work can play into my career vision. My passion is finance, specifically in the area of being able to continue tapping the market to lend to more credible minority owned businesses. My goal is to be able to do this now from a Private Equity stance. How can I help minority businesses go to the next level, & become public & offer sharing on the NYSE. Thus creating a stronger presence of minority owned of PROFITABLE Minority owned businesses within this country. I know, I know this is a mountain. But, it is a mountain I am willing to climb. This is the missing piece to my education.
When, I was working as a Fund Manager in Memphis, I came across an associate who worked for this guy who was from Memphis who had started a small apartment community (i.e. LEDIC), built it to being one of the most profitable ones in Memphis, then he was able to take his company public, increase its value & sale it while it was a viable business. He then went off and started a coaching company in leadership and retired early, so he could focus on giving back to his community. The question I asked myself was, “How in the hell did he do that? 2) why aren’t black people doing this? 3) how do I do it? 4) How can I help others do it?” So, with that being said, me wanting to run a PE Firm, is not just wanting to do it to make $$$$. I want to be an Associate of a firm that supports diversity truly internally and externally. In addition, helping the ladies I consult in Pageantry. My focus is specifically on developing minority women into excellent women who ultimately contribute to the world, more specifically, business world. I want number of Bustling BQ Babes who know how to make a deal & talk investments at the same time!...Who are smart and passionate business women about giving back to the community and teaching sound business skills that will translate across any spectrum. At any rate, I say all this to say that I am finally seeing my life come full circle because my niece is now interested in doing some of the same stuff I did in college and I am once again on the path to assisting in helping others make their dreams come true. It just so happens to be in the pageant arena. Nevertheless, I am excited about giving back even more. More excited, that it’s in an area I love. And, I look forward to seeing the finished character development of her young adult years, especially since this is just the beginning!
As Always,
Be Luv!
Rashida
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