Shaheim Kellum: Blink Twice

Grateful for the experience of completing my first semester at Columbia University School of General Studies.

This was my desk after finals. A beautiful mess of books, folders, scribbled notes, and hard-fought growth.

As a nontraditional student, father, and husband, balancing school with life’s responsibilities hasn’t been easy. But every page, every late night, every doubt overcome added up to this moment.

I didn’t just make it through… I leveled up.

A photo of Denzel Washington looking at me saying “you better get back to it… (it = writing, studying, reading, absorbing, reflecting, challenging, questioning, and articulating)

“Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.” – Jim Rohn

This quote carried me through the tough weeks. It reminded me that the process isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress and becoming the kind of person who can rise to the challenge.

Thank you to my professors, mentors, and community for pushing me forward. I’m committed to growing even more in the semesters to come.

📚💪🏾 Here’s to more deep learning, reflection, and legacy moves in 2026. Columbia University

ProgressNotPerfection LegacyMoves GrindWithGrace Gratitude StudySpace

I am honored to be recognized as one of this years Outstanding Student Award winners at the Deloitte Green Tank Challenge Case Study Competition
during the 2025 NABA INC. Regional Conference in Philadelphia, PA. This was an incredible experience.

Thank you to Deloitte for hosting such a dynamic, challenging, and inspiring competition. Your guidance and insight throughout the Green Tank Challenge Pre-Sessions helped us think creatively, present with intention, and grow stronger.

I am also incredibly grateful to the Student Engagement Team at NABA INC. and generous scholarship investor, Robert Half for awarding me a NABA National Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. Your belief in students like me is life-changing. Thank you for investing in our futures and helping to build pathways for the next generation of accountants and business leaders.

Grateful to God for the opportunity to connect with so many brilliant, driven people moving the profession forward with purpose and excellence.

To my amazing team, thank you for your tireless effort and commitment this weekend. Each of you taught me something I will cherish moving forward.

To all the teams who competed, your presentations were nothing short of incredible. It was an honor to learn alongside you. Congratulations to all the Team winners.

Shout out to the Accounting Club and NABA chapter from Borough of Manhattan Community College The City University of New York for attending and participating in the conference events and workshops.

I look forward to sharing more of my NABA experience with others pursuing the accounting profession and helping the next wave rise with confidence and clarity.

Let’s keep building. Keep shining. Keep rising. 💫

“Lift as we climb.”
Thank you Philly.

This piece is a reflection on what it truly means to lead without a map, to succeed while healing, and to carry the weight of dreams that didn’t start with you but must move through you.

If you’ve ever had to navigate spaces that weren’t made with you in mind, I hope you see yourself in these words.

And I hope you’ll share your own story because someone else needs your blueprint.

Glass ceiling breakers get cut too. The title is a line I came up with while reading and reflecting on something Alejandra Campoverdi, author of national bestseller and winner of the Dolores Huerta Award, "First Gen" said: “How common it is that those who smash through glass ceilings are then left to clean up the shards on their own...

Be kind to yourself.

This is wild! 😅 🚎 🚊

Thank you to and

Still feeling inspired after an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C.

As a non-traditional student on a journey of purpose, access, and transformation, this past week reminded me just how powerful the right opportunities can be. I had the immense privilege of visiting Latham & Watkins LLP, where we were warmly welcomed by the phenomenal Danielle Conley, whose story of grit, brilliance, and advocacy as a Black woman in law left a lasting impression on all of us. Her journey wasn’t just shared, it was felt.

We also spent time at Graham Holdings Company, where we engaged in an enlightening and personal conversation with the incomparable Don Graham and his extraordinary team: Nicole Maddrey , Jake Maas, Sandy Stonesifer, and CEO Tim O’Shaughnessy. Their stories of leadership, service, and innovation reminded us that impact is not measured by prestige alone, but by purpose, humility, and dedication to lifting others.

Each leader we met took the time to not only share their path, but to pour into our cohort with wisdom and encouragement. We left D.C. not only informed, but transformed and empowered.

As always, a heartfelt thank you to the Kaplan Educational Foundation Educational Foundation and the Kaplan Leadership Program for making this life-changing experience possible. I’m especially grateful to Nolvia L. Delgado for her leadership and insistence of excellence every time we walk into a room, as well as the amazing stories and comfort of Kandace Henry. Thank you to Alex Ngo, Jonathan Chavez, Mariana Estrella Rivera, and Deborah Shames for your constant guidance, honesty, and support.

Because of you, I move forward more confident in my voice, more committed to my path, and more connected to a community that believes in students like me.

I am truly grateful. ☺️

Thank you
to


Truly grateful. 💛🙌🏾

Day 1: I am incredibly thankful and honored to have been selected for a 9-week mentorship and professional development experience with Morgan Stanley’s Internal Audit division.

This program pairs students with mentors to gain insight into the company, understand the critical role that Audit plays, and explore the Internal Audit Summer Analyst program. Alongside my BMCC colleagues, I look forward to participating in the upcoming information sessions to learn more about Morgan Stanley, career opportunities, and personal growth.

A special thank you to Borough of Manhattan Community College, Professor Sidney Askew, and Allyson Clarke for their invaluable guidance and support, which has been instrumental in this journey.

Every moment reminds me of the importance of resilience, gratitude, and the support of loved ones. Here’s to continued growth, both personally and professionally.

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