How I Got Into School Without the ‘Right’ Degree

They said yes.

I remember staring at the screen when I saw the word “Congratulations” in the email. I didn’t scream. I didn’t even cry right away.
I just blinked. Sat back. Took a deep breath.
Because finally, after all the jobs I didn’t get…
After all the tabs I closed mid-application…
After all the “Sorry, you don’t meet the requirements” emails…

Somebody saw something in me. And that somebody… was enough.

So if you’re here wondering if you’re too late to try again,
Or too inexperienced to apply,
Or too unsure to start something new — I want you to hear this:

You are not behind. You are allowed to begin.

So... I didn’t have a health diploma. I didn’t have a university degree.
And yet — I got into a Health Systems Management program.
Plot twist? I almost didn’t even apply.

I told myself all the things we tell ourselves when imposter syndrome starts yelling in our heads:

• “You’re not qualified.”

• “You don’t belong here.”

• “They’re going to laugh at your application.”

• “You’re just a mom with self-paced tech skills. Not enough.”

But I applied anyway.
And guess what?

Your journey might not look traditional.
You might have kids, gaps in your resume, or ten unfinished online courses.
But that doesn’t make you any less worthy.
It makes you real.
It makes you resilient.
It makes you ready — even if you don’t feel like it.

I didn’t tick all the boxes. But I had heart. And a story. And courage.
And that was enough for this chapter.

So if you’re scared to start? Apply anyway.
If you’ve failed before? Apply again.
If you think no one will say yes? Be the first one who does.

I’m in.
And you can be too.

Until next post
– SHU