The Power of Education: How My Upbringing Shaped My Career
They say education is the key to success, and if my life is anything to go by, that key is made of gold and unlocks some pretty incredible doors. Growing up in Jamaica, my family's passion for education was nothing short of legendary. Picture a home where textbooks were more common than TVs, where the living room was lined with shelves of encyclopedias, and you’ve got the idea. My journey from a curious child to an HR professional and career coach has been profoundly shaped by this educational fervor. So, sit back and let me take you on a ride through the highs, lows, and surprising twists of my educational adventure.
Education was a priority in our household. My parents, both teachers, instilled in me the importance of learning from an early age. However, it was my grandmother, the matriarch of our family, who truly underscored the value of education. She was an educator herself and took it upon herself to provide "extra lessons" for me, my sister, and our cousins to ensure we never fell behind.
One specific incident during my childhood vividly illustrates the sacrifices made for education. Imagine this: It’s a sunny day in Jamaica, perfect for a beach trip. But instead of splashing in the waves, I'm sitting at home with my grandmother, books spread out in front of us. She had insisted I stay back with her to study for an upcoming exam, despite my protests and anger at missing out on the fun. At the time, it felt like a punishment, and I was not in the least bit amused. Who would be? Missing a day at the beach felt like a crime against childhood. Yet, my grandmother’s insistence on intentional studying ensured that I aced my exam. Looking back, I realize she wasn’t just teaching us; she was building a foundation of sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance.
My parents were no less dedicated. Our family is very tight-knit, with everyone supporting each other in their endeavors. They believe that education is the ticket to a brighter future, and they were determined to see their children succeed. They attended every parent-teacher meeting, celebrated my academic successes, and provided comfort during setbacks. This unwavering support created an environment where learning was not just encouraged but celebrated. This tight-knit family unit was my first lesson in the power of a supportive environment.
My journey to higher education took me from Jamaica to the United States, where I felt like I was stepping into a new world. As an international student, the financial burden was immense. Realizing I needed the quickest path to a degree, I made the best academically pragmatic choices, including receiving a Bachelor's in Environmental Policy, driven more by necessity than anything else. This taught me a crucial life skill: adaptability.
Degree in hand, I returned to Jamaica, only to find that jobs in my field were scarcer than rain in the desert. I stumbled into a few administrative roles but eventually returned to the US, because as the “land of opportunity,” there had to be more options, right?! Looks like the grass wasn’t always greener because it felt like I left one desert for another. Eventually, with the right connections, I landed a role that eventually led me to Human Resources. Now, I know what you’re thinking: how does someone go from environmental policy to HR? The answer is simple—life has a funny way of guiding you to your true passion. For me, that passion was helping people. I found joy in assisting others with their careers, leading me to work as a career coach and resume writer on the side. It wasn't a straight path, but it was mine, and it was perfect. Each move, each struggle, taught me resilience and the importance of leveraging connections. Being in the US was a different level of change, but the need to adapt and thrive remained constant.
Here’s the kicker: my formal education didn’t directly land me my dream job. Instead, it equipped me with invaluable skills—critical thinking, resilience, and a love for learning—that proved essential in every role I took on. The most important lesson I’ve learned? Formal education is great, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. What truly matters is a commitment to lifelong learning and the flexibility to adapt to whatever life throws your way.
My career may not have followed a traditional path, but it’s been an exciting, fulfilling ride. From my grandmother’s insistence on study sessions to my parents’ unwavering support, my upbringing laid the groundwork for a career built on helping others. Education opened doors, but it was the lessons learned outside the classroom that truly shaped my path. So, here’s to the power of education, the wisdom of adaptability, and the joy of lifelong learning. Because in the end, it’s not just about where you go to school; it’s about what you learn along the way and how you use it to make a difference.
Remember, “wah fi yuh, cyaan un fi yuh.”
~Meisha
