Trusting Your Journey: From Doubt to Graduation

From struggling with self-doubt to graduating with a Master of Public Health, Tanya shares her transformative journey through graduate education and the lessons learned along the way.

• Starting grad school wasn't a glamorous decision but stemmed from feeling called to make a bigger impact in maternal health
• Pivoting from a failed nursing career to public health created unexpected opportunities for growth and impact
• Finding supportive community at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health transformed the educational experience
• Balancing full-time work, nonprofit leadership, and graduate studies required prioritization and workplace flexibility
• Major life lessons include: starting before you're ready, valuing progress over perfection, nurturing community, celebrating milestones, and embracing your unique path
• Your journey is valid even when it doesn't resemble anyone else's path

If you've been waiting for a sign to start your own journey, this is it. What dream are you ready to move toward? Let me know by sending a DM or message on Instagram @TeawithTanyaPodcast. Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly Tea Talk newsletter and rate the show on Apple or Spotify.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to the Tea Tasting Room
• 2:00 My Final Week of Grad School
• 5:11 Finding My Path in Public Health
• 9:42 My Journey to the MPH Program
• 13:20 Lessons Learned Along the Way
• 19:40 Your Journey Starts Now

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Welcome to Tea with Tanya. I'm your host, tanya Ambrose, an average millennial navigating life as a maternal health professional, non-profit founder and grad student. Join me in the tea tasting room where we spill the tea on finding balance and promoting positive living while doing it all. Hey friend, welcome back to another episode of Tea with Tanya. Thank you for joining me here in the Tea Tasting Room for yet another week of spilling more tea. Spilling more tea. I hope you have done something for yourself, something meaningful. I don't care how big or small it is. I hope you've done something for yourself. That could have been drinking more water this week, that could be going for whatever it is. You know how we do here in the Tea Tasting Room Take care of yourself above anything else, okay, so I hope you've done something meaningful for yourself.

Speaker 1: 0:56

Me, on the other hand, your girl has been knee deep in, you know, the final stretch of grad school. Like right now, I'm basically in the anchor aspect of things. I'm like, literally, I'm about to be Usain Bolt. You know when Johan Blake passed that baton to Usain Bolt? I think it was the 2012 Summer Olympics. Listen, I know I like to talk about sports, but the point is I'm in the home stretch and by the time you hear this episode, essentially I will be in literally the last week of grad school. This episode is on a Tuesday, and next day I have a final exam, like my final exam ever of grad school, and then, on a Thursday, I will have my final presentation of grad school. And let me tell you, my friend, I don't know, I don't know how to feel, like I've said this before in a previous episode, but I really don't know how to feel. It is, it is surreal, it's emotional, it's also deeply rewarding and you know, I don't know, it's just bittersweet. But I will be taking you along with me. You know, along the journey, how I got here, what I learned along the way and, most importantly, why. I believe you can start your own journey too, no matter where you are right now. All right, so grab your tea or your drink of choice and let's get into it. Okay, we're going to talk about trusting the journey, starting scared and celebrating every step along the way.

Speaker 1: 2:10

Now, my friend, if you came into this tea tasting, if you would have told me a few years ago that I would be sitting here hosting a podcast, running a nonprofit working in maternal and reproductive health and now graduating with my master's of public health. Listen, I am not sure I would have believed you, to be honest, because when I first started this grad school journey, you know it wasn't necessarily a glamorous decision per se. It wasn't the Instagram perfect. You know I have it all figured out moment. Because, let me be honest with you, when I graduated with my bachelor's in public health from the Georgia State University shout out to my Panthers when I graduated that you know I started my Instagram live Tea with Tanya live, and you know I was doing, I guess, speaking engagements, so just having a new guest online every week. But I would have graduated in the heart, literally the heart of the pandemic, back in 2020. And I didn't know what that journey would look like Because, for me again, I was still chasing that nursing degree.

