The Moment Everything Changed
One thing I know about myself is that I love to be inspired and hear professionals talk about their journey. Conversations like this are always so motivational for me, especially when their career path is the same or similar to what I see myself doing in the future. These interactions prove to me that anything is possible; I get a slight glimmer of the future life I’m working hard to achieve in the present.
This past November, my Fashion Journalism class led by fashion writer, Elizabeth Wellington, got a visit some of her industry friends who came to speak with us on a panel. It was a casual yet intimate setting in our normal classroom; students around the large table in the middle of the room, and speakers at the front near the tv and door. Everyone chatted among themselves and snacked on wine and cheese provided by Professor Wellington until the clock hit 6:30pm and it was time to begin.
Our panelists included Philadelphia Inquirer Personal Finance Columnist, Erin Arvedlund, Philadelphia Inquirer Producer and Staff Writer, Brandon T. Harden, Cashmen and Associates Public Relations Specialist, Jill Asher, and Men’s Style Pro Founder and Creative Director, Sabir Peele.
Professor Wellington kicked the discussion off with the first of many other questions that night. We covered a variety of questions from how their career paths led them to where they are now to how they deal with tough clients and situations. It was clear that each person in the room was passionate about what they do and well-seasoned with experience. I love nothing more than having a conversation and soaking up knowledge from the “minority” within industry, Arvedlund and Asher as women, and Harden and Peele as black men.
The panelists had my attention the entire night; the conversation was so good that class flew by much quicker than usual. As the night dwindled away there was one point of the conversation that truly spoke to me and sticks with me today, weeks after the fact. Harden broke down some things that we could do today as we move forward in our lives and towards our own career paths. It was quite simple actually, he told us to discover what makes us unique and to stop doing what everyone else is doing. This is something I have definitely heard before, but it really hit me the moment he uttered those words. It’s like something clicked, within that moment I realized that I wasn’t basing my craft (blogging) solely on what makes me unique. I was working hard and chasing the interests of others, basically selling myself short.
As Harden spoke I got a bit emotional (I was still in class so of course I held it all in and didn’t break down until I got to my car) because I was mad at myself for waiting so long to realize the truth. Maybe it’s a bit dramatic but this moment will stick with me forever because it is the origin of a new direction for Practically Poised and the validation I needed to realize how important blogging and producing content I love truly is for me. Who would have known that a regular day in class would be so impactful.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this post.
If you enjoyed it don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE!
Question of the Day:
What are your top three goals for the next year?
