Sometimes life throws obstacles so daunting that chasing your dreams feels impossible. You find yourself asking, “Why me? Why now?” But here’s the truth: those moments of uncertainty and imbalance often spark the most extraordinary transformations. It’s not about waiting for the stars to align; it’s about stepping into the darkness and lighting up your own constellation. Let me share with you a story of grit, self-belief, and unyielding determination.

The Crossroads: Choosing Courage Over Comfort

In mid-2021, I stood at a crossroads. My career had stalled, leaving me restless and yearning for more. The dream? Earning an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. The reality? I was a newly single mother of two children, aged 9 and 7, managing full-time work, extracurriculars, and a new city with no local support network. On paper, it looked impossible. But deep within me, there was a fire — a hunger for growth, a vision of a better future for my family. And so, I chose courage.

Taking the Leap: One Step at a Time

Courage doesn’t make the journey easier, but it makes it possible. I poured my heart into every waking moment. Days were spent working, parenting, attending virtual admissions events, and volunteering as president of a Toastmasters club and a young professional at the Institute of Management Accountants. Nights and weekends were for studying for the GMAT and writing application essays. It was grueling. I was exhausted. But I was also driven by an unwavering belief: This dream was worth fighting for.

Then came the call. On the morning of March 16, 2022, my phone rang. It was Fuqua. I was in. And with a scholarship. That moment was surreal. A girl raised in a small village in China, being the only child among five siblings to go to high school and college, was now on her way to Duke. Tears flowed freely that day, not just from joy but from the weight of what it took to get there.

Living the Dream: Thriving Amid Challenges

The excitement of starting my MBA journey was matched only by its challenges. Balancing the demands of business school with the needs of two young children was nothing short of monumental. There were days I felt overwhelmed, questioning if I’d taken on too much. But I kept reminding myself that my “why” was bigger than the challenges.

Every class was a revelation, a window into new possibilities. Brilliant professors, dynamic peers, and thought-provoking discussions fueled my passion. Yet, the true magic of Fuqua lay in its people.

During my first week at Fuqua, I stumbled upon the world of search funds, a concept that reshaped my career aspirations. I wanted to attend the Search Fund Conference, but childcare posed a problem. That’s when Sarah Grace, my C-LEAD teammate, stepped in. She offered to watch my kids so I could go. It wasn’t a one-time act of kindness; it was the embodiment of Fuqua’s culture.

Finding Purpose: Creating Impact

Graduating from Fuqua was a milestone, but it was only the beginning. During my journey as a searcher, I discovered a deep need in the business world: countless small businesses were unprepared for successful transitions. Inspired, I became a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Certified Value Builder and launched my own exit planning practice. Today, I guide business owners toward building sellable businesses and achieving their dreams.

The path hasn’t been smooth. Entrepreneurship, like life, is messy and unpredictable. But I’ve learned to embrace imperfection and focus on progress. Every challenge conquered, and every small victory reaffirms my belief in this mission. Each client I help is a reminder of why I started and why I’ll never stop.

What’s Holding You Back?

Now, as I reflect on my past self, a single mom with no safety net, I ask: What’s stopping you from chasing your dreams? Is it fear of failure? Doubt about your abilities? The belief that you’re not ready? You don’t need perfect circumstances to take that first step. Your dream matters. Your story matters. Stop waiting for the stars to align. Look inside. Find that spark. And then go out there and create your own constellation.

Dream fearlessly. Pursue relentlessly. Believe wholeheartedly. Because when you do, you’ll find that the universe has been waiting for you all along.