Speaker 1: 3:10

I wanted to be a midwife, I wanted to be a nurse practitioner. I even applied to go to PA school as well. That's how uncertain I was as it relates to what would be my next step, because for some reason, I still wanted to be a nurse practitioner. But, of course, if you, if you've been around here in the podcast, you've known, you will know why I'm not even a nurse or a nurse in school. If you knew here, I would have failed out of nursing school many years ago by 0.5 points and that essentially allowed me, or made me pivot, to where I am now, as it relates to not only having a degree in public health but also about to graduate with my master's in public health, but just working in public health altogether from the women's reproductive, women's health aspect of things. But, to be honest, I met different people on social media. Like I often say, social media is the good, the bad and the ugly, and I've been fortunate enough to meet a lot of my peers in public health and they were on Instagram. They either were undergrads where they graduated, or they were, you know, getting their MPH and these different things.

Speaker 1: 4:08

And for me, I often know that I wanted to be something important as far as, like you know what is going to be a nurse, a doctor, a physician assistant. I wanted to work in healthcare, no matter what, and I always had the ambition. But sometimes, again, you know when you feel it and you get to a particular point in your life, you're like you know what? You're getting too old, what are you going to do. So it wasn't necessarily always like a glamorous decision, like I knew I wanted to do it in the back of my mind, but at the same time there was still some doubt. It was more like a I feel, or I felt called to do more. You know, I know there, bit scared, I'm willing to try. So it was more like I feel called to do more. I know there's more impact I can make and even though I'm scared, I'm willing to try.

Speaker 1: 4:53

That's literally how my brain process this whole situation as it relates to going to grad school. And, to be honest, my friend, that's what got me here, talking to you now, in this present week of grad school Not perfection, not certainty, just a willingness to say yes to the next step or to the next right step. And that's not always easy, but you definitely have to listen to your mind, listen to your heart and see if that's something that you truly want. And for me, that's what it was. I wasn't chasing perfection. There was a point in time where I was, but I just wanted to say yes to the right step, the next right step, and, to be honest, I think I made a great. It was a wise choice for me to even attend or even apply to the University of South Carolina. I will say again I must say I've never said this before Before I applied to my MPH program, at one point in time I actually applied to the nursing program because they had like an MSN entry program where if you had a bachelor's degree, it doesn't matter what it was in, you know, once you have your classes up to date as it relates to your science subject you know anatomy, physiology, microbiology Once you had all of that, you'll be able to go in get your master's of science in nursing.

Speaker 1: 6:04

But of course you would have taken the core classes like someone would take in their BSN program bachelor's of science in nursing. And I did that and they had me on the wait list. I'm like okay, now what? Maybe I'm doing something slightly right because I'm on the wait list. You know what? I know the pool can be a bit tough. But again it was that willingness to make the right step, because I know in the back of my mind that I no longer wanted to be a nurse, because I know I can make impact outside of the clinical setting.

Speaker 1: 6:30

So what I did was let me see what I can do, let's pay it again and I started at the University of South Carolina in the maternal and child health certificate program. So, before I even got to my MPH, I said you know what, let's see, I've been out of school because I started in 2023, I think it was so at this point I would have been almost three years out of school, out of my bachelor's of science you know, undergrad, right and the workforce trying to figure out what is life going to be like, and I would have lost my job back in November of 2021, I think it is, you know. And then I got this job right now here in South Carolina, in February of 2022. But I decided my plan was okay, I want to take the next right step. I work in maternal health, and so be it. The University of South Carolina, the Honor School of Public Health they had a maternal and child health certificate program. I said, okay, let me get into this because this is a passion of mine. So let me start, let me get my foot wet, essentially, and let me apply to this program. I did.

