GRADUATION

 

On Saturday 14th, 2016 I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mass Communications and Advertising and with a minor in Health Information Management.

It’s been a beautiful journey. Texas State University has given me so much — my best friends, inspiring professors, and a community. I am so thankful for the university and its people.

College is a journey that not everyone gets to go through. College is a privilege, not a right. I feel as though history is repeating itself — the rich are educated and able to further their education, while the rest of the population cannot. I was able to attend college because my parents were holding onto a vision. They wanted to see their child take off, discover and broaden their mind. I was able to attend college because I had a great support system.

Some of my best and most proud moments happened while in college. Some of my worst, upsetting moments happened while in college. I grew, I learned, I listened, I spoke, I discovered and I bloomed.

To all the incoming freshmen, cherish the time, for it goes by so fast. Go outside your comfort zone and find out who you truly are. To those who have graduated, the real world starts now! I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Searching for a job is hard, tedious, and stressful, but the right one will fall into your lap soon.

Best of luck to all!

 

 

Meet Me At Starbucks

I came across this video while browsing case studies on Ideas United’s website. I think this concept is so creative and different! Ideas United participated with multiple agencies to capture these sweet moments from Starbucks markets around the world — 28 countries. The coverage was captured by almost 50 local filmmakers and photographers!

Caution:This video may cause a large smile. Enjoy! 

 

YOUR FUTURE

I am a Peer Mentor to first year students at the university that I attend. As a Peer Mentor, I have a large number of students for which I meet with at least once a month. During these meetings, I get a feel of who they are, how their college experience is going, what their hobbies are, where are they are from, etc. It’s been a awesome journey with this job because through these meetings, I’ve heard so many stories. It’s amazing how much you can learn about someone by having a genuine 30 minute conversation.

One of the most common topics that comes up during my meetings with these students deals with their future. As first year students, they are scared. They are nervous. This is the first time they’ve ever been away from home. This is the first time they don’t have to answer to mom and dad. They have this sense of freedom that they’ve never had before.

With freedom comes a price. Many students have complained to me that they are studying their current major because their parents told them so. Now, when a student tells me this, it put its me a sticky situation. As their peer, I don’t want to step over any boundaries. I don’t want to say “don’t listen to your parents” even though that is slightly the truth. The student may currently be studying Pre-Med but deeply, wants to study Public Relations or Nursing. However, because of pressure from home, they are doing what their parents told them to do.

Parents will always have your best interest at heart. They want the best for you. Your mother carried you for 9 months because she wanted to give you life, opportunities, and success. Your parents know you better than anybody else. However, this whole time, it’s your life that you’ve been living and you must continue that journey.

If there is a major you want to study, study it! If your dream job is halfway across the country, apply for it! If you have an urge, fulfill it. Listen and accept all the advice that comes your way from family and friends but remember all the things you have worked hard for and strive for those goals.

Remember, it’s your future.

BUSINESS CARDS

Business cards are a great tool that can help you network with individuals wherever you are. Many peers of mine have said they feel like business cards are for experienced professionals but that isn’t the case at all. How cool would it be if you met someone that could connect you in the professional world and you whipped out a business card to hand over? It’s definitely better than writing your email address on that napkin across the table… Having your set of business cards will come in handy and will definitely set you apart!

Here are some sites you can order business cards for a great price!

• vistaprint
• Overnight Prints
• Office Depot
• tiny prints

PERSONAL BRAND

“You have to have some common sense when it comes to your personal brand. Personal branding suggests that success comes from self-packaging.”

What does your self-package hold? What are your likes, your dislikes, your hobbies, your interests, your favorite things?

What is your passion?

What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? What do you see yourself getting excited about? What provokes you to do more research?

These are questions that I still ask myself today. Even after almost four years in college, I am trying to figure out my true passion and how I want to move forward with it. However, that is perfectly okay. There is no timeline when it comes to your personal brand. Life is all about time and you have plenty of time to thing of your thought process, your actions and results.

Start forming your personal brand through your online presence. Create social media accounts, connect with individuals who have share similarities and even some differences so you can expand your knowledge. Start writing on topics that hit home for you, that you need answers to. Follow some of your favorite blogs and watch videos that challenge your ideas and push you outside of your comfort zone.

I challenge you to be the best version of yourself.