2023 HABA Intern Ena Walker's college journey has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a dream at the renowned historically Black college and university (HBCU) Howard University changed due to unforeseen financial challenges, leading to a path that would shape her academic and professional success in ways she never imagined. Despite the difficult decision to leave Howard, Walker persevered, using every setback as a springboard for new opportunities.

 

“I had to sit down with myself and consider how much it would cost me financially if I stayed,” Walker recalled. “The amount of money I would have to borrow wasn’t worth it, even with the scholarship they offered. So, I had to let go of my dream of continuing my education there. 

Honestly, when I first made this decision and for a long time afterward, I barely had anything to motivate me other than the hope that this choice would be beneficial in the long run. However, the long run felt so far away, [and it was easy to get] discouraged."

 

Despite these challenges, Walker found solace in the supportive environment of her community college, Montgomery College, which offered both financial relief and the opportunity to reassess academic goals. "Community college provided me with affordable tuition, and the Southern Management Leadership Program helped me develop professionally," she explained. “It was through this program that I received funding to attend both Montgomery College and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD).”

 

As she navigated the academic landscape, moments of doubt were inevitable. "It was incredibly hard to stay motivated at times because many of my peers were already at four-year universities and didn’t have to worry about transferring or adjusting all over again after completing community college," she said. “But I had to constantly remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy and stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how far away or daunting it seemed.”

 

The transition to the University of Maryland, College Park marked a pivotal moment in her academic career. “UMD helped me discover the niches I was interested in exploring and learn about a Communication major and Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation minor,” she recounted. “The university offers a wide variety of classes that allow students to explore their passions within their majors.”

 

In a time when many students struggle with mounting debt, Walker found a way to graduate debt-free. “It came down to three things,” she said: “staying motivated and applying relentlessly for scholarships, being consistent and organized when checking which scholarship opportunities [were a good fit], and accepting that the worst someone can say is 'no' and that’s okay, because at least you took the chance to find out.”

 

Walker's internship with Harvard Alumni for Black Advancement (HABA) added a new dimension to her journey, reinforcing confidence and expanding professional horizons. “[The HABA internship] remind[ed] me that I am more than capable of achieving [my] professional goals,” she said. “It also reinforced the idea that your community is worth its weight in gold for guidance, encouragement, and personal development, so it’s incredibly important to invest in and build your network."

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Reflecting on the broader narrative of her academic and professional journey, Walker internalized important lessons of grit and adaptability. “Your path is exactly that your own. It does not matter what your peers are doing; all that matters is you reaching the finish line and appreciating the journey that it took to get you there,”  she shared. “I’ve become immune to discouragement because I know that if one opportunity doesn’t work out, a bigger one that is better suited is coming your way.”

 

For those who may face similar financial or academic setbacks, Walker offered this advice: “It can only make you stronger if you keep pushing and do your best to find a way around those obstacles. The ability to pivot and adapt quickly is a drive that can’t be bought. It’s something you either have, or you don’t. And the obstacles you do overcome will make you look back and appreciate where you started and how much work it took to get to where you are now.” She emphasized appreciating the journey, both its positive and negative aspects, "because it all leads you to the place you want to be and helps you value it more."

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As Walker steps into this next chapter, the lessons she's learned continue to shape her future endeavors. The journey may not have been easy, but it was uniquely her own—and it led to an adaptability, resourcefulness, and growth mindset that will undoubtedly carry her to even greater heights.