I undertook a remarkable journey as a war refugee, overcoming countless challenges while assimilating into the American higher education system. These experiences epitomize my resilience and aptitude for adapting to unfamiliar environments and circumstances. In the realm of business, resilience and adaptability are indispensable qualities that empower individuals to navigate ambiguity, surmount obstacles, and flourish in ever-changing and dynamic landscapes. Throughout my progression in the construction industry, versatility and adaptability have remained integral to my growth. My internship with Deacon Construction served as an opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace every facet of construction projects, immersing myself in the fieldwork, engaging in office tasks, contributing to bidding and estimating, and even shouldering project management responsibilities. This immersive experience unequivocally demonstrated my prowess in navigating and excelling across diverse roles and responsibilities within the construction sector. My aptitude for adapting and thriving in multifaceted domains has become a defining hallmark of my character, poised to make significant contributions in any setting.

Perseverance and determination have been integral to shaping my personal journey. At the age of 20, I encountered a significant setback when I made the difficult decision to drop out of college. Failing all my classes led me to believe that formal education was not meant for me. However, four years later, I found the strength to make a life-changing choice: to return to school. With an unwavering commitment to never give up and a determination to learn from my past failures, I embarked on a new path. Taking it day by day, I confronted my fears of failure and pushed forward. This mindset ultimately allowed me to achieve a milestone I once deemed unattainable – earning my associate degree and gaining acceptance to multiple universities, including the prestigious University of Washington. However, the journey was not without its challenges. I struggled with uncertainty regarding my career path and a sense of not knowing what I truly wanted to do. It was during this time that I decided to pursue a Construction Management minor, enrolling in an introductory course that provided clarity and direction for my future. From dropping out of college to graduating from a top university, to negotiating my salary and accepting my first job offer, the unexpected nature of these accomplishments would have seemed unbelievable to me in the past. The lessons learned throughout this experience have instilled within me the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles that arise in life. I understand that challenges are inevitable, but success necessitates unwavering persistence.

Self-awareness and leadership adaptability are qualities I continuously cultivate. A notable experience was when I participated in facilitating classes where I encountered a group with dominant leadership personalities. Recognizing the intensity of the dynamic, I made a conscious decision to take a step back and allow others to take the lead, while still contributing my ideas when needed. This demonstrated my self-awareness and ability to adapt my leadership approach to create a more harmonious and productive team environment. The construction management field heavily relies on effective teamwork and leadership, and my capacity to be self-aware and adaptable positions me as a valuable asset in executing successful projects.

Bouncing back was no easy task. The day I made the decision to return to school, a mix of anticipation and anxiety filled the air. It had been a daunting four years since I had dropped out, and the thought of stepping back through the doors of Seattle Central College brought a wave of uncertainty. The fear of failure loomed in the back of my mind, casting shadows on my newfound determination. Despite these doubts, I took a deep breath and walked in, marking the beginning of my transformative journey. From that day forward, I committed myself unwaveringly to my education. Each day brought its own set of challenges and triumphs, a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Through this rollercoaster, I learned valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. One crucial lesson I embraced was the importance of asking for help. In the face of academic obstacles, I realized that seeking guidance and support was not a sign of weakness but an act of strength. Whether it was approaching professors, connecting with classmates, or utilizing resources on campus, I discovered the power of collaboration and the positive impact it had on my learning journey. Another vital principle I internalized was the sheer determination to never quit. Despite moments of doubt and setbacks, I reminded myself that failure was not the end but a stepping stone towards growth. Perseverance became my mantra, propelling me forward even when the path seemed arduous. I learned that with unwavering commitment and an unyielding spirit, I could overcome any obstacle in my way. Furthermore, I learned that focusing solely on improvement was not enough. It was essential to delve deeper, to scrutinize my own shortcomings and identify areas of personal growth. By examining my own bad habits and making a conscious effort to rectify them, I experienced profound personal development. This attention to detail and self-reflection paved the way for substantial improvement and a newfound sense of purpose. Lastly, I discovered that fear of change was merely an illusion holding me back from self-discovery. Embracing change became a catalyst for finding my true self. As I navigated the winding path of education, I realized that life's journey is rarely a straight line. Embracing the unpredictability and uncertainty of change allowed me to uncover hidden talents, passions, and strengths within myself that I never knew existed. Change became the catalyst for personal growth and the key to unlocking my potential. Reflecting on this transformative journey, I can confidently say that every twist and turn was worth it. The challenges I faced have endowed me with wisdom, determination, perseverance, leadership qualities, and self-awareness. The beauty of the journey lies not only in reaching the destination but also in the profound personal growth and invaluable life lessons acquired along the way. Today, as I write these words, I stand as a testament to the power of resilience, the rewards of embracing change, and the immeasurable value of education.