Arts Entertainment
5 Thoughts You've Had If You Have A Summer Job
The dilemma of a summer job.
03 June 2019
338
Summer jobs are great but let's be real, these are the thoughts that go through your head.
Keep Reading...Show less
The dilemma of a summer job.
Summer jobs are great but let's be real, these are the thoughts that go through your head.
Exploring what it's like for creators to attend college while pursuing careers in the arts.
The common phrase "think outside the box" is often used to describe how one should push the limits of their creativity. To stand out from the crowd and rebel against the status quo, one has to flex their artistic muscle. With that said, how does an academic environment affect the path to creative success?
The age-old tale of a starry-eyed artist graduating high school and moving to the "Big City" is one we are all familiar with. However, what we don't always see is the other starry-eyed person with just as much drive who doesn't leave right away, but instead books it off to college. Does this decision counter the intended benefit of college and hinder one's potential opportunities? Or can it enhance networking skills and build bridges? I was fortunate enough to speak with a few local artists who shared their take.
When I asked Imani "IFF" Dunn (@iff_imani on Instagram), a Singer/Songwriter who is currently a junior at Evergreen State College, if she felt like school is a hindrance on her music career and why she chose to go to college, she responded with the following:
"Going to college was always a no brainer for me, so I went because it seemed like the right thing to do. I know it helped push me to develop a good work ethic, but it definitely feels like a hindrance too. It takes up a lot of time, so now I'm just trying to find more balance between both."
Playing it smart about one's dreams seems like the best way to go. However, with how time-consuming school can be, I was curious to know how she would describe her artistic career today:
"I'm mostly trying to record again. I'm currently working with a local producer, drawing a lot more to conceptualize visual art for my merchandise and eventually start selling it. Art is where I thrive and shine so taking time and money out to invest in it is really important to me right now."
Prioritizing and finding a balance between wants and needs is a lesson anyone can relate to. Dreams are amazing in their inherited nature of endless opportunities, but when a hobby transforms into the passion they become intertwined with reality. Can that balance ever be found or does there need to be a sacrifice? I also spoke with Dancer and Creator Avery Gardner (@theaverygardner on Instagram), a graduate from the University of Washington, and asked the same questions stated above to get his perspective:
"I mainly went to college because I was told to go, so I wouldn't say I chose that path myself. Being a black male without a college degree in this world is hard, so there was societal pressure as well... And school was ABSOLUTELY a hindrance! There was no balance and I was sucked dry artistically. I had to dedicate time to classes I was partially invested in when I'd rather be seeking inspiration."
Seeing how he is now a graduate and currently teaching in the Seattle area full-time, I was intrigued to hear how he describes the shift in his artistic career post-college:
"I would say it is a perpetual evolution; constantly changing. I'm always trying to do something different and top what I've done in the past."
The mention of evolution is key to this discussion. Looking back on the past can show us how much we have learned or how much is left to learn. I asked both Imani and Avery what they would tell their younger selves, knowing what they know now about the reality of being an artist in college. What about their earlier mentality and perspectives on their careers would they alter? Here's what they had to say:
"Prioritize your art and try to put money aside for it. Also, don't compare yourself to other people. I used to think "oh everyone gets to do this and that" but not everyone would do something the way I would. So definitely just focus more on my art." -Imani
"Be unapologetic. With art, school, everything. Be unapologetic." — Avery
As an artist myself, I left both interviews feeling inspired. Every experience of college is different, however, it was nice to know that the balance between chasing dreams and being smart about them is a common struggle. However, the main takeaway is that whether one is paying to "think inside the box" or not, finding your own avenue for your definition of success is what's most important.
So, do your passions align with your definition of success?
Below are Videos of each artist's previous works
SoulOut Showcase Volume 4 | Avery Gardner ChoreographyYouTube
Finding My Way - ImaniYouTube
It definitely sucks in high school, but college is even harder.
In high school, I joined various instrumental and choral groups that allowed me to join others of every grade in one group to do something we all loved. Because of the things I joined (and probably also because of my older sister), I ended up having friends in every grade. And because we were in the same things together, we ended up spending a decent amount of time together.
