Succeed as a student by Passing on Passivity

April 28, 2022

By Jacob Guiler-Martinez

(Photo from Adobe Stock)

As students our job is to learn new skills, so we are constantly weighed down by fear of the unknown. It is easy to let this pressure build up to the point that you do not want to leave your comfort zone. The worst part is, there is a chance that you will make it all the way to graduation without ever leaving your comfort zone. The saying “c’s get degrees” comes from a place of truth, after all.

Is this what you want from your education? Not leaving your comfort zone is easy but it also means that you will never be in situation where you can learn. You will not be able to improve yourself personally and professionally.

I personally do not want to get up early every day for class, stay up late doing homework after getting home from a long day of school or work, and pay a small fortune to leave with only a piece of paper with my name on it. A degree is merely a participation trophy if that is all you leave with.

What does passivity look like?

Passivity comes in all shapes and sizes. The English Dictionary defines passivity as “acceptance of what happens, without active response or resistance.” What does this look like as a student? If you are inactive in your learning and accept the knowledge and skills you had before enrolling in college, that will result in not only a long four years, but nothing to show for it. Passivity as a student can also come in the form of having to use a program or tool that you aren’t familiar with. You can’t be a successful college without learning new skills and using new tools.

I have struggled with this form of passivity myself. In the IMC discipline we have the privilege of learning the design side of marketing and get to use tools such as Adobe Spark, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other design tools. Prior to my journey here at UNCW in the Communication Studies department, I had little experience with any design software. I played around in Paint in middle school during computer classes but did not bring anything else to the table. In my first IMC class I was very overwhelmed with the design assignments we had. I was not familiar with the programs, I was not confident in my design/creative skills, and worst of all, I accepted all of this.

(Photo from Order of Man)

This resulted in me doing poorly on every design assignment. Aside from finishing with a bad grade, I had wasted my time, my professor’s time, and an opportunity to gain an important new skill – a skill that would make me much more marketable as a candidate for any job in the IMC world. Passivity is a cushion or an enabler for laziness. I feared using programs I was unfamiliar with. I could have used the resources provided by my instructor to learn the design process and how to use design tools. I instead used my fear of the unknown as an excuse to not do well in the class. When the semester was over, I felt unaccomplished and unsure of my abilities.

Passivity can come in the form of no one taking the initiative in a group project and everyone waiting until the last minute only to turn in a mediocre project. It may look like you accepting that you do not completely understand what an assignment entails. You do not ask for help or clarification and procrastinate until you are forced to complete an assignment that you can not perform to your full potential on. How can you avoid passivity? How can you find the confidence to be the best you?

How to “pass” on passivity

If we look back at the definition of passivity, I mention in the beginning we can formulate a strategy to avoid it. We must not accept our shortcomings. Do not accept that you don’t have the skills necessary to do well on an assignment. No professor expects you to be an expert at anything you are doing. In every IMC class I have taken here at UNCW, the professors have supplied an extensive amount of content on any tools that you may use in the class. This content along with the free training opportunities sent to your email can turn anyone into an excellent candidate for a career in the field of IMC.

(Photo from memecrunch.com)

The second half of the definition, “without active response or resistance” warns us to be proactive. This does not mean you have to complete each assignment the day they become active. But at least look at the prompt to see if you understand what you are doing and are competent in the tools necessary to complete the assignment. If you do not understand an assignment, ask your teacher for clarification.

They will gladly welcome you during their office hours and provide you with the guidance needed. If you are competent using a certain program or tool needed to complete an assignment, look on Canvas to see the content your professor has supplied to explain how to use these tools. You can always take it a step further if you need extra help and search on YouTube for tutorials that will walk you through how to use any program you will come across as a student. You can also ask your professor for one-on-one help during their office hours. They are a great resource for any tool you will use in their class as they only expect you to use tools they are familiar with. There are many resources available to you as a student that will polish you into a candidate that any potential employer will want. It is up to you to be active and take advantage of these resources and opportunities. The only way to improve is to step outside of your comfort zone.

