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Hi Reader,

Last Friday, I said goodbye to Building 250, the management building at Vancouver Island University. Not just because it was our last exam, but also because it marked our last class of the MBA program before a two-week break… and then the internship begins. (May the fourth be with me 😏)

And yes, I ended in style. With an A+ (sorry, not sorry, grades matter to me for many personal reasons 🤓).

But what stayed with me most wasn’t the grade.

It was everything around it.

Before heading to our cohort dinner, we said goodbye to the classroom in true Friends style.

You know the episode in Barbados, where Ross and the others hug the walls of the hotel room before leaving?

Yes… that was us 😅

A slightly awkward, slightly funny, but also very real moment of realizing that this chapter had come to an end.

After that, part of our team got into the car to head to dinner, and the song “Memories” started playing.

And suddenly… you could hear a pin drop.

We were all quietly sitting there, each in our own thoughts, reflecting on what had just happened, what we had built since we walked into this building in January 2025, and what this experience had truly meant.

And even though we were all a bit lost in those thoughts, we also made sure to take a moment to celebrate.

Because that’s something we often forget.

To pause.
To acknowledge what we’ve done.
Even if it’s just for a couple of minutes.

Because time moves fast… faster than we sometimes realize.

What made this journey so special was the people.

Our team, the people I connected with from day one, Sara, Matthew, David, and Leo. We worked on countless assignments together, had many conversations (and walks), and shared moments that go far beyond just studying.

Life as a graduate student simply got easier knowing we had each other’s backs.

There’s something important to be said about being part of a good team… and I’m incredibly grateful I got to be part of this one.

We also had the privilege of ending with a leadership workshop hosted by Bob Tomes, a big shout-out for paying it forward and helping us close this chapter in such a meaningful way.

And alongside all of this, I was nominated for Work-Op Student of the Year by Cynthia Tang, Career Strategist.

While I knew about the nomination, it still made me pause and reflect.

Because recognition matters.

Not in a “look at me” kind of way, but in a way that reminds you that the effort you put in, the work behind the scenes, and the things you care about… are seen.

And that matters more than we sometimes admit.

And then it was time to say goodbye.

A mix of emotions.

Proud that I pulled it off.
Happy that I’ll get my evenings back and some quality time again.
And at the same time, a little sad, knowing that things will shift, once again.

In two weeks, I’ll start my internship at the Chamber of Commerce, where I’m really looking forward to working with a great team and collaborating closely with Liette Massy.

And alongside that, I’ll continue growing my consultancy business, Strong Ground Consulting, which is currently supporting MyHideaway in building its business more strategically.

For now…

I’m on my way to the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Long walks.
No cell phone reception.
Time to reflect, to talk about what this next chapter might look like, and to simply be.

And yes… also to think about important life questions like:
​Should I buy an electric bicycle or not? 😄

Time to recharge.

Chat soon,
Peggy 🌿

P.S. As one chapter closes, what do you want the next one to feel like?

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