This is MY story | I am a Graphic Designer | COHI & FIDM Alumni

On Friday, I was asked to come into the very same classroom where my passion for design started to hopefully inspire a few aspiring designers such as myself 5 years ago with my journey post high school/college and what it was like to finally jump into the real world.

My presentation included:

• My portfolio, which showcased projects from school, my full time jobs as well as any freelancing projects & case studies. 
• I touched on the importance of utilizing your tuition (asking your professor tons of questions, going to the library, getting involved, printing 100 trees [since it was "free"] essentially exhausting every resource, etc.) and getting every bang for your buck since design school isn't cheap. 
• How working really hard and taking your portfolio extra seriously could lead you to an amass of opportunities. 
• I also shared my experiences from my jobs, both past & present and explained to them what you'll learn in those years that you won't ever get in school. How you'll learn to be in the professional world. How to take critiques from clients. And especially how strong of a designer (and overall person) you'll get when transitioning from one job to another.
• And all that other fun stuff, including the fun you'll get researching with nerf guns to the endless amount of waffles in the freezer!

More importantly, after all that has been said and done... 

I shared that none of this would of been possible if it weren't the motivation, the passion and the pursuit of my dreams. (And of course, the amazing support system I had from family & loved ones). That even if design isn't your niche, you have to go out there and find something that you LOVE to do and make it something you'll never get tired of. At the end of the day, when you love what you're doing, you won't even realize that your "at work" or that your "working"and the money will just follow. And while right now my accomplishments isn't anything compared to those designers who have made a name for themselves, they are MY accomplishments and I am proud of each and everyone of them. 

I know that someone in one of those classes will walk away happy to know that there is more to come than what high school has to offer. That there's a WHOLE world out there that will pay you money for your passion. I hope in the next 5 years I can return in the same classroom with more stories to tell because I know that for me, this is only the beginning.

Special thank you to: 

Dr. Oduro for giving me his time to listen in on one of my presentations. 

Big shout out to David Moriya who is an amazing friend, talented & motivated film maker who came in to listen to my presentation (as well as gave a great speech that piggy backed on the importance of following your dream) & took photos/videos! Thanks David! :)

And of course, a big warm thank you to Mr. Dahms. Without his class and his guidance I have no idea where I'd be.