5 Things I Learned From My First Internship Experience

April 27, 2022

By Emma Hudson

(Photo courtesy of Cassidy Klos, Port City Community Church)

Throughout my college career, I have always been told the value of having an internship. It’s a “resume booster,” “gives you connections,” and “allows you to apply skills from the classroom.” When I applied to be an intern with Port City Production, I banked on these expectations being fulfilled. Little did I know, this internship would provide so much more.

After eight months at Port City Community Church, my time as a production intern is coming to a close. The technical skills and life lessons I have learned are immeasurable, and I could not have asked for a better internship experience. Below are five of the most important aspects I will carry with me in my future endeavors:

It’s okay to make mistakes.

Ever since I can remember, I have been a perfectionist. While this has motivated me and allowed me to succeed, it has proved damaging. When I failed at something, even if it were my first try, it would impact my self-worth. Ultimately, my perfectionism often left me feeling worthless.

The first gathering I produced was not what I would call a disaster, but coming from a perfectionist, it was far from perfect. I missed giving several cues, told others to put slides on the screens at the wrong moments, and pressed incorrect buttons about half a dozen times. When the gathering was over, I came up to the team meeting feeling embarrassed and guilty. I believed I had let the team down. However, to my surprise, I was applauded by staff and my fellow interns for my work.

For the next few weeks, I continued to beat myself up over every little mistake I made. I would miscount a cue and instantly feel like I ruined the entire night. Despite every part of me believing I had wronged the team; I was always met with a staff member congratulating me for my work. I would be told how much I added to the gathering and that I am continuously improving. Slowly, the perfectionist tendencies I had once entangled myself in unraveled.

The best part about making mistakes is they are an opportunity to learn and grow. You will inevitably make mistakes, but what matters is how you recover from them. As interns, we are a work in progress and will be a little rough around the edges.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Coming into the internship, I was a bit afraid of asking questions. I was nervous that I would be perceived as incompetent or looked down upon. When I began making mistakes as a producer, however, it proved vital to ask questions so I could avoid the same problems. I quickly learned that the production staff was not only there to help, but they wanted to. They wanted to see me succeed and become confident in my skills. An internship is a learning experience, and asking questions allows you to flourish.

Teamwork is vital.

Group projects have always been one of my least favorite aspects of school. There always seems to be a slacker dragging the group behind, making the task more difficult for everyone involved. This would often leave me carrying much of the group weight and wishing I could do the project independently. However, I quickly learned the importance of teamwork as a production intern.

On the production team, there are a lot of different roles. This includes lighting, sound, producer, director, CG, switcher, stagehands, and six cameras. If we do not have just one of these roles filled, it is impossible to create a gathering. Not only this, but each role relies on the other to operate. For example, the director relies on the cameras to have shots, while the cameras rely on the director to know when their shots are on the screen. If communication does not occur between these positions, the whole operation will be thrown off.  Hence, the experience taught me the importance of collaboration and its impact on department success.

Take risks and try something new.

In the second semester of the internship, I was asked if I was interested in taking pictures for @portcityproduction on Instagram. Coming into the internship, I had only taken photos for fun and did not have much experience adjusting settings manually. On top of this, the room I was to be taking pictures in was dark, which is not something I had shot in before. While I was nervous about taking on this responsibility, I was excited to acquire a greater skill set.

The first several times I took photos, I mostly tried to replicate pictures that others had taken before. I would use the same settings, capture the same moments, and get the same angles. As time went on, however, I began to take risks with pictures. Instead of only remaining in the main section of the room, I started to take photos in new places like backstage and on the balcony. While sometimes these pictures would not work out, a lot of the time, I would get unique shots that I was proud of. I now feel confident in my photography skills and have developed my personal style. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary but taking a leap of faith will help you grow immensely.

Find a mentor.

When coming into the internship for the first day, I was intimidated by the staff team. They were older, wiser, and much more knowledgeable in their craft. Still, I knew the value of finding someone to guide me as I adjusted to my role. Lucky for me, throughout my time with Port City Production, I have gained not just one, but five mentors. These staff members have influenced me in a professional and a personal way. Some of the most notable lessons I have learned are how to better serve others, live selflessly, grow in my faith, and leave some of the weight I carry behind.

