This week marks the beginning of my fourth year with the Louisiana Board of Regents—a role I never could have imagined for myself back in 2016. Nine years ago this week, I lost my job in college athletics. It felt like a door slamming shut at the time—a painful and unexpected ending. For years, I resented Georgia Tech for what happened. But with time, perspective, and hard work, I’ve come to see it for what it was: a second chance. Since 2016, I have earned a Ph.D. from merceryou and my APR from the prsanational. Over the past nine years, I have been fortunate to receive or play a role in 50 honors and awards. The lesson? Setbacks are often the starting point for something greater. Losing that job forced me to rebuild—not just my career but also my mindset, resilience, and definition of success. Looking back, I’m not just at peace with how things unfolded; I’m grateful for it. If you’re in the midst of a career change or a student finishing school, remember this: what feels like an...