Speaker 1: 7:32

I had all the interviews with the heads of department Like that was my first interview ever as it related to anything school wise and I remember one of the person who was interviewing me coincidentally they were over the data management as it relates to the job that I have my day job Right and I remember her asking me you me, how are you going to balance your school and you have a nonprofit and you're working full-time and how are you going to manage this? And I just remember saying to her I said you know what, let me tell you this, and this may not be exactly word for word, but you'll get the theme of it. I said, when it comes to my schoolwork, I do not play. Nothing comes before me and my schoolwork. And that's the mindset that I had then and it's still the mindset that I have now. So you know, I was able to reassure her. She's like, yeah, I understand, but X, y, z, I said no, at the end of the day, again, I know what I am set out to do. So nothing is going to come in between me and my schoolwork.

Speaker 1: 8:24

And you know, after that interview got accepted, got offered a scholarship and everything, and that was my first step per se back in academia, as it relates to that, but also at the master's level. And you know, I did a semester of, you know, one semester I took one class because they're like you know what, we want you to easier way into the school so that you can be successful. So let's start with one class. And I did that and I think the first class was something to do with rural health but nevertheless, you know. So after I did that you know I did the first semester I was like, okay, you know what I got the hang of it. Now. You know my writing is up there. You know it's doing its thing. You know I'm making all new friends and everything. And I said you know what, why don't in public health? And I did, and I got in into the program. My concentration is health services policy management and I just never looked back. I just never turned back after getting that acceptance letter into the MPH program. So I'm doing a maternal and childhood certificate along with an MPH program master's in public health as well.

Speaker 1: 9:24

And I will say the University of South Carolina has been such a pivotal part of my story. You know it wasn't just about getting a degree. It was about building community, gaining clarity and growing as a leader, you know, as a leader, a public health professional, and, of course, as a woman as well as a Black woman living in America. The professors, the opportunities, the challenges, they all stretched me, stretched me thin honey. Okay, they pushed me out of my comfort zone and it also helped me to step fully into my purpose and I cannot speak highly enough of this institution. When I think about it I get emotional because one I didn't know what to expect, but the first time that community it just really and truly just felt like home.

Speaker 1: 10:11

You know, I was able to deepen my focus on maternal and child health with a certificate program and then I was able to apply by learning directly through Scrub, life Cares and my work in the community as well. You know, I met mentors who saw me not just for what I could produce but for the vision I carried for the world. Like I have a mentor that I really hope that we're able to connect even outside of school, and I think we were because we have you know what I mean, but she has a wealth of knowledge. I got to give a shout out to Dr Deborah Billings. She is just amazing and when they paired her, paired me with her, so she can be my mentor. You know, I remember one of the program directors was like you know what she intentionally placed me under. You know Dr Billings, because, again, she knew my passion for maternal reproductive health. And Dr Billings is a stalwart Like she, is a genius, a powerhouse when it comes to maternal and child health. So, again, you know, I was able to just meet, have a mentor, essentially that just saw me, for me, the community within the program at the Honor School of Public Health.

Speaker 1: 11:16

It's just, I don't know. It makes me speechless because I just cannot believe that a college campus can be this supportive and, mind you, I've had that in my undergrad as well. So I have honestly been fortunate to attend two institutions that really cared about me. You know what I mean. But the thing that I love about the University of South Carolina, you know, it's really and truly transformed me into who I am right now, into me talking to you here in the tea tasting room. It's not just about finishing, it's just really about becoming, and that's exactly what happened for me.

Speaker 1: 11:43

Right, grad school didn't just give me a degree or is about to give me a degree. It gave me evidence that I can start something hard and finish stronger than I imagine. I'm going to say this again, my friend, because I feel it in my chest. Okay, grad school didn't just give me a degree. It gave me the evidence that I can start something hard and finish stronger than I imagine. And let me tell you the community, the camaraderie like my classmates, whether we are online or in person, you know the relationships that I've been able to develop. You know the belief that my school essentially having me for giving me opportunities, whether it's speaking opportunities, an opportunity to showcase my nonprofit, or even my podcast, because I've had the podcast shared in classes on Blackboard, because teachers and professors essentially believed in me and what I was doing, one because I was showing up consistently as well here in the tea tasting room. So again, my consistency is not going in vain, because again you're listening and then people are also seeing.