Even if your advice from your mentor does not extend to your personal life, it will still allow you to be supported by and learn from someone with years of experience. They also may offer you guidance in the professional world and help you through stressful times. Much of this advice is rarely just a search away on Google.

To wrap it up…

When thinking about future students going into their first internship, I want to encourage them to not just see it as an opportunity for business connections and skill growth but deep connections and personal growth. Having an internship puts you in a unique position to be mentored and learn and develop qualities of yourself you had not yet touched. I am so grateful for the family I have found in Port City Production and hope that every student experience such great transformation in their internships to come.

Port City Production 2021-2022 Team
(Photo courtesy of Zack Hamby, Port City Community Church)

Byline

(Photo courtesy of Matthew Berry, Port City Community Church)

Emma is a Communication Studies major with a minor in Digital Arts. She has a passion for content creation and, upon graduating in the spring of 2024, hopes to pursue a career in the integrated marketing field.

Opportunity is Your Best Friend (In College and Beyond)

April 26, 2022

By Shelby Watson

(Photo from Unsplash)

New World, New Opportunity

When I first entered college, I was overwhelmed. The prospect of meeting so many new people, learning in a new environment, and finding my place at UNCW felt intimidating. I knew what I liked (writing, visual art, and film) and I knew how to be successful in the classroom, but I didn’t know much about how to connect with like-minded people. I turned to my RA for advice about navigating the beginning of college, and she offered me advice that I would offer to anyone starting something new: try anything and everything that interests you.

So, I did. I took entry-level classes for majors I was interested in. I explored different clubs at involvement carnivals. I learned about opportunities for student employment on campus. Through these means, I could take what I already knew about myself and apply it to the organizations around me. I joined Flicker Film Society to explore my interest in filmmaking, ACE to become more involved in campus entertainment and event planning, took a film class for non-majors, and took a beginning creative writing course.

Failure is the Best Option

Though these opportunities were great, I soon learned a lot of them were not for me. I stopped going to meetings for Flicker and ACE. I had previously thought I was going to double major in Film Studies and Creative Writing, but I learned that the creative writing department might not be my place. I quickly learned that trying new things is a great way to explore, but it’s important to remember that not everything will be your thing.

I didn’t let the fact that I hadn’t quite found my place yet stop me from continuing to explore. In the spring semester of my freshman year, I joined a brand new club on campus called Creative Arts Club. It was a place where artists could come together to practice any medium they were interested in and create multimedia projects. I applied to become a Writing Consultant at the Learning Center because I loved writing, and I loved helping people. I explored majors and major requirements online and discovered that the Communication Studies department offered a range of classes covering topics I was interested in. I was beginning to find places where I felt I belonged on campus, and it wouldn’t have been possible had I not tried something else first.

(Photo from Unsplash)

Reframing Opportunity

Once I had found the places I was most comfortable, I could begin to build my network. I met some great people interested in the same things as me in the Film Studies and Communication Studies departments. I met artists interested in different yet complimentary forms of art in the Creative Arts Club. I met writers who were just as excited about the craft through my work at the Learning Center. Through these new networks, I was becoming more comfortable both at UNCW and with who I was becoming.

Then, everything changed. Spring semester of my sophomore year saw the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We all left campus, moved everything online, and locked ourselves in our houses for months. My network felt like it was being cut off; No more in-person connection with friends and professors, no more Creative Arts Club, no more in-person Learning Center staff meetings or getting to work as closely with students. After a long summer of feeling like opportunities had quickly vanished, I decided I was still going to try anything and everything I could as my junior year started. I realized that I couldn’t let the fact that something may be hard stop me from trying anyways.

I took on a leadership position with Creative Arts Club as the secretary and social media manager. I attended every virtual staff meeting and advanced through a new level of tutor certification with the Learning Center. I got to meet new professors I connected with and take classes that helped me learned about my future career path over Zoom, despite my initial apprehension. One of my Film Studies professors even strongly encouraged me to pursue a film internship while everything remained virtual. Otherwise, I would not have had the money or ability to travel to LA to work for this production company. In this way, I actually found opportunity through the obstacles placed before me. I knew that I should never stop looking for opportunity, even in the worst of times.

