Thank you for joining me to ponder the role that higher education may play in improving our ability to make a difference. If you have the opportunity to go to school on a scholarship and/or through the use of a tuition reimbursement program, I hope this blog post will encourage you to consider it.

If this is your first time joining the Boukabou Solutions blog, you can learn more about the mission here and what the blog is all about by reading the first introductory blog post: Boukabou Solutions | Solutions to What?

“You’re such a nerd!” my friend exclaimed on the phone. 

A good friend of mine called me on a Saturday morning a few years ago to catch-up and asked me what I was up to. I replied I was working on Hohmann transfers calculations (also known as the Vis-Viva Equation) and calculating my delta-Vs required for my satellite maneuvers (to change orbits) in a rocket simulation game—Kerbal Space Program (KSP). 

Friend is a meaningful title. It means I can trust this person to know how I am spending my Saturday morning. I am accustomed to those that know me well teasing me for my curiosity about our world through the lens of physics. Calling me a nerd is fair. As time goes on, I am more flattered by it than embarrassed.

As a kid, I did not attend school full-time until I immigrated to the United States. I arrived at the end of the school year in fifth grade without knowing a word of English. Unlike many, I actually enjoyed going to school because I love learning.

My first full year of school was sixth grade. That was the year I used a computer for the first time! A subject that did not require me to understand what the teacher was explaining (I was still learning English) was mathematics. Therefore, it quickly became my favorite subject. 

Well, that was true until I learned about physics. Although, to me physics is basically mathematics with a story. In quantum mechanics, a wild one at that! 

My favorite teachers in high school were my science teachers. It would be fair if someone had called me a teacher’s pet. I showed up early, stayed late, and wanted to learn everything I could about science. For some time, I wanted to be a science (physics specifically) teacher or professor. I continued my science education and received my bachelor’s degree in Earth and Space Science from the University of Washington in 2008. 

Why Did I Zag?

So, what am I doing in Gonzaga’s Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies program? 

Well, just as the program’s webpage explains, I want to equip myself with “the expertise to understand [my] audience and communicate a clear message while learning the best ways to deploy persuasion and influence.”

Physics is still how I intimately marvel about the world. 

But my professional and entrepreneurial purpose has focused on improving the lives of police officers and other first responders. Inspired by the courage and mission of law enforcement and those that have served before me, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to improve lives in our communities. 

My pursuit is to provide officers informal and formal mentorship, information, and training that leads to improved off-duty wellness. On-duty officers are most effective when they are thriving in their off-duty lives.  

Gonzaga University is special because it aligns with my motivations to improve as a leader to better serve my community. 

“The Gonzaga educational experience prepares students to be wholehearted leaders who serve the common good and give glory to God.” - Gonzaga’s Mission and Jesuit Values

Additionally, Gonzaga University’s mission statement, in part, declares: 

“Gonzaga cultivates in its students the capacities and dispositions for reflective and critical thought, lifelong learning, spiritual growth, ethical discernment, creativity, and innovation.”

This part of the mission resonates with my love for continuous learning, which I discovered goes beyond my interest in physics.

I feel inspired to influence officers to choose to live healthier and more meaningful lives. I am convinced this would result in strengthening our communities and help bridge divides between law enforcement and some in the community.

I am grateful for attending a program and being part of a university that values addressing the whole person, which facilitates the transformation toward servant leadership. 

Why Not You?

Does your organization/agency have a tuition reimbursement program? 

If so, I encourage you to use this benefit. I mean it. Do it! It is primarily why I can be on this journey. 

Many of my mentors had encouraged me to use this benefit and I am glad I did. I believe you too will be glad you did. Let this be my encouragement to you (if you have not done so already). 

Gonzaga University School of Leadership Studies professors have been remarkable and my academic advisor has been a kind and generous mentor throughout the program. I know I will serve my organization, my peers, and my community more effectively because I am in the program. I hope I will serve you better when I fully launch my efforts through Boukabou Solutions after I complete the program. 

How might going back to school help you serve and help you become a better version of you? 

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