Let me start by noting that I now better appreciate the true satisfaction of success after experiencing the depths of despair. But after all, without hardships, there are no stories worth sharing. Here is a little view into my story…

Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, testing our resilience and determination. For me, this curveball came in the form of urgent spinal surgery. I had completed the first term of the Master of Quantitative Management: Business Analytics (MSQM: BA) program and nearly finished with term two (out of a five-term program). As I was preparing for term two exams, I received a chronic diagnosis and I needed immediate surgery. The journey that followed was one of immense struggle, unwavering help from my support system, and a fierce commitment to improving myself.

The Diagnosis and Surgery

During my second term, I began experiencing severe neck pain that extended down my left arm, which I initially brushed off as stress related. My husband is a police officer, and I have two teenage girls in high school (Need I say more? LOL).

However, the pain escalated to an unbearable level, and I was losing the ability to use my arm. After several medical consultations, I was diagnosed with a condition that required urgent spinal surgery. The news was devastating and could not have come at a worse time. The day I met with the neurosurgeon, he wanted to schedule surgery immediately for the next day. He described how I had a 63% spinal cord/nerve compression and needed two bone transplants to remove the pressure on my spinal cord.

As I began to explain to him that I could not have surgery the next day because I was preparing for final exams, he interrupted and said, “I don’t think you understand, if we don’t get this pressure off your spinal cord, you may lose the ability to walk.” My response was, “I don’t think you understand, I have to complete my final exams and my final team project.”

OK, OK, looking back, I was in shock and probably did not understand the severity of what he was trying to portray to me. He agreed to give me one week, under the condition that I “not ride in a car” and “not go up or down stairs”. Five days later, as I lay in a hospital bed, I was faced with the daunting possibility of putting my degree on hold, a decision that weighed heavily on my mind.

The Recovery and Support

The surgery went well, but the recovery process has been the hardest experience of my lifetime. The pain post-surgery was agonizing, and there were days when even getting out of bed felt like an insurmountable task. This situation challenged me in every aspect of my life — physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, this period also revealed the incredible love of those around me. Their confidence in me to overcome this obstacle gave me the strength to keep going when I wanted to quit.

My family was the unsung hero of my support system, not the most glamorous type of support but the most humbling to receive. They were my safety net, reliable and loyal, and unintimidated by this tough situation.

My employer (SAS) and management team supported me in ways I could not have asked for or imagined. I was amazed at how small practical gestures relieved my stress. Their actions made sure that I could attend to my health suitably, leaving me feeling positively impacted through influence. A great leader leads, and they lead by example.

My team(s) at Duke, provided motivational support and knew when to push me to work harder and when to make me take a break from team assignment marathons. They were capable of kindness and tough love. Some of these people are now my “besties” who know me deeply, both the good and the bad, and I know they are only a phone call or text message away.

I have made lifelong friendships.

Academic Challenges

This master’s program is demanding, especially with the heavy emphasis on quantitative analytics. This field encompasses a variety of techniques and tools designed to understand, interpret, and predict patterns and trends within data. Conversely, I could have never predicted what was about to come my way.

Mentally, the constant fatigue and cognitive strain make it difficult to focus on my studies. Emotionally, I face overwhelming stress and fear about my health and future, all of which tests my determination daily. The hours required to complete assignments are extensive, demanding a significant amount of time and effort. Balancing this workload alongside life sometimes seems intimidating. However, the support from professors and staff is exceptional. They are considerate of my situation and provide the necessary support to help me stay on track. Their empathy and flexibility have made a significant difference in my ability to continue.

The Decision to Continue

Deciding to continue with graduate school after the surgery was not easy. There were/are times of self-doubt and fear of not being able to keep up with the rigorous demands of the coursework. Yet, my passion for education and the unwavering support have fueled my determination.

One of my primary motivations throughout this challenging journey has been to set a positive example for my daughters. I want them to see firsthand that with fortitude, devotion, and hard work, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals. Each step forward has been a testament to the power of believing in yourself. I hope that by witnessing my commitment and the refusal to give up despite the hardships, my children will understand (as I have told them many times), that they too can accomplish anything they set their minds to, no matter how frightening it may seem.

Moving Forward

As I move into the final two terms, the path ahead will still be arduous, but I am growing stronger every day. The pain is still very present, but it is my reality for now and I am hopeful that time does truly heal all things. The sense of accomplishment from completing each assignment keeps me going as I know I’m one step closer.

Without hardship, we are not given the chance to rise to our full potential. Continuing graduate school after major surgery was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made and really tested my limits. The journey is far from over, but with the incredible support of my family, friends, coworkers, teammates, and the academic community, I will persevere. I am proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what the future holds. This experience has helped me grow, reinforcing the belief that with the right support and mindset, we can overcome any challenge life throws our way.

I’ll close with a quote that came to me in one of my darkest days:
“It’s hard to recognize it while we are in the process of overcoming our hardships, but if success is all that you have ever known, you can never truly appreciate it the way that you can when it is earned through perseverance, constitution of character, and discipline.“