(Photo from Unsplash)

New Things Become Old Things & Old Things Become New Things

From my job as a Writing Consultant to becoming President of Creative Arts Club to finding a career path I want to pursue that utilizes both my Film Studies and Communication Studies knowledge, the opportunities I have chosen to pursue in college have all helped me build up to where I am today. It is because I chose to explore and learn about myself that I have built a network of like-minded people and developed skills that will help me in the next chapter of my life. I know that I will feel the same sense of intimidation when I enter the work force as I did when I entered college, but I know now that taking the opportunities presented to me will make all the difference in my personal and professional growth.

Advice from an upcoming undergraduate of UNCW

April 25, 2022

By Devin Bircheat

(Photo from UNCW Map & Directions)

Five years, three-degree changes, and two colleges later, I have nearly made it towards the finish line of obtaining my communication studies degree. As a Fall ‘19 transfer student, my UNC Wilmington experience has been anything but traditional as I have learned to navigate my way through UNCW asynchronously. Finding a community in a new town, with new friends, and a new way of living due to the pandemic has been interesting, to say the least. I can’t say it’s been easy, but I can say that there have been pieces of advice that have been helpful as I have adjusted.

(Photo by David Maslaka, Best of the Web)

“The real world.”

One of the best pieces of advice I got was to quit thinking so far ahead about “the real world” and omit that from my vocabulary (thank you, COM 400). We often hear that the next step in our journey and the things we are doing in school are not “real” since they are not directly accompanied by a job. However, the projects and assignments we are doing in school to prepare ourselves for this so-called real world are still very much real. This mindset helped me to stay present in what I am doing.

It is easy to get caught up and feel stuck if you haven’t quite gotten that internship yet or a job that is in the field you wish to be in and deem that as not having experience. The things that you are doing in your COM classes are real, so work hard and take pride in your projects because they account for so much more than in the classroom. This is also something that you can put on your resume as experience!

Sometimes you have to realize what you don’t like to realize what you do like.

I have notoriously changed my degree to the point it became a running joke in my family that I was going to be a professional student when I got older. Beginning as an Elementary Education major at UNC Charlotte, I quickly realized that I did not have the patience and passion to run a classroom as I had imagined. Then, I ventured to become a psychology major, where I suddenly learned that just because I enjoyed watching true crime did not mean that I should be a forensic psychologist. This has landed me where I am right now, as a communication studies major.

The communication studies department at UNCW gave me tools to be well equipped in writing, critical thinking, marketing, and media. The media and communication job market are at an all-time high right now and is constantly growing. I have ventured into other communication studies focus areas such as journalism, but the Integrated Marketing Communication area is what stuck with me because of the collaborative and innovative environment.

(Photo from the Career Center by Cerro Coso Community College)

What do you want to be when you get older?

Ah, the question we all dread. With graduation coming around the corner, it is easy to get wrapped up in the pressure of finding a job, where to move, and perhaps loans to pay back. Some people are clear on the next step in their life, however, this can be an exciting yet scary phase of life. Sometimes you are completely sure what you want to do, sometimes you are completely sure what you want to do for a period of time, and sometimes that changes.

It’s okay if you aren’t sure what you want to be when you grow up because you are still growing up. However, there are some opportunities and tools that I have used that have guided me in what to do post-graduation. It is important to take advantage of the career center and opportunities during COM studies week. Handshake has been a very helpful tool that has quizzes that you can take and job opportunities that are being posted. There are also mock interviews that you can do because interviewing is a skill that you can acquire through doing more interviews. The career center is also accessible to UNCW alumni. Networking is an important part of taking the next step after graduation, and a great way to do so is by looking on Handshake and LinkedIn to build connections.

My experience at UNCW has taught me to adapt – adapt to changes, new experiences, and new ways of learning and be open to them.

