Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, was my last day of class. It was a cold, gloomy, rainy day in Columbia. I had woken up at 5 a.m. to drive from Greenville to Columbia for class starting at 8 a.m. When the class ended at 5 p.m., I was elated to know that I had finished the PMBA program, but at the same time, I was absolutely exhausted — mentally and physically. I drove back home and went straight to sleep. The next day, I went to church to give thanks for all the blessings in my life. In the past 18 months, not only have I met incredible people from all different backgrounds, but I also learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. I can now confidently put down on my resume that I have time management and organizational skills, thanks to this program!
When you’re done with the program, all the time that you had scheduled for homework, re-watching class videos, Zoom/Blackboard Collaborate meetings with cohorts to work on projects, studying for exams will be available again. There are very brief moments where I scare myself and still think that I have to turn in an assignment for a class even though I’ve finished the program. With this free time, I am going to go back to the gym right after work and establish a self-care routine. I am trying to look GOOD for the graduation pictures!
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the University of South Carolina for giving me the opportunity to obtain my bachelor’s and master’s degrees! I want to thank all the employees who help make this PMBA program possible, and I want to thank every classmate and professor who I have met. You made my PMBA experience an unforgettable one. I wish nothing but success and happiness to all of you! If I could give any words of encouragement, I would like to say this: you are incredibly bright! You can overcome any obstacle that you will endure in the future! Remember, you earned an MBA from the University of South Carolina while working full-time. You know what stress is, and the challenge you’re currently facing should feel minuscule. You got this!!
-Jaime Rivera, May ‘23 Professional MBA graduate and ‘12 finance
Staff accountant for Fitesa
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