“Not too many people could walk a mile in your shoes. Only you know your struggles, challenges, and obstacles; so be proud of how far you have come.”
― Edmond Mbiaka

Last week I posted a video of myself opening my Master’s Degree from Boston University. I do my best not to bathe in the social media metrics of my posts, but I was pleasantly surprised to see so many heartfelt reactions to such a raw video. A lot of love came from that moment but later that day I saw a video of one of my Instagram “friends” ranting about how:

“a degree is just a simple piece of paper.” He went on to say, “If you can’t turn that degree into a real job you’re stupid”.

He was speaking generally to his Instagram followers on what he believed to be true about our society. As I listened to his reasoning and logic, I thought about how many of his hundreds of followers might feel insignificant for going to college. To be honest, his sentiments rattled my own self-confidence because as of today I don’t have a “real job”. I’m still in the process of figuring things out and finding my own way.

When I felt myself beginning to feel small, anxious, or down I had to remind myself of my own truth and journey. At 25, I have an Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and I think that’s still something to be proud of

Here’s why:

Breaking Generational Patterns Is Hard Work

Growing up I heard stories from my parents and grandparents about how they went to college. My grandfather and dad were students at Central State University at one point, my Grandmother was a student at Wilberforce University, and my Mom enrolled as a psychology major at Ohio University after she finished high school. Unfortunately, because of unforeseen circumstances, none of them were able to finish. Back in February of 2013, when I got accepted to Morehouse I thought this too was going to be my fate. When my friends were sending me congratulatory messages instead of my responses being ones of gratitude they were replies of worry.

“I just hope I finish.” Is what I would say because I hadn’t seen anyone in my close family circle go off to school and not come back prematurely.

When I was 19 and got my Associate of Arts degree from Ohio Dominican my Mom cried tears of joy. In that moment, I knew I was going to keep going to college and do my best to make her and my entire family proud. I believe that the fact that I was able to go to college and finish what I started on three different occasions is nothing short of a miracle.

Visibility is Survival

Where I grew up in Ohio, I didn’t see young men like myself go off to college. I never knew friends that had advanced degrees. One of the driving forces of my social media presence, public speaking and writing work is to show others what is possible for them by example. It is important that as a young African American man, who grew up in a disenfranchised community that I continue to tell my story. I don’t get the luxury of being quiet about the miracles in my life. The Bible says in the book of Luke:

“To whom much is given, from him much is expected”

I know just by me being bold and sharing my experiences with others that those watching will be inspired. If both my parents had doctorate degrees, I grew up going to private schools and going to college was something I always knew I would do–I’d probably be more modest. Unfortunately, that is not my reality. I know there are other kids like me with big dreams watching so it is important that I stand in my light and show them what’s possible.

This Journey Has Not Been Easy

When I opened my degree from BU and held it in my hand tears built up in my eyes. I thought about all those times I walked from my house to Ohio Dominican University for class because I didn’t have a car. I began to think about all those semesters at Morehouse when I had to fight so hard at the financial aid office so I can be enrolled. Every morning in Boston I would go to the library each morning to study so I could pass my assignments with integrity and excellence. Each part of my academic journey made me grow in ways I never thought possible and it was tough.

Conclusion

Even if I were to do nothing else, I’m proud of the man that I am. I refuse to let someone’s comments deter me from what I know is something I should be proud of. I will continue to follow my path, search for my truth and trust that I am exactly where God wants me to be.

Your Takeaway

I hope that after reading this article you assess your own journey and be proud of how far you’ve come. Whether you have three degrees, ten or zero; I invite you to reflect on your path and tell yourself in the mirror. “I’m so proud of myself.” like I did in that video because the fact that you made it to today proves you have every right to be.

Be Inspired.