As graduation approaches, there is a mix of emotions that many of us are carrying: pride, joy, uncertainty, relief and even fear. For some, this roller coaster of emotions finally brings a moment that feels like a clear finish line. For others, it feels more like standing at the edge of the unknown. Either way, it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We are buckling up for the next ride—the next chapter in one’s life.
We often hear the phrase “fake it till you make it,” but my journey has taught me something deeper: sometimes you have to faith it till you make it. Yes that’s right! Faith it till you make it.
Four years ago, I decided to walk in faith. Although fear still existed, I made the decision to return to school and continue my higher education. I was nervous. I questioned whether I would succeed. In my early 30s, stepping into a new path, especially one built around online learning, felt intimidating. I thought the odds were against me. I wondered if I was too late, or if I would be able to keep up. But what I found instead was something I did not expect, something much deeper and profound. This platform gave me access not just to education, but to a network and a sense of community I had been longing for. It became a space where I could grow, learn, and push myself forward. And along the way, I was not just doing it for me; I was growing alongside my daughter and supported by my mother, which made the journey even more meaningful.
Faith is not always strong or unwavering. There were times I questioned myself, my path and whether I was truly capable of reaching this point. At times, I even felt like giving up. However, balancing responsibilities, facing personal struggles and pushing through moments of doubt showed me that perseverance is not about never feeling tired. It is about continuing even when you are tired or unsure.
Graduation does not come easy, and as we grow closer to that day, I know I am not alone in this feeling. Many of us have faced obstacles that were not visible to others. Some of us had to fight through financial stress, family responsibilities, mental health challenges or setbacks that made finishing feel almost impossible. Yet here we are, still standing, still moving forward.
Through this journey, I have learned that faith is not just about believing everything will work out perfectly. It is about trusting that every step, every setback, every delay, every small victory has been shaping us into who we need to become, leading up to that big victory when we grasp our diploma. It is believing in ourselves even when the outcome is not guaranteed, and having faith that our hard work and determination will prevail.
Perseverance and faith go hand in hand. Perseverance is the action—the decision to keep going. Faith is the belief that makes that action possible. As we step into what comes next, we will not have all the answers. But we do have something just as important: the proof that we have made it this far. And that means we are capable of going even further.
So as we move forward into new beginnings, let us carry faith with us—not just the idea of making it, but the strength it took to believe we actually could. Until then …
Faith it till you make it.
