Impossible is Nothing

Written by

Communication Studies, Employment, Social Capital, Wilmington NC

I’ll always remember how I felt when I was about to graduate from highschool – excited, elated. I knew I was only a summer away from moving to the beach where I would be at UNC Wilmington for the next four years.

Once I was here Wilmington soon became my community, UNCW became my home, and the people became my family. But I never expected the past four years to go by so fast. So now, with only weeks until graduation, and as I look back over my experiences, and forward to what comes next, I don’t know how I feel. There is a crazy mix of emotions. I’m excited for the next step in my life, but sad to close the door on this chapter. I’m confident in my abilities and skills, but terrified of no longer having a safety net to catch me if I fall.

It didn’t take me long to fall in love with UNCW, and especially the Wilmington community. The idea of staying in Wilmington after graduation was always something that I dreamed about. At the same time, I was always warned to not get my hopes up about that because there just aren’t that many jobs in the communication field in this town. But, there is something to be said about working hard, not giving up and never settling for anything other than what you really want. I am happy to say that I will be staying in Wilmington after graduation with a job in public relations.

-Nicole Doherty

Communication Studies Happiness Jobs Networking UNCW

Comments

9 responses to “Impossible is Nothing”

April 19, 2010

Alicia Gronneberg

This sounds exactly like me. I came from the cold up north and since I have been in college my parents have supported me. Once I graduate, however, I am completely on my own. I have had the luxury these last few years of living off my parents and being part of the amazing Wilmington and UNCW community. I am going to try with all my will to stay in Wilmington after I graduate, but of course this may not be the reality. Either way, I know I will be leaving (or hopefully not) with hundreds of wonderful memories, friends, a good tan.

Reply
April 19, 2010

Tiffany Evans

Congrats to you for sticking with your guns! UNCW and the Wilmington community are such great places to call home and it says something about the Communication Studies program that you have qualities and skills that stand out above all others who probably applied for the job YOU got! Good luck on your journey into the “real world.” Your story gives me a little more hope for next year when I have to do the same thing!

Reply
April 20, 2010

Sara Wagner

This blog definitely hits close to home. I am from Colorado and was so nervous about coming to Wilmingotn for school. However, now that is almost over I cant even imagine leaving. I am going to miss the community at UNCW and the friendships I have made but at the same time I am excited to see where life takes me next, and it definitely worked out for you!

Reply
April 21, 2010

Tara Schroetter

I think this is great, thanks for giving hope to all of us com majors! I am from New Jersey and I know first hand the huge difference between opportunity in Wilmington compared to opportunity in the north being a short commute from NYC and Philadelphia. I think if you can make it work in a smaller area such as Wilmington, you can really build up your esteem in order to work in the big city, however the jobs are so few. Congrats for sticking to what you wanted to do and not compromising!

Reply
April 22, 2010

Ari Nateman

As Cliched as this sounds, this is exactly how i feel! I originally didn’t think I’d start to like Wilmington as much as I did since I came from a Atlantic Beach, a small town on the water just 2 hours north of hear. I soon realized that Wilmington had something special and that I wanted to stay here. Thankfully for me I’m taking half a victory lap and graduating in December. Congrats on the job and staying in Wilmington!

Reply
April 22, 2010

Mandria Cheek

Congrats to you and all that you will do…I too have thought about Wilmington being the place to be after it is all said and done. And I must admit when I first came to Wilmington, the first thing that I noticed was how nice everyone was. It did not take me long to adjust at all, because Wilmington is somewhat like Chapel Hill, my hometown. I have been here for 6 years, and for the most part, enjoyed almost every minute of it, but I think it is time for me to move on. I LOVE to travel, so it would only be right for me to go on to see new people, places, and things…But until that day comes, I guess Wilmington will do! 😀

Reply
April 22, 2010

Kathryn Miller

You are quite lucky to be staying in Wilmington post-graduation! You’ve had the right mindset in the back of your head that drove you to work that much harder to stay here, mad props! I think it’s a great way to prepare for the real world. Yes, UNCW as well as all other colleges can be viewed as a safety net, but just think about the connections you’ve made and opportunities that lie ahead of you! I’m a little freaked out myself with one year to go, but it just make you want to succeed that much more. You’ll truly being a soaring seahawk when you graduate and enter the real world, ha! Congrats!

Reply
April 22, 2010

Erin Satter

I’m very jealous you’re staying in Wilmington. I wish I had that mindset, becuase i’m so scared I won’t be able to find a job here when I graduate that I enjoy. However, if other com majors are doing it, that gives me hope that I can find a job here too. Wilmington is a great place to live, and its close to home for me, so I feel like if I had the right connections, this could be a permanent place for me as well. Congrats on staying in Wilmington, I hope I have the same opportunities when I graduate.

Reply
April 23, 2010

Eric Holtzman

Honestly, I have to agree as well, coming from out of state I only knew one person at UNCW before I attended. Luckily I fit right in, joined a fraternity and made some of the best friendships I have ever had. Wilmington itself has the perfect mix of a coastal town that is on the rise but still maintains its southern charm which I love. Going to school here just further convinces me that I will NOT be living back up north in the future!

Reply