I remember it was May 2016,  after hearing Barack Obama speak at my graduation ceremony, I told myself I would never go to school again.

I obtained my B.A. in Journalism degree after five years of struggle, depression, and hardship in college. I wanted to quit so many times. But I made a promise to myself and to my dad, who passed away the year before, that I would finish. And I did. I was proud of myself but truly exhausted and scarred from my collegiate experience.

Well, they say "never say never".

I thought wellness and cooking was just a hobby of mine. I started to really dive into wellness and food after becoming vegan in 2011. I loved making alternatives to my favorite meals, learning the benefits of different "superfoods", and immersing myself in the vegan community. And while I'm no longer vegan , my interest stayed.

In fact, it increased as I started to share my meals and wellness journey with my family and friends. I remember hosting my first Summer Solstice picnic and seeing my friends enjoy the food I prepared for them. Then, I had my first food vending experience at my friend's event. I was tired from cooking all day and was an hour late to the event. I thought this was a colossal mistake but my mind shifted after seeing strangers compliment my food.

I craved to dive deeper into food and wellness. So I started looking at schools. Yes, the person who barely graduated college wants to be a student once again.

During my research, I found two schools that felt so right to me. The nutrition masters program at the Maryland University of Integral Health (MUIH) resonated with me. Despite my journalism background, they could give me all of the tools to make a great transition as a nutritionist. And the Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, can mold me to become a bomb ass chef. My plan was simple: grad school, chef school, then global takeover.

I had this plan for a few years now. I even started applying for grad school before deciding to move abroad instead. Restarting my education felt like a lofty dream because I never had the time, energy, or money to commit to it. So the plan stayed in the back of my mind as I try to build financially.

And that I did... but with no avail. I came from Mexico BAA-ROKE. And 2020 so far has been filled with small and inconsistent income despite my work at my (now defunct) branding and VA businesses and working at a UPS warehouse as an overnight package handler.

My hope grew when a position at a food justice non-profit organization opened up. I felt like this job was made for me as it tied my communications skills and food justice together! I applied in July and after a few great interviews, you couldn't tell me anything! I was so confident that I had quit my crappy job at UPS. But after weeks of mind-shattering worry, they told me that they chose someone else.

I can't lie. I was severely hurt. I worked so hard and had so many job and client rejections this year. However, this one broke me. I cried and cried. But then I cleaned myself up. I journaled. I prayed. I meditated and found subtle moments of joy.

It was in-between the subtle joyful moments and the meditation that I realize that this was rock bottom for me and I could only go up. Then, I remembered my plan. EVEN THOUGH my current circumstance wasn't going according to my initial plan, I was over and done with letting the lack of money, lack of time, lack of energy, ( and LACK PERIOD) dictate my life path.

So, I applied for grad school. I was nervous as hell but also persistent as hell. I am so grateful for my sisters, niece, and my friends who helped edit my essays, heard me vent, and cheered me along the way.

I was able to submit my application on a tuesday. A few days before the priority deadline. Before the week was over, I was accepted to the nutrition program with a concentration in herbalism at MUIH. I was even complimented by my admissions advisor and the program director on how amazing my essays were.

Once I was accepted, I had faith that I was going to go no matter what. No job, no money, NOTHING, was going to be in my way. Things will work themselves out and that it did. I was able to secure my spot with the help of family and friends chipping in for my tuition deposit. My financial aid covered my tuition as well. Also, my loved ones, who already received their Masters or is attending school as an adult, has given me some great advice on how to make this school experience a MUCH better one.

I'm grateful for the MUIH staff who have helped me so far. I have so much joy in my heart to say that I'm registered to take my first classes in January.

Bryant H. McGill, an activist and thought leader, once said…

" Rejection is merely a redirection; a course correction in your destiny".

From this experience, I truly understand now. If you learned anything from my story, I hope it's these two things:

1. The only thing that prevents you from pursuing your dreams is you.

2. Rejection is redirection.

I'm definitely going to share my school experience with you all, so stay tuned for more of that content. If you were or are in school and have some tips and resources, please share below!

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