This is the story of how I unexpectedly fell in love with shopping at Macy’s.

For most of my young adult life, I thought of Macy’s as a store for a different generation—somewhere my parents might shop, but not me. It simply wasn’t on my radar.

That changed when I left my previous job. My colleagues generously gifted me a Macy’s gift card, and while I truly appreciated it, I had no idea what I would actually buy there.

At the same time, I was in the middle of a move. Figuring I might as well put the gift card to use, I decided to browse Macy’s for a few apartment essentials. I didn’t expect much—but I was completely wrong.

To my surprise, Macy’s had everything. Not just a few basics, but truly everything I needed to start fresh: pots and pans, bedding, plates, even furniture. And somehow, I also found myself picking up pieces for a new work wardrobe.

What started as “let me just use this gift card” quickly turned into, “wait… why have I been sleeping on Macy’s?”

Life sure comes at you fast.

I’m deeply interested in a new role within my company — one that aligns closely with my growth, passion, and long-term goals. When I expressed my interest to the hiring manager, who is also my mentor, she was candid: the role already has strong candidates in the pool.

To my dismay, I felt discouraged at first. But then she said something that completely reframed my mindset: “So what?” She reminded me that every job she’s ever applied to has been competitive — and that has never stopped her. I love that “so what” mentality. It’s bold, it’s grounded, and it gave me the reminder I didn’t know I needed.

Just the potential chance to go through the interview process has invigorated a real sense of challenge in me — a spark I didn’t realize I needed. It’s reminded me that my next role may not be guaranteed, but it is possible if you’re willing to show up, step in, and give it your all. Because at the end of the day, it’s far better to try and fall short than to wonder what could’ve been.

And here’s the piece of wisdom I’ll carry forward — and share with anyone facing a challenge: the next time doubt creeps in or the odds feel stacked against you, pause and ask yourself, so what? It’s not about ignoring the risk; it’s about refusing to let it stop you.

I always knew that it's about who you know and what you know. But people sure don't even try to hide it anymore.

The corporate world functions like the mafia. There are unwritten rules, power dynamics, and loyalty codes that one must learn to play.

1. Loyalty Over Logic

Loyalty is currency. People often get promoted or protected not because they’re the best, but because they’re loyal to the leadership. Speaking out, even when you’re right, can get you kicked out.

2. Power is Concentrated.

Decisions are made by a small group at the top.

3. You’re Either In or You’re Out.

Are you part of the cool kids club?

4. Favors & Influence.

It’s less about merit, more about who owes who.

5. Ruthless Tactics.

Need to start looking for eligible bachelors and bachelorettes in the state of NJ so that my friends MAY move closer. Bring out the face readers and send in your resumes!

A busy year filled with milestones (an engagement, a bike tour, turning 30), adventures (new places, new rotation, new apartment) and personal growth (completing HBA mentorship program).

Started the year with a ski trip! Green slopes were enough to left my legs debilitated for a few days. Anyone wanna go snow tubing/ snowmobiling instead? Or hangout at the spa? :)

Lost power in my apartment for two weeks which had us scrambling from one hotel to the next. Felt like a tourist in our own town

It was supposed to be a trip to San Francisco & LA for a wedding and I was really looking forward to the hikes and Mexican food. I had a luggage filled with blazers, leggings & hoodies. Got to the airport to find out that we were going to Belize instead! Landed in Belize and saw my sister and Ravi at the airport. Came back engaged~ Really enjoyed snorkeling in Hol Chan and their amazing foods.

Celebrated Nick’s bday doing what we do best- Catnapping the kitties

We had the 5 Boro Bike Tour the next day- two months of cycling 5 days a week and barely made it onto the Verrazano Bridge. Survived the first 25 miles with flying colors but struggled with the last 15.

Ray and Gaurav had mentioned that it was all flat and that the entire tour is equivalent to a two hour cycling class. Two miles into Central Park and hitting the hills, I knew they were telling me white lies to get me to sign up 😂

Graduated again 😆

Impromptu trip to Punta Cana- really loved Monkeyland. Came back to my sassy friends

Had to say ‘see you later’ to my colleague, mentor, sponsor and most importantly, friend. He was the first person I called to ask if I can relocate to his building when my apartment was out of commission. Despite knowing you for only a few months at the time, you’ve welcomed me with open arms. You have helped me tremendously and I probably can’t return the favor but I can pay it forward.

Finally made Peru happened- amazing sites, food and company.

Went to Zurich for work. No one wore masks at the airport or on the plane ride here. It really felt like as if the pandemic is a thing of the past. It was great~

Juggling between two time zones proved to be challenging but it’s the ideal place to work if you have global colleagues. Calls with Asia in the morning, Europe during midday and US in the afternoons.

Squeezed in a weekend trip to Luzern. Currently unwinding and starting the year in Chi town. Sometimes you need to slow down so you can speed up. None of the items on my to do list are getting done and I’m fine with it. That’s next year’s problem.

We were able to stand on the frozen lake. I’ve also learned that being cold is all relative. I’ve always thought if you’re cold, you’re cold. What does it matter if it’s -2F vs 10F. Miserable either way. After surviving the single digit weather, we would walk out when it was 20F and we would say, in agreement, wow, it’s quite warm today. The weather is not so bad. Crazy, I know. Nick’s father suggests that we meet in a Florida next year. I was thinking the same thing at the airport.

