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FROM CHALLENGE TO PURPOSE

Some journeys begin with a dream. Mine began with challenges—and a deep desire to grow. I didn’t come to the MBA program with everything figured out. I came with questions, a family to support, and the determination to build a better future.

WHY WEBER STATE

Weber State has always stood out to me. The first time I visited the campus as an undergrad exploring career paths, something about the environment stuck with me. Although I chose the University of Utah at the time to study chemical engineering, that early impression of Weber never left.

Years later, life brought me back to the Ogden area. I was in a new stage of my life and career, and Weber quickly became the obvious choice for my next step. I chose it because I wanted to pursue aerospace management alongside an MBA—an ideal combination for my long-term goals. The program’s flexibility made it a great fit for full-time professionals like myself, and I saw it as the right place to grow beyond technical work and explore how I could contribute through leadership and strategy.

WHY THE MBA

With an engineering background, I realized I needed more than technical knowledge to lead and make strategic decisions. I wanted to understand how organizations operate at a higher level. The MBA gave me that perspective.

It equipped me with tools to lead projects, interpret financial data, and communicate more effectively. I didn’t expect to enjoy topics like economics or organizational behavior, but I did. I now explain concepts like tariffs and cost structures with confidence.

The timing made it more meaningful. We found out we were expecting our second child just as I began my first MBA class. He was born soon after, and turned one just before graduation. Balancing parenthood and school made the growth more personal and rewarding.

GIVING BACK: THE COMMEMORATIVE COIN

I proposed the idea of a commemorative coin to the MBA program because I believed it would give students something meaningful to remember their journey by. I was honored when the faculty supported the idea and asked me to help lead the project. I worked closely with the MBA director to contribute input throughout the design process and coordinate with manufacturers to bring the final version to life.

Coins, to me, represent more than symbols—they tell a story. They reflect belonging, service, and pride. I wanted to bring that same spirit to Weber’s MBA program, where the coin could symbolize shared achievement and a lasting legacy for future students.

My hope is that this coin becomes part of the program’s tradition—something students are proud to keep, and something that inspires future students to start strong, finish strong, and know they were part of something that mattered.

PROFESSORS WHO LEFT A MARK

This program is shaped by excellent faculty. Two professors, in particular, stood out:

• Francois Carrier made supply chain management engaging and practical. His engineering background helped me connect with him, and he deeply cares about student success. My son was born during his class—a personal milestone. One standout moment was the Dove and Tank game, where we learned how collaboration and trust shape strong supply chains. The simulation project he introduced added a fun and competitive spirit that made the learning experience even more engaging and memorable for the class.
   
• Gavin Roberts made economics surprisingly enjoyable. His energy, clarity, and practical teaching style helped us apply concepts directly. I even learned coding in his class, which we used for assignments using free tools accessible to students. Game theory was another highlight—showing how strategic thinking applies to management and leadership.

ADVICE TO FUTURE STUDENTS

Pursuing an MBA while balancing work and family is not easy. There were times I doubted if I could manage it all. But those challenges became my greatest teachers. I learned resilience, focus, and how to rely on the people around me.

Early on in my journey, language was one of my biggest challenges. I still remember how overwhelming it felt to speak up, even for something as simple as ordering at a restaurant. That was a long time ago—but those early struggles helped shape who I am today.

If you're considering this path, know that doubts are normal. Growth often comes from discomfort. Trust the process, stay curious, and lean into your why.

Your journey will be your own. But if you stay committed, it can change your life in more ways than you expect.

GRATITUDE AND LEGACY

I owe this accomplishment to my wife more than anyone. We have an almost three-year-old and a baby who just turned one. Through all the long nights and heavy weeks, she stood by me—fighting just as hard as I did to make this dream a reality. I truly couldn’t have done it without her.

During this journey, I was honored to be selected as one of Weber State’s Goddard Scholars, a recognition given to master's graduates with GPAs in the top 10 percent. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement and support of my professors across different classes—each of whom was dedicated to helping students excel and reach their full potential.

If anyone reading this feels overwhelmed by school, work, or family life, I hope my story offers some encouragement. If someone like me—with a startup family and a full plate—can make it through, then you can too.

Keep going. Your growth matters. And one day, your story might be the reason someone else dares to begin theirs.