All my life I’ve been told that I can do anything and I’ve genuinely believed it because I had no reason to doubt it. Neither of my parents have a college degree, yet they are both successful in what they do. When I was born, my mom was working an entry-level job at The Home Depot and my dad was installing flooring. Less than ten years later, my mom became one of the top field sales reps in her company and my dad became a small business owner/CEO.

It is now that I am in college and I see all the programs and workshops specifically for women in business that I am realizing that my parents are exceptions to the rule in so many ways. It is now that I am in college that I have realized that I might have to put in more work than a man to achieve my goals. I’m not saying that I’m afraid of the glass ceiling. Companies are not going to refuse me for a job or promotion because of my gender. I’ve worked hard enough throughout my time in school that my qualifications should earn me a job when I leave UCF. However, I’ve realized that strong women have issues with being seen as bossy (or the more derogatory b word) while if the same things are done by a man he’s assertive. I’ve realized that I’ll have to re-think my career if I want to have a family, and that some people frown upon working mothers. I’ve realized that sometimes the golf course is where business deals get made and business relationships form, so if I’m not willing to learn golf I may fall behind.

Regardless, anyone who knows me well will know that I’m up for the challenge. For that, I thank my parents for being amazing role models for both my personal and professional life. Shout out to them for showing me that you can do well at work while still having time for your family and relationship. If they can have it all, so can I.

My parents on their wedding day

My parents now