Thankful for the challenges and the happiness in 2022. It was a great year overall. Looking forward to the next.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Setting: Moderately noisy dessert spot in Hoboken at 10pm last night 

Me: I AM looking forward to my 30s, but I still want to mourn the loss of my 20s. 

Kevin: Well, if you don’t have kids, your 30s is just like your 20s, but with money. 

And suddenly, a deafening silence surfaced the entire restaurant. It felt so awkward to the point where my head remained still and I was eyeballing the restaurant to figure out why it became so quiet all of the sudden. 

A woman named Trixie, who was sitting 5 feet across from us introduces herself and apologizes for eavesdropping on our conversation. She agrees with Kevin’s statement and reassures us that your 30s will be better than your 20s. 

When I reflect on my 20s, I think about my first heartbreak ( I have described it as a heart massacre before), a toxic relationship, bold career changes, insecurity and instability. Who wants to relive any of that?

But on the other hand, I can’t help but wonder if there were any words left unsaid and any opportunities not taken. Have I done everything I wanted to do in my 20s? 

There has definitely been a shift in my mindset from the world is your oyster to prioritizing what’s most important. 

I don’t doubt that the same opportunities can be taken in my 30s, but there is certainly more at stake. I can’t just pack up my bags and leave without rationale. 

2021 was a year of traveling locally ( Vegas, Cape May, Puerto Rico, DC, Chicago & Nola), completing school, and starting a new job!

Went to Las Vegas for Spring Break

Attempted to start a weekly dim sum tradition in Chinatown. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us.

Got a new car and had to learn to drive highways. Road trips anyone?

Hosted and celebrated Nick’s 31st bday.

Virtually graduated! No yankee stadium for us

Went to Cape May with the BFFs for my birthday

Puerto Rico

New Orleans

Looking forward to:

celebrating turning 30 ( woohoo getting closer to scheduling a colonoscopy each day)

traveling internationally

mentorship program with HBA

learning a new language (Spanish) or relearning Chinese and French

But my biggest wish is for the pandemic to be over so I can see everyone on a regular basis again!

What do you do when you have the whole week off with no travel plans and cancelled hangouts because of Omicron? You feed the soul with books! Happy to take any additional recommendations

My favorite phrase “avoiding it like the plague” sure has a different ring to it nowadays.

Federico: So I applied for a spot at our community garden. It belongs to our coop Hillman. So today when I was doing laundry, I decided to go and check it out. And this lady came running asking me what I was doing here. So I said please don't talk to me, I dont know you. And she said this is private property. So I said, "Listen Karen Cooper, let me explain something to you."

Me: Omg, you called her Karen?

Federico: OF COURSE! I said, "Did I come asking you what YOU are doing here? No exactly. Do you know why? Because I am a decent human being, so this fictional authority you think you possess, you need to drop it." She kept asking do you live here. And I told her that you don't go around interrogating people. You are a nobody so mind your own business. She's like I'm going to call the office. I said great, please do so. Also, you should call the police while I videotape you so you will become famous in no time.

Me: I'm sorry you had to go through that.

Federico: Not at all, I loved it.

Me: Well you're definitely going to see her again. She lives in your building

F: and I will MAKE SURE SHE SEES ME.

Chandra: Why can't he just give us a grade and call it a day? Why do we have this final?

Me: Do you want to negotiate that with him? Let's show him everything we learned

Asli: That's a terrible idea. We will walk away with 2 finals.

Having your friends download dating apps and take control of them can be dangerous. Well for one, they virtually “like” the guys that THEY find appealing.  It’s all very superficial. Some of the buzzwords for my friends are resident, cardiologist, investment banking etc. I like to meet people the old fashion way. I suck at small talk. And this is what every conversation sounds like.

Me: Omg, I love pizza too!

Him: I love traveling. 

Me: ME TOO!! 

What’s super hilarious is that the first 20 profiles on Hinge were all people I went to undergraduate with. So I used it to stalk people. Like hmmm, what is this person up to? (Because no one posts on facebook anymore). 

Talking to these people via texts is one thing but meeting these people in person is another. This is so outside my comfort zone.  I’m dragging Asli to all of them! Hope it’s not awkward! 

✅ Slept A LOT 

✅ Massage

✅ Bought a dress for the wedding

✅ Met up with Freddy

✅ Walked a lot (kinda counts as exercising)

✅ Saw Mo on my train ride back 

Sometimes you don’t know how tired you are until you stop

I was listening to the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack when I was studying for my Global Economy final and now, I REALLY want to go see the show! The songs are so good. 

I’m still sick and tried SO HARD to not cough during my final and distract everyone. My six pack (from coughing) is coming along really nicely! 

I started this program nearly a year ago and haven't had a break since. I’ve met so many people I wouldn't otherwise have met. We work in different industries and come from different worlds. 

It’s so weird to be off. What does having a life and having a free weekend actually look like? 

I still have a take home marketing final to do but THIS IS SUCH A GOOD FEELING! 

I just want to sit on a beach or a boat and eat crab cake and do normal human things!