How did you fit your education into your life?
Balancing graduate school with full-time work and motherhood — especially raising three young children under the age of four — was no small feat. I often studied late at night after my children went to sleep, used my lunch breaks for readings, and sometimes submitted assignments with a baby on my lap.
The flexibility of HES’s remote learning model made this possible. It allowed me to pursue my degree without sacrificing my responsibilities as a mother or professional. The on-campus requirement became an exciting goalpost, and I planned ahead to fulfill it during a season that worked for my family.
What did you learn about your own capabilities through the rigor of your coursework? Were there any moments in particular that pushed you to grow?
I learned that I’m far more resilient than I ever imagined. Juggling three pregnancies, new motherhood, and health challenges — while writing research papers and participating in seminars — tested me deeply. There was a semester when I almost withdrew due to postpartum complications, but the compassion and encouragement I received from my professors and advisors reminded me that growth often comes through struggle. That moment taught me not just perseverance, but the importance of asking for help and embracing community.
What was the expectation you had of Harvard? How did it live up? How did it differ?
I expected academic excellence — and HES absolutely delivered. What I didn’t expect was the deep sense of belonging I found here. I feared that, as a remote student and a mom in her 30s, I’d feel isolated or out of place. But my professors, classmates, and advisors proved otherwise. The community was welcoming, intellectually engaging, and filled with people from all walks of life — each bringing something valuable to the table.
Describe your Extension experience in one word:
Transformational.
