New Chapter

Closing a life chapter in a city you’ve lived in for about 7 years is an interesting feeling. I’m not going to lie, I’m kind of nervous for what the future holds. As I think about closing my final week in Pittsburgh, PA, I can’t help but to thank all the people who have made experience here just an amazing experience. This city and the friendships that I’ve made along the way will always hold a special in my heart.

HOWEVER, it’s time for a new chapter to come in. And with that said, I’m so stoked that my next chapter will be in Dallas, Texas. I truly don’t know what to expect but I hear it’s best to go in with no expectations at all. I think what I’m most excited about is definitely the food. I’ve been deprived from cultural food, no disrespect to Pittsburgh, but I’m from LA. Pittsburgh can use a little more something something — those from Pittsburgh, your asses can agree (or agree to disagree).

Anyway, I’m most ready for the tacos. If there’s anything I’m excited for, it’s the el pastor tacos. You bet that I will be all over that.

Well, why am I moving? Good question! My next career move is there, and I’m honestly blessed to be in a position where I’m in a job that I have always wanted to enter. When Covid hit, I was honestly struggling to remain positive at my previous job. Don’t get me wrong, my previous job was amazing. I had a great team, a great manager, a great mentor, I just realized it wasn’t the path that I wanted to continue to pursue regardless of how ‘hot’ it was. I knew deep down that I wanted to break into the finance industry and was presented with the opportunity and just went for it. Honestly, I’m so glad I did because I’m currently going through investment banking training and gaining just experiences I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. I cannot stress how UNCOMFORTABLE I feel while learning but at the same time realize that it takes time to learn, and I have to put in the work.

And that’s with life. You have to put in the work to see the results even if it takes time. And I truly believe that. People don’t see the struggles; they just see the results. It’s taken me a while to let that sink in the past year. A year ago, I had started to train for the half marathon and was running 3-5 miles a day until I broke 10 miles at some point in August 2020. I was so proud then and I’m proud now. And one thing I will say, is to make sure you’re surrounded by people that support you and encourage you.

All I can say is that: when you grow in love, you’ll go far.

Watch out for this girl. XOXO

— Gaby