Speaker 1: 12:48

But I really, you know it's just, it just brings joy to my heart and it's why it's so bittersweet knowing that I'm going to be graduating in a week or so. Because what? What am I going to do after that? Because most of my life has been grad school the last two and a half years or so. You know what I mean. But I will say there are a few lessons that I want to leave with you, because they're not just about lessons for grad school, they're, honestly, lessons for life. If I'm being honest with you, my friend, and that is you know, start before you're ready. You will never, ever feel 100% ready to take a big leap, but just start anyway. Start anyway. Clarity is going to come through action. I will tell you that. Just start anyway, because you're going to get that clarity through your action. And then just remember and this was a big one for me as well progress matters more than perfection.

Speaker 1: 13:41

There were semesters where I was tired, let me tell you, because, again, I'm working full time on my day job, I'm going to class after school, I have a podcast that I'm growing, my nonprofit that is growing Some of these. There were projects that just honestly stretched me beyond what I thought I could do. And you know what? I didn't need to be perfect, I needed to keep going. Honestly, that's the message that came to me. There were times where I had to put something on the back burner in order for me to really lock in and focus, because, again, I have to make sure that I'm performing at my day job, because, you know, I'm very blessed and fortunate to be able to be in school without it being an issue Like my MPH program is online, but there is the MCH program.

Speaker 1: 14:28

One of the each core classes has to be in person. So I was like you know what I'm going to be private. I don't want nobody in my business, especially when it comes to my job or whatever. But I'm like girl, first of all, the person who's over the data when it comes to epidemiology. She is part of the program. So how are you going to hide Right?

Speaker 1: 14:44

Then two I was like you know, I needed to have the permission to essentially be in class for these three hours when it's during the workday, you know. So I'm like, okay, I'm going to take an extended lunch, I'm going to have my lunch and then I'm going to just use my PTO for the 15, I think, 12 to 15 weeks of the semester that I had, because, again, I wasn't expecting that my job would be that flexible to give me the time. But you know what I did I went directly to my program manager and, before I knew it, she had me in the director's office. I'm coming to you. Why are you sending me somewhere else? You know what I mean.

Speaker 1: 15:13

But I'm very fortunate that they have given me the flexibility and the space for me to attend my class during the day, the one class that will be during the workday. When that semester came around, the other two has been outside the workday. But I've just been very blessed to have my day job be understanding and flexible to allow me to go to my one in-person class throughout the two years that I've been in grad school. You know what I mean. So I really have to just give them that credit because, again, not many would do that. I've had them question me oh why are you taking full class? That's too much. Because I have a goal, ma'am. Though nothing is too much for me, I have a goal when it comes to my education. Nothing is too much. But I also understood their concern. But, nah, I don't need it, I'm good. You know what I mean. So definitely you know progress matters more than perfection and I just kept going.

Speaker 1: 16:03

One of the biggest lessons that I'm taking with me even more is community is everything, whether it was classmates, professors, mentors or even friends. I leaned on community. Good happens in relationships, not isolation, and I've had to learn that the hard way, especially on this grad school journey. Sometimes you may end up losing relationships because again, not intentionally For me, I think, I you know some, some relationships have not been the same, because I've just been really locked in, especially this last year as it relates to grad school, because I have my eye on a prize, I have a goal that I'm trying to achieve and I can't afford anybody, nobody, can stop this journey. You check, nobody's going to stop that journey. So I definitely, you know, had to lean on community, and the community itself within the Honor School is why it's so hard for me to even think about walking across that stage and graduating and no longer be a student there. But of course, I'll be involved in some other way, shape or form.

