ABOUT ME
Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to be. When adults asked other kids what they wanted to do when they grew up, they seemed to know right away: a firefighter, a doctor, a teacher. I was not like this. Every time someone asked what I wanted to be, I gave a different answer. I gave a different answer which was a lie. I had no clue to what I wanted to dedicate my life, and it was terrifying. I knew the sorts of things I enjoyed but was always too concerned with the details to ever make a definitive decision. Every possible choice had a shortcoming. As I grew older, I came up with various ideas that I settled on because they were simply the lesser of the evils. I was so focused on making a career that would satisfy all the criteria in my head that I didn’t focus on the practical skills I had: an artistic eye, a creative mindset, strong communication abilities, and good problem-solving skills.
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When I began my first year at Whitworth University, I had started figuring this out, but had no clue where to apply them. I quickly discovered the types of projects I did well on, and the things I enjoyed and fell into a way to combine the two: Graphic Design. I started taking classes in the art department. While I would like to say that I immediately fell in love and that the work was a breeze, I would be lying (Don’t ever tell someone in an art field that their work is easy). The work was hard. But I noticed that it was work I didn’t mind working hard to finish. Somehow, I didn’t mind pouring hours into a project to make it the best it could be. Not everything was enjoyable, but I was able to find enjoyment in the challenge, where I had never been able to do so in school before.
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Now, in my fourth year, I am confident that design was the right choice. I am able to solve visual problems in an attractive was that will ultimately better the world we live in. I love being able to have an artistic outlet, and that I can better develop the skills I might have been born with but never practiced. The design life can be cruel at times, always relying on your ability to churn out new and innovative ideas, but it is infinitely rewarding when you are able to make something you are proud of.