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

About SNHU Newsroom Business How Youshi Patel Overcame His Fear of Failing and Earned an MBA Mars Girolimon Mar 13, 2026 Find Your Program 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 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Patel noted that SNHU'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 SNHU'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 SNHU community and attended a 2025 alumni event in Atlanta. He said he appreciated the opportunity to network and connect with other SNHU 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 SNHU," he said. A degree can change your life. Choose your program from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go. Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University 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. Connect with them on LinkedIn. Explore more content like this article Scott Jackson Earned a Master’s Degree and Thinks You Should, Too Mar 12, 2026 Business Scott Jackson '22MBA knows the importance of staying connected. That's why he's still involved with his alma mater after earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in 2022. For Jazzmen Shipp, Earning a Degree Changed Everything Feb 11, 2026 Business When Jazzmen Shipp '25 first enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), she was pregnant and living in a shelter with her 5 children. Now, as the first in her family to graduate college, Shipp has an associate degree in business administration, a new career and a new outlook on life. How Kellsie Goodhart-Jones Earned an MBA While Working for the US Air Force Feb 10, 2026 Business At SNHU, Kellsie Goodhart-Jones ’25G found an online program that could fit into her life as an employee of the U.S. Air Force and a military spouse. And now, after earning her MBA in Engineering Management online, she's got the confidence to move forward in her career. About Southern New Hampshire University SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone. Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards. 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