This past year, my writing has been less critical review and marketing analysis and a lot of reflection and even personal identity. I’ve lived in half a dozen places and it’s been an incredible opportunity to be back at MVNU in the Admissions department since November. What a ride!

About 10 weeks ago, I felt affirmed that it was time to move in a new direction, one of which I have been very uncertain about. Anyone who has been in the job market at all in the past 2-3 years can understand the hesitancy and fear of leaving a job without a backup plan, but I felt as though that leap of faith was necessary and next in my journey. When considering “work”, I challenge myself to consider roles that aren’t looked at as a job or work, but rather an enlightening experience of both value and testimony. Maybe someday a standard 8-4 office job will feel ideal, but for now I’ve got an enthusiasm to wake up and work hard for something I believe in. The Admissions Counselor position has been all of that and more, which has sparked my enthusiasm for high expectations. I interviewed for a few jobs around the country, from marketing to higher education positions, looking for something that just felt perfect, as I hear stories of many peers that communicate their regrets or disappointments that they didn’t embrace the early 20’s season to explore.  The people that I work with at MVNU are my family and friends, and it will be difficult to find a group of people who are so dedicated to what they do and the countless hours of investment that go into what they do. None of us would be here in the office if we didn’t love MVNU, our college experience, and our work environment. The standard has been set as dance parties and flexibility of work atmosphere is a requirement for any and all positions I take from here on.

When it comes to the students, it is incredibly difficult to leave this position. This year’s incoming Freshmen will be the third class that I have worked with since being hired back in May 2009. These kids are incredibly passionate, driven, and ready to change the world. I’ve been incredible honored to be a part of their college process, and it is sad that I will not be able to share in the joys and excitement of MVNU Move-In Day this year.  Beyond this class, there have been thousands of younger students whom I have shared with and I can only hope that I’ve been able to plant a seed of encouragement or even joy in those moments, beyond college preparation and career thought processes. At the end of the week, it’s less about college acceptance letters and more about hearing the stories of many people and building connections that offer growth, wisdom, and opportunity.

Last week, the transition out took a magnificent leap in a new direction. While looking at jobs, I knew that now was the time to be picky. I’ve got two years of professional experience since graduation and a wide variety of experiences in those years. Beyond that, I’ve got a pretty unique set of passions and interests in different industries. My desires to see the world have been almost uncontainable since my trip to Uganda back in March.  On Wednesday afternoon, I accepted a new position with a company called Campus MovieFest. I am now the Tour Manager for a team of four that will be based in San Francisco and Portland for the 9 months visiting college campuses with one primary focus: providing college students with the necessary technology and training to tell their stories on the big screen through film. CMF started with a crazy idea: what would happen if we passed out computers and cameras to students? Film has been a big part of my life, as I began filming and editing videos when I was only 14 years old. I’ve explored the arts of writing, music, and photography, but videography captivates me more so than any of these other mediums. While on the road, we will be connecting with thousands of young people, specifically students on the West Coast, in hopes that we can encourage and guide the future of the industry while simply fostering the creativity of young minds around the world (CMF is also traveling through Mexico and has plans in Europe as well). I’ve never been to San Francisco, Portland, and most of the Pacific Coast. This is going to be an AWESOME way to experience it while making a difference.

 

Details will continue to pour out as they come, as well as a lot more updates on the transition. Next Monday, I fly down to Atlanta for some extensive training, and then our team will road trip to San Francisco. Friday will be my last day at MVNU, and I am currently moved out of my home, soaking up the day-to-day adventure that comes with it. It’s all a part of my master plan: to change the world and keep on living the dream.