Setting Myself Up for Success

April 24, 2022

By Kelly Geiger

The average graduating senior is feeling a variety of emotions. Reflection. We are looking back on our four years of many hurricanes, a pandemic, hundreds of assignments, and countless memories with friends.  Joy.  We did it! Finally, most graduating seniors are feeling a sense of fear.  The unknown, the corporate world, the idea of truly becoming an adult and getting a job to support ourselves is a lot to take in. These are the average overwhelming feelings of a graduating senior, but I can truly say I am prepared for this new season of life, and I believe that the COM department at UNCW has been essential in preparing me for my post-graduate journey. 

(Photo via Star News Online)

Building the Foundation

I came into UNCW with a love for art and an understanding that I needed to find a way to incorporate this into a corporate role.  I felt a pull to the corporate world but not exactly to the business school.  After talks with my mentors and advisors, I was introduced to the COM Department.  I immediately jumped in and realized a passion for communication I never knew I had. 

When I declared my major, I was stoked to dive headfirst into the courses I thought would interest me.  Some of these courses included: Interpersonal Communication, Storytelling and Culture, and Research Methods. But, while I was taking those courses, I began to lose that passion I discovered for communication.  I understood how broad the major could be and quickly found that I was enrolling in courses related to a concentration that didn’t interest me. I felt a strong need to include the fact that even after declaring my major, there were still times I felt a bit lost or confused.  It was extremely helpful to have a variety of COM professors that wanted to see me succeed. These professors guided me in the right direction and thankfully I was introduced to the Integrated Marketing Communication concentration.

After completing the introduction courses, it was time for me to focus more on IMC classes. I found that IMC could utilize my artistic abilities and I was intrigued by the combination of skills I could gain and techniques I could learn from these classes.  By majoring in Communication with a concentration in IMC I felt that the foundation I was building for myself would be sustainable and interesting throughout the entirety of my college career.

Complementing My Major

I noticed that graphic design skills were highly valued in the IMC concentration and with a bit more research, I found my future profession.  I changed my minor to Digital Arts and took as many graphic design-related courses as possible.  During many of my communication classes junior year, I found my graphic design skills were essential to group assignments as well as individual ones. This was around the same time I started looking for internship opportunities to help further my graphic design capabilities and build my resume.  The portfolio I created with my assignments from courses at UNCW, I gained two internships in my junior year.  The work I was doing at UNCW was extremely diverse and useful to show my skills as well as my quick progress. 

Setting Myself Up for Post-Grad Success

Senior year I wanted to focus on setting myself up for success based on instruction I received from many of my COM professors.  I continued to follow my passion for graphic design and communication and applied for more serious internships/part time jobs as a graphic designer.  I gained more confidence in myself as I received praise from professors and landed jobs.  As I took higher-level courses in the COM department, I fell more in love with what I was doing, and I can finally say my senior year of college, I actually enjoy class.  Trust me, this is a rare for me to say.

Com Could Be the Choice for You Too!

When I talk to people coming into college or undecided students, I constantly recommend majoring in Communication Studies.  While IMC might not be for everyone, I feel that a COM degree can be valuable and useful for hundreds of careers. The COM department at UNCW is full of amazing, dedicated, and talented students and faculty.  I couldn’t have imagined myself at any other school and more importantly in any other major.  I feel not only prepared but excited to join the workforce, and this is all thanks to the hard work that my professors have put into my education.

I am excited to say I am a UNCW grad and will continue to spread the word of our great COM department!

“No Regerts?”: Tips for Survival at UNCW

April 23, 2022

By: Michalah Matthews

(Photo via YouTube Let’s Avoid the Most Common Mistakes We Have in Life and Live with No Regerts!)

As a transfer student, I didn’t necessarily have your average introduction to the society of college students. I transferred from a very small community college located in my hometown to UNCW in the Spring of 2018. I participated in a handful of events on campus my very first semester and even signed up for a few clubs, despite being a fairly introverted individual. I even decided on my major in Communication Studies in my first semester at the university. While I did have an overall good experience in my time at UNCW within the Communication Department, I feel like most individuals choose to focus on highlighting the “ups” of their college experience rather than focus on the things they didn’t do so well. So for all you up-and-coming freshmen/transfers, I am going to compile a list of my mistakes and hopefully, you can learn from my experience.

