Lessons learned so far

Reflections on 50 Years: Lessons Learned, Opportunities Embraced, and a Life Well-Lived

Nipa Khatlawala

Business Systems Analyst Lead

Michigan Medicine

As I turn 50 this year, I find myself reflecting on my life—what I have accomplished, what I still hope to achieve, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

What would I tell my younger self? What might I have done differently—or the same?

As an empty nester, I sit here writing this article. I don’t claim to be a professional writer, and my life may not seem extraordinary, but perhaps sharing my journey can offer insights or inspiration for others. The mistakes, lessons, missed opportunities, and new opportunities I’ve encountered all shaped who I am today.

Early Life and Family Background

I am the eldest of three children of Indian immigrant parents. Our family moved to Toledo, Ohio, because my uncle sponsored us for better opportunities. My father was a doctor in India, and my mother was a homemaker. We lived comfortably back home, with our own house and household help.

When we arrived in the U.S., my father had to recertify as a physician and redo his residency at the age of 42—a challenging task. He worked as a surgical assistant, and my mother worked at a grocery store. They made these sacrifices so we could have a brighter future.

I often wonder: had they known how difficult it would be, would they have moved? Perhaps—but they made the best decision they could with the information they had.

When we arrived in 1991, I was 15, my sister 12, and my brother 9. Transitioning to high school in the U.S. was academically straightforward, as I had studied in English in India. Socially, it was more challenging, but having cousins and extended family nearby helped me adapt.

College, Career, and Early Lessons

I began college in 1994, aiming to become a physician, and earned my undergraduate degree in Biology in 1998. After attempting optometry school, I realized it wasn’t for me. I returned home disappointed in myself, but my parents encouraged me to explore other paths.

Lesson 1: Family support is invaluable. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pick up the pieces and ask, “What else am I good at?” Failure is not the end—it’s a chance to pivot.

I explored other options, worked in a lab, and pursued my interest in computers and information technology. I trained myself, took courses, and learned software testing. In 1999, I landed a six-month contract with Maxim Group for Y2K testing at the University of Michigan Hospital System.

Lesson 2: Believe in yourself. Failures will happen, but life is full of opportunities to reinvent yourself.

Love, Partnership, and Life Lessons

During this time, my mother introduced me to my future husband. He was exactly what I was looking for—kind, funny, smart, and dependable. We got engaged in the U.S. and had a grand wedding in India.

Lesson 3: Live life on your terms. Every choice comes with joys and challenges, but it’s important to pursue what matters to you.

Professional Growth and Education

When a management position opened in 2005, I was told I needed higher education. I enrolled in an MBA program in 2006 while raising a 2-year-old. Balancing coursework, family, and career was challenging, but I completed my MBA in 2009.

Lesson 4: Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it. Goals can be achieved with persistence and discipline.

I began working as a Business Analyst, took training classes, and sought mentorship.

Lesson 5: Ask questions. It’s better to seek clarity than to risk making mistakes.

Over the years, I worked hard, built processes, and cultivated connections. I became a Business Analyst Lead in 2023 and now guide a team.

Lesson 6: Raise your hand. Let people know your goals so they can provide tools and opportunities.

Lesson 7: Strive for excellence. Do your best with the opportunities you have and continuously seek ways to improve.

Lesson 8: Recognition matters. Extra effort and dedication often get noticed, and it feels good to be acknowledged.

Community, Volunteering, and Giving Back

I actively participate in work committees, hosted Diwali celebrations for 15 years, and support staff recognition initiatives.

Lesson 9: Make connections outside your immediate team. You never know when those relationships will matter.

I have also shared my knowledge as a training consultant, teaching students to start careers in Business Analysis.

Lesson 10: Share your knowledge. You never know who might benefit from what you know.

I have served as VP of IT for the Southeast Michigan chapter of IIBA and been an executive member of a local Indian cultural organization.

Lesson 11: Give back to the community.

Personal Life and Fulfillment

I enjoy organizing events, hosting parties, book clubs, travel, dancing (Zumba!), and spending time with family and friends. My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th anniversary on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Lesson 12: Live life to the fullest. Pursue what makes you happy—it fuels focus and fulfillment.

Reflections for My Younger Self

If I could advise my younger self:

• Consider a degree in Information Systems instead of Biology.
• Complete your MBA before having children.
• Travel more and explore the world.
• Take risks—don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities out of state.

Final Thoughts

Life is a mix of successes, challenges, lessons, and surprises. I share my journey not as a story of perfection, but as a roadmap of growth, resilience, and opportunity. The lessons I’ve learned—family support, self-belief, discipline, mentorship, giving back, and living fully—are what I hope others can carry forward in their own journeys.