The Regalia for Graduation has been Ordered!

A Tale of robes, resilience, and what's next.

UNC-Chapel Hill Graduates

OK so my robe will be black and I couldn't find a picture with graduate students.....anyway I digress 🤣.

Once upon a checkout cart, I clicked "Place Order" —and just like that, it was REAL REAL!

The regalia for graduation has been officially ordered 🥳! Black robe? ✅ Hood? ✅ Cap with tassels that makes me feel fancy huh (nod to Drake's Fancy)? Absolutely ✅

It's funny how one click can symbolize so much. Like gearing up for battle in the final boss level of a game, this robe isn't just fabric—it's a signal: it's time to finish this semester STRONG! No coasting. No cruising. We're crossing this finish line with PURPOSE!

This May, I will walk across that stage to get my second Master's. Well, technically I have to attend two Summer sessions, then I get the degree. This time a Master of Arts in Education Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship from UNC Chapel Hill. I already proudly hold a Master of Science in Information and Telecommunication Systems from Johns Hopkins University.

What makes this moment even more special is the uniqueness I bring to it. I'm not your typical technologist. I'm a passionate, emotionally intelligent leader who lives at the intersection of Cloud, AI, and Instructional Design. I geek out on innovation, and I find joy in teaching others how to thrive in tech spaces. From facilitating workshops to mentoring, I believe in empowering others by sharing knowledge.

After a fulfilling chapter of full-time grad school, I am stepping back into the workforce energized, inspired, and excited about what's next. I'm deeply thankful for the support of my family and friends who've cheered me on through every late-night paper, every group project, and thank you for every classmate who has been on this journey with me.

As I look toward my next role, I'm filled with optimism. The future is wide open, and I'm ready to dive into meaningful work that aligns with my purpose.

To all the hiring managers and recruiters out there:

I'm currently seeking opportunities starting mid-May and would love to connect. Interviews? Let's do it. You can find my resume on my website and please connect with me on LinkedIn.

And for anyone who's been through this transition or is navigating it now, feel free to drop advice, encouragement, or just a good emoji in the comments.

Here's to regalia, resilience, and what's next.

Cole with graduation cap!