AN INTRO TO COM

One of the first classes you will take as a COM major is the COM 105 course, which gives you an introduction to what a major in communication looks like. You study the origin of speech, and the five canons, a dive a bit deeper into the mechanisms of research while utilizing all the elements that rhetoric has to offer. You will also be involved in a lot of group work as conducting research requires quite a bit of work, so in working with people it helps alleviate the stress of one big project. Working in a group also allows for you to hone your communication skills, as everyone differs in the way they communicate and interact with people. If you cannot effectively communicate with the members of your group to complete a task, it will be exceedingly difficult to work with others in a professional setting.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

COM 200 is the next step after you’ve decided that a major in Communication Studies is something you really want to pursue. Here’s where my mistake comes in. I put the same amount of effort into COM 200 as I did COM 105, which was a big “no-no”. You must have even more effective communication with your group members when it comes to this course. Everything regarding projects should be communicated with them and you must always participate in group meetings. If you have to re-organize your schedule to make a group meeting, then that’s what needs to happen. Your participation in both COM 105 and COM 200 will make or break you in your journey as a COM Studies major. When the professor prompts you to speak to your neighbor, do so. Talk to someone new every time in order to gain communication experience. This will also improve your ability to find and interact with your group members as the class progresses.

BE ACTIVE ON CAMPUS ALWAYS

            While it’s not required to get involved in campus events or to join any clubs, do it anyway. One of my biggest regrets was not getting involved with more clubs or attending the many events the university has to offer. One of the great things about the COM Department is that there are many opportunities for interaction outside of the classroom. There is even a week-long event called COM Studies Week which is full of events orchestrated by the department as well as your fellow peers. There are activities to participate in and the occasional guest speaker that gives helpful advice on various topics that you could utilize in your college and professional career. Some of the different clubs within the department consist of individuals you might see in some of your own COM courses. One of these clubs is the Communication Studies Society, or CSS, which allows for networking opportunities among other opportunities. UNCW Student Media allows for hands-on interaction with the arts and media and finally, TealTV allows students to try their hands at all broadcast journalism has to offer including taking on various roles.

INTERN, PLEASE!

            Another one of my most “regertful” decisions was the lack of involvement in an internship. UNCW offers plenty of opportunities for internships, and as a COM major, you will have access to the weekly newsletter, which highlights the different internship opportunities offered. Even your professors are active in making their students aware of internships they come across that would benefit their students specifically. An internship is exceedingly beneficial because it could make you stand out amongst your peers and even help advance your career. By being involved in an internship, you’ve already been able to utilize the skills you obtained at university in a professional setting. At the internship, you are given the opportunity to network and see what’s available for you after you receive your degree. There’s also the opportunity to add to the list of references for when you get ready to embark on your own quest for a professional career. You might even do so well in the internship that they offer you a position within their company after you graduate. An internship will only expand your horizons!

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

            Integrated marketing communication, or IMC, happened to be my main focus during my time at UNCW. I was intrigued by all that goes into directing a marketing campaign or brand like the organization, research, and the ability to create your own designs. It was also interesting to find out how brands get to know their audiences and how some brands are so successful in their marketing. While IMC is super interesting and provides for a lot of experience, broaden your choice of classes within the COM department. For example, the storytelling classes are good for individuals who love public speaking or want the opportunity to advance in this skill. There are also classes in which you can put your fantastic writing skills to use, like journalism. Some of the other classes deal with other aspects of communication like dealing with broadcasting, video, and film. While you may be interested in one topic, allow yourself to at least experience other courses in order to see all that the COM department has to offer before making a final decision.

INTERACT WITH YOUR PROFESSORS & COUNSELORS

            Last but not least, develop relationships with your professors and counselors. Out of all your teachers, I’m sure there’s one who sticks out to you the most. Utilize them for assistance in some of your other classes relevant to their own. There’s a multitude of things they could help you with if you take the time to visit them during office hours. Developing a relationship with your instructors also gives you access to more opportunities. Maybe they have an event they’re in charge of for the university and are looking for student volunteers or speakers? Your interaction with the professor and utilization of resources would probably make you a top candidate. In addition to volunteer opportunities, references are another useful resource that comes with positive interactions with your professors.

