When I think back about the many things I have experienced in life, I see more than memories. I see a journey of resilience. It reflects growth and transformation.
The Juggling Act: Military Life, Motherhood, and College
As a military wife to a deployed husband, life taught me early on that uncertainty is the only constant. Balancing the emotional weight of deployment was challenging. Being a full-time college student and a mom of two daughters made it even harder. Every day felt like a juggling act. It was in that chaos that I learned the art of project management and prioritization.
I learned to break big goals into smaller, actionable steps. I learned to plan ahead. I also learned to adapt when life threw curve balls. Deadlines weren’t just academic. They were personal lifelines to keep my family and my dreams afloat.
Budgeting: Strategy in Action
And then there was the financial side. When there’s too much month left at the end of the money, you learn quickly. Budgeting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about strategy.
I became intentional about every dollar, prioritizing needs over wants, and finding creative ways to stretch resources without sacrificing essentials. That’s project management in its purest form: allocating limited resources to meet critical objectives. It taught me discipline, foresight, and the ability to make tough decisions…all skills that translate directly into leadership and business.
Surviving Thyroid Cancer: Learning to Ask for Help
Then came another battle: thyroid cancer. Surviving cancer changed everything. It taught me that strength isn’t about doing it all alone. It’s about knowing when to ask for help.
For someone who prided themselves on independence, this was a humbling and life-changing lesson. I realized that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s a bridge to connection and support.
The Power of Human Experience
These experiences didn’t come with a certificate or a degree, but they gave me something far more valuable: real-world wisdom.
Too often, we downplay our lived experiences because they aren’t “credentialed” or “academic.” But here’s the truth:
You can’t underestimate the power of the human experience.
Humans are the end users of the world. Every system, every process, every innovation ultimately serves people. That means the human experience isn’t just relevant; it’s essential.
It teaches adaptability, empathy, resilience, and problem-solving in ways no textbook ever could.
Your Story Matters
If you’ve ever felt like your story doesn’t count because it’s not framed in professional jargon, let me reassure you.
Your experience matters.
The nights you stayed up managing chaos were leadership lessons. The moments you pushed through fear were leadership lessons. The times you asked for help were leadership lessons. Those are project management lessons. Those are life lessons that translate into every role you’ll ever hold.
Key Takeaways
- Put first what matters most. Not everything deserves equal attention.
- Plan, but stay flexible. Life rarely goes according to script.
- Ask for help. It’s a sign of strength, not surrender.
- Honor your story. It’s your greatest credential.
- Budget strategically. Resource management is leadership in action.
Closing Thoughts
Life doesn’t hand out diplomas for resilience, but the lessons we learn through lived experience are priceless. Every challenge you’ve faced has equipped you with skills that matter. These experiences have been valuable. Each one has taught you something important.
Never underestimate the power of your story. It’s not just survival; it’s strategy. It’s leadership. It’s proof that the human experience is the ultimate teacher.
So, the next time you question your worth because it isn’t stamped with credentials, remember this:
Your experience is your credential. Your journey is your strength. And your voice deserves to be heard.
What lessons has life taught you that no classroom ever could? Share your story. I’d love to hear how your experiences have shaped the leader in you.
-Erneshia Michelle
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