📚 Main Topics

1. Gratitude and Acknowledgment

   • Thanking the audience, faculty, and mothers on Mother's Day.
   • Personal connection to the audience and the venue.

2. Personal Journey and Resilience

   • Sharing a personal story about a failed attempt to secure a job during COVID-19.
   • Reflecting on childhood experiences and feelings of inadequacy.

3. Overcoming Obstacles

   • The metaphor of an obstacle course to illustrate life's challenges.
   • Emphasizing the importance of finding one's own path and not being deterred by setbacks.

4. Belief in Possibilities

   • Encouraging the audience to have high expectations and believe in their potential.
   • The significance of self-advocacy and being one's own champion.

5. Emotional Sensitivity

   • Discussing the benefits of being sensitive and how it can enhance creativity and empathy.
   • Acknowledging the struggles of rejection and the importance of resilience.

6. Community and Support

   • The importance of holding onto relationships and supporting one another.
   • Celebrating collective achievements and the journey ahead.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Embrace Your JourneyLife is unpredictable, and it's essential to navigate it on your own terms.
• Believe in YourselfHigh expectations can lead to extraordinary outcomes; self-belief is crucial.
• Handle Rejection GracefullyRejection is a part of life; learning to cope with it is vital for growth.
• Value SensitivityBeing sensitive can be a strength, enhancing your ability to connect and create.
• Support Each OtherBuilding a supportive community is essential for personal and collective success.

🧠 Lessons

• Persistence Pays OffEven after setbacks, persistence can lead to success.
• Celebrate WinsAcknowledge and celebrate achievements, no matter how small.
• Take Time for YourselfIt's okay to take breaks and recharge; self-care is important.
• Stay ConnectedRelationships matter; maintain connections with peers and mentors.
• Be Open to PossibilitiesLife can unfold in unexpected ways; stay open to new opportunities and paths.