Monique Jackson
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Two years ago I joined the Consortium and accepted my offer to Kenan-Flagler Business School because I felt I was living beneath my potential. Although I have acquired a core business skill set and credentials from the “right company” during my time here, my biggest learning has come from the holistic investment in myself as a person, leader, friend, and community member. I love Carolina and I wish I had the time and space to discuss all that I have gained from this experience, however I will settle for sharing my most critical experiences and insights while at KFBS.
Leadership
While at Carolina I had the pleasure of serving as President of AMBS and as leader of a student consulting team (STAR). Leadership development at Carolina is world class because it allowed me to experience both the highs and lows of leading a team and gave me a safe space to become self aware, course correct my weaknesses, and leverage my strengths.
Risk Taking & Action
Carolina has taught me that you have to take on risk and take action in order to grow. Moving past the fear of challenging and ambiguous problems has produced some of my most rewarding experiences. It has taken me to the townships of Capetown to work on social enterprise, consulting engagements for fortune 100 companies, and international business competitions. All of these successes started with me having the courage to move past the fear of the unknown.
Self Awareness and Acceptance
Finally, my most recent lesson came on the golf course just three weeks before graduation. In my experience playing golf, albeit a short experience, I came to see golf as a microcosm of life. Like my golf game, I am a work in progress and that is ok. Golf is a game of imperfection and continuous improvement. The perfectionist in me tries to calculate and align everything before the first swing, when in fact I just need to take a swing and trust that my coaching, preparation, and skill will get me where I need to be.
I am eternally grateful to both the Consortium and Kenan-Flagler for the opportunities and doors that have been opened for me. I look forward to giving back and being a supporter of both for years to come.