Finding Success in Balance: My Journey to The Cheerful Mind

“What if Northwestern isn’t the place you’re ultimately meant to be?”

I was learning that one very important factor in my own job satisfaction was being appreciated; it was even more important than compensation. While this is not unusual—many people feel this way!—it is important to know your own job-satisfaction motivators.

As a result of this journey, I now choose to first follow what I believe is best for me, instead of putting everyone else before me. And if it means I “go against the grain” sometimes, then so be it.

my preferred working style, which is looking first from a granular perspective in order to produce a better overall understanding of the bigger picture.

I was able to make this task on my to-do list more of an occasion than an obligation.

My mentor had been right: ultimately, Northwestern wasn’t the best place for me. I didn’t want to admit it at the time, but it makes perfect sense now.

I visualized the path I was working toward, one I could never see before. And even though part of that path was blurry, I was suddenly confident that I was actually creating my destiny. What I wanted was within my reach, and my mindset shifted into believing that I was going to make it happen.

education, I took an assessment called CareerDrivers® and learned that “Life-Work Balance” was of utmost importance to me.

Then, I was asked a question that rocked my world. “Apryl, if you took the care and love you give to others and directed even a little bit of it to yourself, what would change for you?” I had no idea how to respond and started to sob because I realized that I already knew exactly what I needed and wanted in order to feel loved. Why could I not give