Growing up, I was taught that when you arrive at a party, you go person-to-person, greeting everyone in the room. While I may not be meeting you all in person, consider this my way of saying hello—welcome to the party!

My name is Rebecca Weckwerth. I am a Latina woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and, in due time, an online learning professional. With this long list of roles comes the challenge of balancing life while giving my passions everything I’ve got.

If you’re wondering, "Why are you doing this?" the answer is simple: I want to inspire other marginalized people to chase their dreams. I am living proof that everyday people, through hard work and perseverance, can build a better life. And with confidence, I can say—I am living that dream.

This blog is my way of documenting my journey as a graduate student in California State University, Fullerton’s MSIDT program (Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology). More importantly, it’s about normalizing the path to higher education.

My hope is to inspire, reflect, and learn throughout this process. If sharing my story encourages even one person to step into the unknown and pursue their goals, then every word will have been worth it.

Thank you for being here—I hope you enjoy the ride!

Group projects have always given me a bit of anxiety. It’s not the teamwork itself that gets to me—it’s the uncertainty. Will everyone do their part? Will the final product reflect the effort I put in? When you care deeply about a project, especially in a high-stakes academic setting, it's hard not to feel protective.

Recently, I found myself in exactly that situation. I was working on a group project where the expectations were high, and the outcome mattered. Early on, I realized I was holding onto a lot of doubt about whether my peers would follow through. I didn’t necessarily know that they wouldn’t—but I didn’t trust that they would. That anxiety festered and, unfortunately, led to conflict.

It wasn’t a dramatic blow-up, but there was definitely tension. Eventually, we talked it out. Open, honest communication helped clear the air. I shared where I was coming from, and they did the same. What I learned in that moment was more than just a lesson in teamwork—it was a lesson in trust, vulnerability, and letting go of the need to control every aspect of a shared outcome.

Working with others means believing in their capabilities just as much as your own. It means knowing when to lead and when to step back. And sometimes, it means sitting with discomfort long enough to give people the chance to surprise you.

This experience reminded me that collaboration isn’t just about dividing up tasks—it’s about learning how to work with people who bring different strengths, perspectives, and working styles to the table. And more importantly, it’s about learning how to trust again.

—Here's to continued growth and Learning to Let Go - Bex

This summer break has been a reminder that the human spirit isn’t built for constant motion. The urge to keep pushing, working, and learning is strong, especially in today’s economy where success and financial growth feel like the ultimate markers of worth. Add in social media’s endless stream of influencers telling us what we “should” be doing, and it’s easy to lose track of our own north star.

But stepping back these past few weeks has been a gift. My body has had the reset it desperately needed. I’ve spent real quality time with my family, binge-watched a show with my husband, and, most importantly, reconnected with myself. Slowing down has shown me that rest isn’t wasted time, it’s fuel for the next chapter.

Lessons From the Workplace

A year ago, my company transitioned to a new learning management system. It came with every bell and whistle you could imagine, but it also forced me to face something I hadn’t considered in a while: the overwhelming freedom of possibility.

When I asked, “What’s the right way to do this?” the response was often, “Well, there isn’t one.” In this space, there are no hard rules, just ideas, goals, and experiments. The processes I’ve relied on for years were simply someone else’s way of doing things, documented and passed down. Realizing that can be both liberating and paralyzing. It means there are a million ways to begin, but often no clear ending in sight.

Asking the Bigger Questions

This summer has given me space to reflect on my first year in instructional design. It’s pushed me to ask myself:

• What is my vision?

• What will make me stand out from those with more years of experience or sheer brainpower?

I don’t have all the answers yet, and maybe that’s the point. What I do know is this: if I approach my work with good intentions and a humble heart, the rest will follow.

Moving Forward With Intention

Taking time to pause has reminded me that success isn’t just about doing more, it’s about doing with purpose. As I look ahead, I want to carry forward this balance of ambition and self-kindness.

Here’s to a continued summer of rest, reflection, and renewal.

- Bex