Finding My Own Path
When I look back on my journey, I realize that balancing ambition and family has been the defining theme of my adult life. Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I was surrounded by strong role models who showed me what it meant to work hard and stay grounded. My dad’s dedication to his job in medical sales and my mom’s kindness and patience as both a stay-at-home mom and later the school secretary taught me that success is about more than professional titles. It is about showing up for others, persevering through challenges, and staying true to your values.
That foundation shaped how I approached my own career. I started out in accounting and spent twelve years building a solid professional foundation. I enjoyed the structure, the numbers, and the sense of order it brought. But deep down, I had always dreamed of going to law school. It felt like something unfinished in me, a goal that had been patiently waiting for the right moment.
Taking a Leap of Faith
The “right moment,” of course, never really comes when you are juggling work and family. At the time I finally decided to apply to law school, I was working full-time and raising a two-year-old son with my husband. I was accepted into the part-time program at Marquette University Law School, and it felt like the start of something new and exciting.
But life has a way of testing your resolve. On my very first day of law school, our family received devastating news: our son had a brain tumor. My world stood still. I questioned everything, how I could possibly focus on school when my child needed me most. I remember the emotional tug-of-war between wanting to chase my dream and needing to be fully present for my family.
Through the encouragement of my husband and our son’s incredible care team, I decided to go to my first class that night. I cried all the way there, but that moment taught me a powerful lesson about strength. Life rarely presents us with clear paths. Sometimes we move forward not because it is easy, but because we have faith in what lies ahead.
Building a Career in Chaos
Balancing law school, a full-time job, and motherhood was far from graceful. There were late nights, countless cups of coffee, and moments of pure exhaustion. During my time in law school, I gave birth to our second son, which only added to the beautiful chaos of our lives. I studied with a baby on my lap, took calls during nap times, and learned to thrive in the space between structure and spontaneity.
When I finally walked across the stage to receive my law degree, my oldest was six and my youngest was two. That diploma represented more than an academic achievement, it was a symbol of persistence, love, and teamwork. I could never have done it without the unwavering support of my husband and our family.
After graduating, I transitioned into the legal field, working my way up to Associate General Counsel overseeing securities and corporate governance. It was challenging and rewarding work that allowed me to merge my accounting background with my legal training. But no matter how demanding the job became, I made a conscious effort to never lose sight of what mattered most, being present for my family.
Lessons in Balance
The truth is, balance is not something you find once and keep forever. It shifts constantly. There were times when my career required extra focus and times when my children’s needs came first. What I learned is that real balance is not about equal hours, it is about intentional priorities.
I also learned to let go of perfection. There were days when dinner came from the drive-thru and nights when I fell asleep surrounded by half-finished work. I used to see that as failure, but now I see it as real life. My children never needed a perfect mom; they needed a present one.
Another lesson was learning to set boundaries. Early in my career, I thought saying “yes” to everything proved my commitment. Over time, I realized that saying “no” can be equally powerful. Protecting time for family, self-care, and rest is not a weakness, it is a form of strength that keeps you grounded.
The Rewards of the Journey
Today, my boys are 23 and 18. My oldest just graduated from college with a degree in finance, and my youngest is beginning his own college journey with dreams of studying sports law. Watching them chase their goals reminds me that the choices I made were worth it. They saw me work hard, stumble, and get back up again. They saw that dreams do not have expiration dates and that success is built on resilience, not convenience.
Outside of work, I make time for the things that bring me joy like baking cupcakes, working out, watching sports, and traveling with my family. Those moments refill my energy and remind me that ambition and joy can coexist.
Moving Forward with Gratitude
Balancing ambition and family has never been easy, but it has always been meaningful. Every season of life brings its own set of challenges, but also new reasons to be grateful. I have learned that you do not have to choose between being a devoted parent and a driven professional. With love, support, and determination, you can be both.
If there is one thing my journey has taught me, it is that life is not about perfection, it is about purpose. And when you build your career around your values and the people you love, the balance you create becomes less about time and more about fulfillment.