Speaker 1: 17:03

But definitely, community is everything and you definitely want to celebrate your milestones, my friend. I had to learn this lesson the hard way too, because I'm so used to going, going, going, what's next, what's next, what's next. And he's like, no, you can't do that. Every paper, every presentation, every tough day you get through, celebrate it, because every small win is evidence that you are building something bigger. And that is really true. Take it from me, okay, and a lesson one of the biggest lessons, my friend, that I had to learn was your path is yours. I wonder why. I think I learned this lesson as well, because it took me back to when I failed out of nursing school and then I saw all my other peers, you know, succeeding and they went on to nursing school and some of them are even NPs now and you know they're working in that field and they're doing what they have to do, they're making an impact in that way, and I was like, well, you know, that could have really been me. You know I've turned, I've been blessed enough to turn my stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

Speaker 1: 18:00

But there was a point in time when I would compare myself, like comparison will try to creep in, especially in grad school too, or when you're building anything new. So I had to realize, you know what my journey, my path is my path. We're not going to have the same path. You listening, my friend, we may cross each other's path, but we're not going to ever join that same path, essentially because your path is yours and my path is mine. So you know, when comparison try to creep in, especially when you know when you're starting something new or you're building something new, stay rooted in your why. Why? Because your journey is valid, even if it doesn't look like anyone else's. So stay rooted in your why.

Speaker 1: 18:41

And there's been times, let me tell you, your friend, honey, I doubt myself, I cry or I start second guessing, or you know, me and my therapist, we're working through so many different things because, again, sometimes that composing can creep in. But I'm out of space now. I'm like you know what girl, you are where you're supposed to be and you're doing what you're supposed to do. This is not to say that every day I have that same mentality, but at some point in time I go back to it Because, again, I have to stay rooted in my why. So every time I may venture off and I feel comparison creeping in, I was like nope, nope, that's not why we're here, this is why we're doing something, because what? My journey, your journey, is valid, even if it doesn't look like anyone else's. All right, well, my friend, I'm not going to keep it here too long because, like I say, you know, a girl got to make sure everything is set for this week as it relates to the semester.

Speaker 1: 19:28

But if there's one thing I hope you take away from today's episode is this you are allowed to start right now with what you have, even if you're scared, even if you don't know exactly how it's going to unfold. Maybe for you it's going to be it's a grad school, it could be starting a nonprofit, it could be maybe launching that business, maybe it's applying for the job you feel unqualified for. Whatever it is, trust that nudge. So just trust the nudge, okay, honor the call and know that the journey itself will shape you in ways you can't even imagine yet. And when you look back years from now, my friend, you will realize you were building something beautiful the whole time. And that's how I feel and that's what I want you to take away from this episode. So you know what You're going to start before you're ready.

Speaker 1: 20:20

Remember that progress matters more than perfection. Community is everything. Celebrate your milestones and remember that your path is your path. And one thing I want you to take away you are allowed to start. Remember that again Right now, with what you have, even if you're scared, even if you don't know exactly how it's going to unfold. Just start, my friend, that's all. Just start, just start, that's it. And that's all I got for you today in the Tea Tasting Room.

Speaker 1: 20:48

Thank you for letting me share a little piece of my heart today. You know I am still soaking in the moment. I'm still reflecting on all the steps that led me here, and again it's bittersweet, but I am grateful, you know, if you've been waiting for a sign to start your own journey, whatever it is, well, friend, this is it okay, because celebrate where you are, trust where you're going and never underestimate the power of small beginnings. That's all I got you know. Let's think about it. What's the dream you're ready to start moving toward? Let me know. Send me a DM, send me a message, let me know, cause, again, I'm going to be always rooting for you, always. So what's the dream you're ready to start moving towards? Let me know.

Speaker 1: 21:30

Thank you for joining me for another episode of Tea with Tanya. If you liked this episode, be sure to share it with a friend. Don't forget to follow on Instagram at Tea with Tanya Podcast. Be sure to subscribe to the weekly Tea Talk newsletter and, of course, rate on Apple or Spotify and subscribe wherever you listen. See you next time. I love you for listening.