In early 2020, I found myself in an empty campus office, staring at a computer screen filled with video call grids. The COVID-19 pandemic had upended traditional education overnight. As an academic administrator, I was tasked with transitioning our university’s programs to digital platforms. We had to quickly move all courses online, while faculty and staff, myself included, worked remotely to support students. Where It All Began: Lessons from the Front Lines of Education My professional journey began well before the pandemic, in a much more routine setting. I started as a Front Office Coordinator at a business school, a role grounded in daily face-to-face interactions. I supported undergraduate students with academic and program-related concerns, managed schedules and paperwork, and responded to a wide range of inquiries. I became the friendly first point of contact, quickly learning to read people’s needs and offer solutions. This role also helped me develop key strengths, interperso...