            Take advantage of your counselors as well. You are required to meet with them at least once a semester up until graduation, so you can track your progress and see what you need to do in terms of future courses. Rather than just doing your bi-annual meeting, maybe have a meeting a month to track your progress. This not only benefits you in mapping out your future, but it could also be beneficial for some of the assignments you are given. Most of our counselors are also professors in the department so if you need a quick once-over on an assignment, I’m sure they’d be happy to help and give you the best critique.

These are some of the things I wish I would’ve handled better when on my UNCW journey. I’m hoping the things I struggled to handle will be a breeze for you. Maybe after reading this, you won’t have to experience the same things I did. Just utilize your resources and buckle up for one of the greatest experiences in your life, good luck!

(Photo via UNCW Admissions)    

A Successful Failure: The Journey of a Non-traditional College Student

April 22, 2022

By Abigail Morris

“What do you want to do when you grow up?”

As a child, I loved when I was asked this question. The endless possibilities for what my future held drove my intellectual curiosity; and they pushed me to discover my passions as well as chances to experiment with new opportunities without fear of failure. Because of this, my answer drastically changed multiple times throughout the course of my adolescence. This constant change was encouraged by the adult figures in my life that I looked up to…

…until it wasn’t.

You see, like many others, when I reached high school, I was expected to have a solid game plan in place. I was expected to have a career in mind that I wanted to pursue, a path laid out for myself. By the time that I graduated from high school, I was expected to follow through with that agenda until I had reached success. Fortunately, I failed.


That’s right, folks. I failed.

My photography website when I studied graphic design.

Within the span of five years, I changed my major three times, and proceeded to drop out of college twice due to varying circumstances. Each time my path changed (or my major changed), I felt like I was drifting further away from success. At least, from the personal definition of success that had been ingrained in me by the adult figures in my life whom I looked up to.

This image of success that I had created years before of a fulfilled life for myself became less and less transparent, and the insecurity of this vague path that I had laid out in my head began to overwhelm me. I found myself oftentimes discouraged from my own indecisiveness, which quickly lead to feelings of guilt and shame. However, as I sit here now and reflect on my long academic career, I am realizing that each “failure” I faced aided me in my journey to where I am today.

Courses that I used to regret from my prior majors have ended up providing me with more valuable insight and have expanded my skillset that can be utilized effectively within my ideal future of working in the marketing field. Courses on photography and graphic design have provided me insight on the art terminology and principles needed to collaborate with other creative individuals in marketing. All the business law and management courses taught me how to read contracts, research marketing data, and sell my art. Philosophy courses allowed me to better comprehend business ethics. And lastly, the psychology courses have helped me understand the importance of a strong brand identity.

First Pop-Up Market as a Business Owner

I initially perceived these courses as wasted time with each change of my major. In hindsight, I have found that each course has functioned as a “building block” of sorts: helping build me as a future asset to any working team, adding to my repertoire, and guiding me on a path that I feel confident (or more confident) in.

For those who find themselves feeling confused and unsure about who they are or what path they want to follow with their lives, know that’s it is ok to not know right away. College is not created to break students or to push them into a preconceived mold that discourages them from the process of self-discovery. Quite the opposite. College is meant to be an opportunity for an individual to experiment, to try new things, and to discover a pursuit that truly interests them, even if it leads them on a completely different path than what the student initially had in mind upon enrolling. I know that if I kept with the original plan that I created for myself in high school, I would have been miserable.

For me, it took years of hard work and self-reflection to really understand what kind of career I would find personal fulfillment in. And to be completely honest, there are some aspects of my future that I’m still unsure about. (For example: I don’t know if I want to pursue a master’s degree right away after obtaining my bachelor’s, or if I want to throw myself directly into the work force.) However, the confidence I have gained throughout my lengthy amount of time here in college has given me a drive that I haven’t felt in years. Failures are an exercise in building exactly that: confidence. And I personally know that without those self-described “failures” I experienced, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to work towards a better, more promising future.