Forever 25??

Just watched the Shonda Rhimes Dartmouth commencement speech (Link HERE). It reminded me of this article written by Zosia Mamet that I read in Glamour flying back home last week (SERIOUSLY, READ THIS. IT’S IMPORTANT).

It basically stated:

When you find what makes you happy, whether it be owning a coffee shop, having a child, or being a buyer for a company you’ve worked for as a sales associate for years, you have to hold onto that regardless of what others think about it. And, on top of that, your fellow peers should cheer you on for finding something you enjoy and not be upset that you didn’t “follow a bigger dream”.

Some of you may know that I’ve recently decided to switch career paths. This article hit the nail on the head for how I’ve been feeling about making the leap from one career path to the other. Some felt I was “giving up” and, I have to say that got to me. Honestly, it was Gregg telling me to keep doing me, keep doing what gives me joy and to forget what others think or I probably would’ve kept miserably doing what I was doing all in the name of “THE DREAM!”

Ok. Let me just state, for anyone who doesn’t know, that I have a degree in film and we moved to Austin, TX specifically to intern for a production company and work on our film careers. During college, I worked for Forever 21. I was there for 6 years on and off, and loved every second of it. I realized that I had more fun as a visual merchandiser than I did as a filmmaker a few months ago, and since then I’ve been pursuing getting another job at Forever so I can work my way up and eventually become either a regional merchandiser or a buyer for the company. I am so glad I didn’t realize this until after I moved to Austin, because I still feel that I belong here. Anyway, that’s slightly beside the point. I’m happy to be here and I’ve interviewed at Forever and I finally feel I’m on the right path, but I also somehow feel that I’ve let my fellow women down. And that’s the point I don’t get…

I mean, my goal isn’t just to be an Assistant Store Manager.
(Even if it was though, so what?)
My goals will never stop reforming.
I will never be satisfied.
I am still the same ambitious woman I always have been.
I just want to switch paths so that I can be happy.

I feel that I’m on the right track, finally. And I want to tell everybody that although I am not living out your dreams, I can assure you I have reassigned, and am now living out my own. I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my life, and I embrace you all to not only read the article (and Shonda’s video) that I posted, but be an example of peers supporting peers. And I also want you to know that if your goals are different than mine, I will gladly accept them and be happy for you as you are.

(Also, my birthday is next month. And I’m feeling real good about 25. I’ve left the 18-24 age group and I feel set about what I want to do with my life-FINALLY. All in all, this is looking to be a great year.)

Notes about Notes

Wow. Just read an old Facebook “note” I typed up at the end of my freshman year at college (six years ago, btw), about how I wanted to change my major, leave Ball State, and live at home. I was in such a bad place mentally. I wasn’t ready to go out into the world on my own yet and it definitely showed.

The funny thing is that although freshman year was very hard for me I remember my Ball State / Muncie era to be the best years I think I’ll ever have. And changing my major?! What would I have changed it to? I can’t believe that thought ever crossed my head. According to the note I wanted to be an english teacher for a minute.. I mean yeah, writing’s great. And don’t get me wrong, I’m a spelling and grammar Nazi. But, good heavens, that just wouldn’t have worked out for me. Steady jobs with stable pay in a fluorescent environment? ….What?

I am so happy with how life has turned out for me so far and can’t imagine it not being good from here on out. I thoroughly enjoy my job(s). I love photography / videography. I love living in Austin, and wouldn’t have made it here if it wasn’t for Ball State and my sketch comedy group. I love every little adventure I’ve had along the way, which couldn’t have happened without my friends. I love that I was given the opportunity to become so mentally strong thanks to the professors at my school pushing me to try to succeed.

Good lord, I met Gregg the first day of my Sophomore year. I wouldn’t have met him if I had decided to transfer to another school. He would have stayed at Ball State and his parents would continue living 20 minutes from my parents and we would have never crossed paths because that shit happened two hours away, at college. If that isn’t completely serendipitous I don’t know what is. Gives me chills.

Anyway, that note compelled me to type this up for anyone who feels they’re in a bad place, too. You’re there for a reason. Follow your gut because it can lead you to some amazing adventures. Don’t give up in a moment of weakness. I’m living proof not to.