She Strengthens

The High Cost of Hubris: Lessons Learned from a $130K Mistake

A Cautionary Tale of Ambition Gone Wrong

I thought I had it all figured out. With two bachelor’s degrees in hand, I was financially stable and could have started paying off my $40,000 undergraduate debt. But then I got accepted into an Ivy League graduate school program, and my world was turned upside down.

Blinded by Pride

I was ecstatic, but my excitement soon turned into arrogance. I thought I had finally made it to the big leagues, and I let my pride cloud my judgment. I didn’t stop to consider whether I really needed this degree or whether I could afford it emotionally and financially. I just went with the flow, ignoring the warning signs that I wasn’t ready for this level of commitment.

The Wrong Crowd

I also made the mistake of surrounding myself with the wrong people. They weren’t bad influences, but they were in a different financial and emotional space than I was. I was too blinded by my insecurity to see that we weren’t compatible, and it affected not only my emotional well-being but also my academic performance.

Losing Focus

I entered graduate school with a successful track record, but I soon became an average student in a group of high-achievers. I took on too much work and neglected to pursue opportunities that were right for me. I didn’t make meaningful connections, and I didn’t even make the most of my expensive education.

The Power of Self-Reflection

Looking back, I realize that I didn’t know myself well enough. I didn’t take the time to reflect on what I really wanted and figure out the best way to achieve my goals. I was too busy trying to prove myself to others.

Finding Redemption

Coming home to face my debt and uncertainty was tough, but it forced me to re-evaluate my life. I started freelancing, taking on multiple gigs at once, and working hard to pay off my loans. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Today, I’m proud to say that I pay all my bills, have a solid emergency fund, and am making progress on my student loans.

Lessons Learned

My experience taught me the importance of humility, self-reflection, and financial responsibility. I learned to check my ego at the door and focus on what truly adds value to my life. I take care of myself now, financially and emotionally, and that’s priceless.