When I first started back to school, I was a Sales Executive based in the Gulf States, balancing leads, customer meetings, and daily quotas. I was also a mom with a toddler on my hip and a pre-teen navigating middle school. My dreams were still taking shape, and I didn’t have everything figured out. But what I did have was grit, passion, and a deep desire to grow. I wanted to show my kids what it meant to bet on yourself, embrace the unknown, and go… all in.
Half a decade
Over the course of five years, I earned my bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and three certificates. I was promoted from Sales Executive to Sales System Engineer, and then to Sales Manager, leading one of the most talented sales teams in the industry. I was doing it. I was all in, going to school, working full time, and raising a family. This went far beyond earning a couple degrees and certifications; it was transformational.
As I grew in knowledge, I also grew in confidence, capability, and leadership. Every classroom lesson made me a stronger strategist. Every late-night assignment sharpened my resilience. And every challenge I overcame reminded me that I was built for more.
Growth and support
Having a leader that supported my goals was key. He gave me flexibility when I needed it, trusting me to manage my responsibilities while never letting the team down. I will always appreciate the grace he gave me.
One of the most meaningful and unexpected parts of my story happened when I returned to school after a summer break. A local network manager from another department joined me in pursuing a master’s degree, and together, despite different roles and challenges, we leaned on each other, shared struggles, and celebrated the wins. This partnership across functions showed me that growth thrives through mutual support and collaboration, proving that when leaders and peers unite, we all rise together. We counted down the classes to graduation and in the end, we graduated on the same day, with the same degree. It was a reminder that growth is everywhere — and when we support each other, across functions and titles, we all rise.
Challenges and sacrifices
Let’s be honest for a second. Finding balance was tough, like, really tough. I had to commit to making it work. I put hard stops on my calendar to protect family time. I leaned heavily on my husband (my rock) for support. The many nights I was working on a paper, he made dinner and got the kids ready for bed. I missed birthday parties, beach days, and the fun stuff on weekends. But I reminded myself: this is temporary. The sacrifice was short-term, but the reward would last a lifetime.
Start now
To anyone at AT&T considering going back to school, here’s what I want you to know:
- Don’t wait until life slows down (spoiler: it won’t). There is no time like now to invest in yourself, and I promise it’s worth it.
- Use the tools this company gives you, you have access to mentors, technical training, leadership programs, advisory groups, and benefits like Tuition Reimbursement.
- Remember growth comes from your passion, dedication, and willingness to take that first step. Keep pushing forward and believe in your ability to thrive!
You already have what it takes. You just have to start. Set boundaries, lean on your support system, and trust in your ability to do hard things.
Let your kids, family, and peers see you chase your dreams. Because what’s on the other side of that degree isn’t just a new title or a certificate on the wall. It’s a whole new version of you — stronger, smarter, bolder, and ready for more.
This journey changed my life. It changed my career. And most importantly, it changed my legacy. And if I can do it, so can you.
That is the power of #LifeAtATT.
Start your own #LifeAtATT journey
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