I’d be pursuing a graduate degree

If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time?

Pursuing a graduate degree is not just an academic endeavor; it is a profound investment in oneself, a deliberate step toward growth, and an affirmation of one’s commitment to a brighter future. It’s about more than just acquiring knowledge—it’s about expanding horizons, unlocking potential, and living in pursuit of dreams that refuse to fade with time.

The decision to pursue a graduate degree often comes with hesitation. There are doubts about cost, time, and whether the effort will pay off. For many, age becomes an imagined barrier, a whispered doubt: Is it too late for me? But dreams don’t come with expiration dates. They persist, waiting patiently for our courage to bring them to life.

Age, in my case, and in the grand scheme of learning, is irrelevant. Education is a lifelong journey, and every year, every day, brings new opportunities to grow. Whether I am 25 or 55, the decision for me to chase a graduate degree is a declaration that my aspirations are valid and that my belief in my ability to achieve them. Experience, after all, is an asset, not a hindrance. There are older students than me who bring unique perspectives, wisdom, and focus to the classroom—qualities that can enrich not only their learning but also the learning of those around them.

Investing in myself, though daunting, is always worth the risks. The costs—whether financial, emotional, or time-related—are temporary, but I have faith that rewards are lasting. A graduate degree can open doors to new career opportunities, personal fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of my professional field. It’s not merely about achieving a title or earning more; it’s about becoming more. It’s about sharpening my skills, broadening my worldview, and proving to myself that I am capable of more.

The pursuit of a graduate degree is also a powerful reminder to myself and others: that dreams are meant to be chased, not shelved. It’s an act of defiance against fear and doubt, a refusal to settle for less when more is within reach. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Every class, every late-night study session, is an investment in a version of myself that I am working to create.

So, it is my dream to earn either a JD or an MBA. My dreams matter to me, regardless of my age or circumstances. The cost may seem high, but what is more expensive than regret? The risks may seem intimidating, but what is more courageous than betting on myself?

On a more personal note, I went through extreme hardship. I endured unemployment for many years. But it didn’t bring me down. I didn’t let fate beat me. Instead of doing anything negative; I volunteered to many legal institutions here in Oahu. And in volunteering I found my passion for numbers and helping others. I ended up enrolling myself to an accounting program at the University of Hawai’i. Today, I carry two associate and one baccalaureate degrees. I am employed to a decent statewide company with a national affiliation. I invested in myself—and I flourished.

To end, the pursuit of a graduate degree is a leap of faith—not in the program, the institution, or the system—but in you. And since I have the passion, the drive, and the willingness to take that leap, I am sure that the reward isn’t just the degree itself. It’s the person I become along the way.