Challenge accepted

For Cecilia Bwanakweri ’23, ’24 MSL, MMU Plus provided excellent leadership skills, self-development, and self-discovery.

Cecilia was nine when she came to the United States from Zambia, Africa.

Education is so important to her family. So, when she had the opportunity to take her college education one step further, she decided to go for it.

“I have always loved challenging myself,” said Cecilia. “Because of my background and being a first-generation student, I thought MMU Plus was a good opportunity because it would be a challenge.” Because Cecilia is naturally an introvert, she decided to jump into the Master of Strategic Leadership program to grow leadership skills that didn’t come naturally to her.

The program helped Cecilia become more self-aware and provided self-development. She applies these discoveries to her job as an Education Program Coordinator at the Catherine McAuley Center, where she works with the education services team and volunteer tutors to provide refugee and immigrant adult students with English classes.

“My classes have benefitted me personally by allowing me to see why I choose to do things a specific way,” said Cecilia. “I learned to recognize my strengths and leadership styles and apply them to my current job.”

Although being in class with adults with well-established careers was an adjustment for Cecilia, she found a way to step out of her comfort zone and embrace everything about herself.

“At first, I asked myself how do I shine in a room where I feel like everyone is above me,” said Cecilia. “After communicating with my instructors and opening up about my background, I felt more understood and comfortable.”

Jennifer McNabb and Lacey Ritter helped encourage and instill confidence in her so she would push herself to partake in a program she could handle.

“Jennifer McNabb always told me that she believed in me. She helped me deal with the anxiety of feeling like I couldn’t participate in MMU Plus because of my background,” said Cecilia.

“Lacey Ritter always welcomed me, made me feel good enough, and supported me with school and life after graduation,” shared Cecilia.

Because Cecilia decided to take the next step in her education, she feels it will be easier to find a job after MMU Plus because of the master's degree courses and self-identification.

“I can find a job I love, regardless of the money, while applying everything I’ve learned about myself,” said Cecilia.

Cecilia advises those looking into the program not to let the anxiety of starting something new deter them from the fantastic opportunity.

“Don't overthink it, and don’t be scared to ask many questions,” said Cecilia. “You bring skills and talents to class that nobody else has, so don’t be intimidated by the others.”