Upon concluding my tenure in Europe, I returned to Texas in late 2024 and rejoined the Oil and Gas sector as a Lead Analyst and Research Advisor, eager to leverage the insights I had gained abroad to drive advancements and innovation within the industry.

When we hear introductions like this, it’s easy to marvel at what people have achieved, often assuming they’ve had everything together throughout their journey. However, the reality is that success is rarely linear, and it often comes with a series of unexpected twists and turns. I am no exception to this. Behind every milestone I’ve reached, there are challenges that tested my resolve and forced me to grow.

Here are just a few of the obstacles I’ve faced along the way:

1. Losing a Full-Ride Scholarship: Early in my academic career, I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of Houston. Unfortunately, I lost that scholarship and initially placed the blame on external factors rather than taking responsibility for my own actions.
2. Doubts About My Abilities: I faced significant self-doubt about my ability to succeed in a STEM field, especially when it came to pursuing a degree as challenging as Chemistry. I often questioned whether I had the capacity to excel in a subject that demanded such a high level of dedication and intellectual rigor.
3. Believing It Was Too Late: Years had gone by and I felt as though I had missed my window of opportunity to return to school and complete my undergraduate degree. The idea of starting over seemed daunting, and I wasn’t sure if it was even possible to catch up to where I thought I should be.

Despite these challenges, I came to realize that the common thread in each of these obstacles was my mindset. It wasn’t my circumstances that needed to change—it was my attitude and approach to overcoming them. Here’s how I transformed my outlook and got back on track:

1. Taking Accountability: The first pivotal step in turning my life around was accepting full responsibility for my actions and circumstances. I realized that as long as I continued to blame external factors, I would remain powerless to make a meaningful change. Instead, I shifted my focus inward, acknowledging that I alone had the ability to shape my future. This mindset allowed me to take ownership of my decisions, empowering me to face challenges head-on and actively work toward improving my circumstances.
2. Embracing the Challenge: Pursuing a degree in Chemistry was intimidating, but I reminded myself that if the program existed, it was because others had taken it before me and succeeded. That simple realization gave me the confidence to push forward, knowing that success was within my reach if I put in the necessary effort.
3. Understanding That It Never Too Late: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it’s never too late to pursue your goals. At 24, I returned to complete my undergraduate degree, and now, at 34, after years of professional and international experience, I am preparing to pursue my Master’s of Science in Chemistry. As I’ve come to understand, the cost of not trying far outweighs the challenges of taking the leap.

So the next time you encounter someone who seems to have it all together, remember that behind their success story is likely a journey filled with adversity, perseverance, and growth. Everyone faces challenges, and while they may not always be visible, they are often what shapes a person’s achievements. If they can overcome their obstacles, then you, too, can rise above yours. It all starts with the willingness to change your mindset and take ownership of your path forward.