Nothing is Linear: Finding Passion in Your Future Career
Picture this: it's your freshman year of college, your parents drop you off at your dorm, and it's the first time you have truly, and deeply, ever been alone.
When I was in my freshman year of college, so many questions flooded my head— What do I major in? Do I REALLY have to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life at seventeen years old? How do I even make friends now?
Yet, little did I know, all of these thoughts swirling around in my brain were normal.
Exploring your options
I walked into Grand Valley State University with an “Exploratory” major, as I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. I took out the thick book of majors the university had gifted us during our first registration and aimlessly flipped through the pages. As soon as I landed on “Advertising and Public Relations,” it quite literally summed up everything I love to do: social media, writing, and collaborating with others. In that moment, I finally felt at peace with the uncertainty. It is important to explore your options and interests, to ultimately find what suits you best.
Knowing your strengths
I’ve always been more in touch creatively. I am terrible with numbers and prefer creative, thoughtful solutions. Most importantly, I understand that nothing in college, or life, is linear. We’re told we have to go to college, we have to decide what we want to major in, when in reality, what you decide to do with your life is completely up to you. I decided to pursue advertising and public relations because I had recognized both my strengths, and weaknesses. Using skills you are good at and enjoy will lead to personal fulfillment.
The power of the unknown
I know many of us, as college students, sink into pressure that we have to get straight A’s, land a high-paying job, and buy a house. What I find brings me the most peace, though, is the unknown. You have the power to do whatever you want to do, and that's the beauty of it!
Look at the challenges and uncertainty of life and say thank you. Studying advertising and public relations has brought me so many opportunities to learn new things about myself and others. I walked into my freshman year at Grand Valley as a shy, uncertain student seeking something that fuels the drive I knew I had inside me. Now, throughout the course of my studies, it doesn't even feel like school to me, because I genuinely love it. Finding other students within this big world who share the same passions motivates me to find comfort in the uncomfortable.
A world of opportunity
Advertising and public relations has given me a unique perspective on the world and the way that I view others in it. I’ve learned the act of comparison gets you nowhere. Is that person really successful, or is that just what society has molded success to be? When you are feeling doubtful you may not find your place, remember there are unlimited possibilities, and uncertainties that come with that. It is important to find peace in the unknown. Instead of thinking, how am I going to pick a major that's right for me? Or what if I don't find my passion right away? Think wow, I am given so many opportunities to leave my mark on this world. Ask yourself, what would I do if I wasn’t afraid? Then go do it.
About Addison
Addison Causely is a junior studying Advertising & Public relations with a double minor in Spanish and Studio Art. She is from Clarkston, Michigan and has experience with social media management, digital content creation, digital photography and team management. Addison loves to implement new creative strategies, create interpersonal communication, and encourage authenticity in all areas of life. This will be Addison's first year apart of GrandPR as an Account Associate. Addison is excited to pursue her passions and grow alongside others within GrandPR.