“My journey at Northeastern has shown me that I am capable of so much more. I can handle things that I never thought I was able to. Even then sometimes I feel like I still won’t be able to make it through but somehow I always push through. My family is a huge support system for me and I know that I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
– Jennifer Chavez
Our network spans across the world. Where are you from or where do you consider home?
Home to me is Boston, MA and I am the first in my family to attend college.
Getting a degree while life is happening isn’t always easy. What are some of the challenges you’ve had to face and how have you overcome them?
I am working full-time at a pharmaceutical company, going to school at Northeastern, trying to experience new things in my life and strengthen my relationships. I find myself constantly trying to figure out what I prioritize most in my life. To overcome this I have been learning to overthink less.
What advice do you have for others considering higher education — either at Northeastern or elsewhere?
I recommend them to fully focus on school, especially if they are not working in an industry that matters to them. I think having that sacrifice would make my life easier so I could put all my focus on school. I also recommend having a good mentality that is more focused on discipline than motivation, because motivation comes and goes and sometimes you don’t want to do it anymore.
Discipline is a mental battle but it is a form of self-love for a person’s future self.
Why are you interested in the degree you’re pursuing? What motivates you?
I am interested in the current degree I’m pursuing which is business management, because I have always aspired to be a leader. I like working with people and how to help them reach their goals. Ever since I was young I helped my mom manage the house by helping her with organizing her bills and helping her keep stock of what was in the house. This helped me gain responsibility and helped her because she was working so many hours.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate? Where do you imagine yourself 5 years after school?
I am hoping to keep working in the pharmaceutical industry but instead of working in the lab as an engineering technician, I am hoping to work in a more business-focused role.
In five years, I hope to be in a position where I am a manager or even a director in a field like supply chain or project management.
We know you are more than the person who shows up at Northeastern — what are some of your hobbies and other passions? Where do you find your joy?
Some of my passions and hobbies include going hiking and trying new things. One of my dreams is to travel the world and visit as many national parks as possible. I find joy in spending time with family and loved ones, I take my quality time with people seriously. I just want to be able to experience the world in a way my parents were never allowed to.