09/18/2026
“If you’re waiting for life to feel stable before you start something bold, you might wait forever. You don’t need perfect conditions. You need a decision.”
In June of 2024, Nicole’s position was eliminated. The months that followed were filled with uncertainty, and it took a toll. At some point, she realized she had a choice. She could let that season define her, or she could use it to build something new. Nicole chose to move forward.
Having already earned a bachelor’s at University of Phoenix, returning for her MBA felt like the right next step. It gave her structure and a sense of direction when everything else felt uncertain.
While working toward her degree, she was also living with a chronic illness. There were moments she was proud of and moments that tested her. It wasn’t easy, but she kept showing up.
That consistency paid off. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and earned President’s List recognition. According to Nicole, that 4.0 wasn’t about being perfect; it was about refusing to quit.
“I did this degree for myself. For my future. For the version of me that refused to stay small. If someone sees my story and thinks, ‘maybe I could try too,’ then it was worth telling.”
Take a moment for a Phoenix who showed up, even on the hard days. 👏
📸 Nicole S. (Bachelor of Science in Management, ’21 + Master of Business Administration, ’26)
