At the start of 2015, I made a bold move that would change my life forever: I applied for a scholarship to pursue my second MBA. I knew it was a long shot, but my heart was set on growing both professionally and personally. And guess what? In August 2015, I got the news—I was accepted, and the scholarship was mine! The excitement was real. With just two suitcases packed with my dreams and a handful of Colombian pesos in my bank account (which I would somehow stretch for over a year), I made the leap and moved to Miami.

The first few days? Total whirlwind. Miami was a whole new world, bustling with energy and endless opportunities. I was staying at my brother’s place, crashing on his sofa bed, and trying to take it all in. It wasn’t glamorous, but hey, I was in Miami chasing my dreams! Every morning, I’d hop on a bus for a one-hour ride to campus. That ride became my thinking time—mapping out my day, replaying my goals, and imagining where this journey would take me.

My days were packed! I was working part-time at the School of Business, juggling assignments from professors, and volunteering at the Career Center, all while managing my classes and cramming in study time whenever I could. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to push through. Late nights, early mornings, long hours—you name it, I was doing it.

But I didn’t let the grind stop me from following my passion for music. In between the madness of school and work, I was out there auditioning for rock bands in Miami-Dade, keeping that fire alive. Even though my schedule was packed, music kept me grounded and gave me that extra push.

For two years, I lived this wild ride. It was a challenge, no doubt—financial stress, sleepless nights, long commutes. But through it all, I kept going. I stretched every dollar, made the most of every opportunity, and pushed myself further than I ever thought possible. It wasn’t just survival; I was thriving, and I was rocking it.

In 2017, a new job opportunity came calling, and it was time to move to Tallahassee. But those two years in Miami? Unforgettable. I look back at that time and can’t help but smile. The grind was tough, but it shaped me into who I am today. Miami didn’t just challenge me—it helped me prove to myself that I can handle anything that comes my way.

It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about thriving. And Miami? I totally rocked it.