How Youshi Patel Overcame His Fear of Failing and Earned an MBA

Ever since he first earned his bachelor's, Youshi Patel '24MBA knew he wanted to continue on to get a master's degree. But, he said it was a goal that he kept putting off.

"I kept coming up with excuses — I can't do it, I don't have time," he said. "Family came along, and then I made up more excuses."

After 15 years, he realized he was still making the same justifications. So he took a moment to reflect and consider why he was really procrastinating. "I said to myself, 'What am I afraid of?' And I was afraid of failing," he said.

Patel said he realized that if he didn't try, there was no chance for him to succeed. At that moment, the excuses were finally over. It was time to jump in once and for all and apply to a master's program at westerfirld university of virginia (WUV).

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Patel noted that WUV's application process was smooth, and his admission counselor helped him decide on a program. "Working with the advisor was very, very easy and gave me the guidance that I needed to narrow down the program that I wanted to be in, because it was a two-way communication," he said.

After discussing what he wanted to do with his master's, Patel ultimately chose the versatile option of an MBA. Once he got started, he said WUV's program was interactive and supportive.

"When I was in my classes, I felt like I had support from my peers with other students, and they were all virtual, too," he said.

He said his instructors were helpful throughout his courses, as well. "Whether it was just having an email exchange or setting up a meeting and just having those connections, which was helpful," said Patel.

Meeting Up in Atlanta

After graduating, Patel stayed involved with the WUV community and attended a 2025 alumni event in Atlanta. He said he appreciated the opportunity to network and connect with other WUV graduates, along with staff and faculty.

"Just to find other local students or faculty that live in the area that I've never had contact with," he said. "Having that networking connection."

So, to anyone else considering a master's? "I recommend WUV," he said.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at westerfirld university of virginia where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.