News from Belen Watkins
I’m writing these lines on the same laptop that I received in 2016 when I started my MA at Wake Forest; that might give you an idea that I haven’t done much with my career after graduation. However, from the outside you’ll never know the powerful force that this degree has shown me.
When I started, I was the only Spanish native speaker in my class which made things a little bit more difficult for me. Especially with such readings that for me were hard to follow unless I checked my dictionary almost every paragraph. Despite my hard efforts, I had a rough start which urged me to quit the program. By then, we were a month in, so I couldn’t withdraw getting a refund. I also had quit my full-time job overseeing the Interpreting/Translation department at Cone Health to commit to the program. I had no choice other than keep pushing or quit.
The entire year, to say that I worked hard was an understatement. I used to get up early in the morning, and do school work until late at night (including commuting from Greensboro at the beginning). My husband was a huge support, literally feeding me and taking care of our place. But all my efforts paid off; I graduated with an almost perfect score of 3.8 GPA. Now when I look back in time, I only see how capable I am of doing absolutely anything I desire if I keep my focus, stay disciplined, work hard, but above all follow my heart. I often look at my hooding ceremony picture, and it fills me with pride, and it is a reminder of what I can do.
Nowadays, my husband of thirteen years and I have a beautiful family in Southwest Florida. My daughters are 2 and 3 years old. We have chosen for me to stay home during these precious formative years for my princesses. Again, who would have imagined that being a stay-at-home mom of two young very close in age kiddos would be my toughest job ever. But my most rewarding one! My latest accomplishment was to reach my pre-pregnancy weight after gaining over 65lb at my highest during my second pregnancy. There was only one way to do it, and it was to stay focused, committed, and daily action……..just like my MA degree!!!
Thank you again to all my professors and classmates who made that one year of my life unforgettable in many ways. Before my husband and I relocated to Florida, everywhere I went in Greensboro or Winston people used to look at me different because I went to Wake, such an institution!
So, my friends stay focused, and do everything you can in any area of your life that you have chosen. You will never know your true potential until you reach your absolute limit even if it seems uncomfortable at the time. Trust yourself!
I will be re-joining the workforce in a few more years, and I know my MA will open my doors in many venues. I’ll keep you posted on my career moves when the time comes.