I got really close with people both older and younger than me. But when the people I was friends with that were older than me started graduating, I got really sad. I knew I wouldn't be able to see them as often, if ever, really, because they'd all be going their separate ways to college and the military and even just working jobs nearby where I could hardly see them. It sucked for sure.
But you know what? Most of them did still live in the area, so I would at least see them over their winter break and over the summer, if not also during their fall and spring breaks.
See, with college, this isn't so much the case. I chose a school that is 3 1/2 hours away from home. There's a large percentage of people from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York on campus as well as a sprinkling of people from Maine, California, Florida, Texas, and I could go on and name all the 50 states along with other countries, but I think you get the picture.
The day I wrote this article, I attended the graduation ceremony at my school for all the seniors (I am currently a junior). To be honest, I don't know that many of the seniors, but I adore the few that I know well. When they leave Susquehanna, they'll go on to grad school, real jobs, different countries, the military, etc. and most of them won't be returning on the weekends or visiting every chance they get. Heck, I'd consider myself lucky if each of them visited at least once a semester.
When I return to school in the fall as a senior myself, I will have to adjust to not having them around all the time. It's gonna suck, but I know they're gonna do great things and I just want them to know they'll always have my love and support. And I'll just have to remind myself that though they can't be there in person, they're only a phone call away.
Some of the well knowns and some hidden gems
While Syracuse, NY might not be known for its food, there are some hidden gems. Thankfully, Syracuse University is a big and well-known school and with a bunch of hungry college kids, there's a wide range of selections.
My homework may be to watch movies, but it's still homework.
I understand that many people don't consider watching numerous movies a week your typical homework, but for me it is. Here at Syracuse University, I'm a Television, Radio, and Film (TRF) major. When I announced I was going to Syracuse I was still undecided but in the school of communications. I went undecided because I couldn't decide between photography or TRF, but a lot of people at home didn't understand that.
My grandparents always had big dreams for their grandkids. However, those dreams were always something like a doctor or lawyer, something to achieve the parts of the American dream they never fully did. Unfortunately, when they found out I wanted to go into communications they became worried. I don't regret my choice of my major at all, I'm actually kind of obsessed with it, but it's not easy hearing everyone talk down about your major.
Some people were less concerned when they heard I was going to Syracuse, who has one of the top communication programs in the country. My grandpa's reaction quickly changed when he was able to tell his friends his granddaughter would be a Newhouse student. I couldn't imagine the reactions I would have gotten if I had chosen a smaller or lesser-known school, I don't know if I would have felt as proud as I did.
I love my major, but it's hard when people think all I do is watch TV and never do real work. I've spent plenty of late nights on set, analyzing films, or trying to figure out the next scene in my script. There's just as much work in my major as any other major.
Maybe the confusion is because I'm still unsure as to where I want to go with my degree. I don't have a focus yet, or a clear end goal, but I know I've loved every TRF class I've taken so far, so at least I'm in the right major.
I have recently moved to watch shows and movies on Hulu and Netflix. Hulu has a lot of great shows and movies to offer that aren't on Netflix. While Netflix is still great, Hulu is definitely starting to grow on me. Here are some shows that I have watched or have started watching on Hulu that I think are pretty great!
If you love James Franco and Stephen King, you'll love this show. The first episode is a bit long, but all the other episodes are only 45 minutes. The plot line is pretty interesting. I also like that it doesn't tell you everything, it shows it to you and you piece things together.
The fact that this show is based on a true story is just insane. The acting is really great, especially if you watch actual videos of Gypsy, Joey King does a great job.
Another Stephen King masterpiece. This show is riveting and really makes you think about what the truth is in the context of the story, and brings in some ethical questions.
I've only recently started this but it's pretty interesting and funny.
This show was great. Sometimes it was a bit annoying, but it is a classic show from the early 2000s. You really become invested in all the characters and your opinion may change on some characters because they grow and develop throughout the show.
If you've read the book, you should definitely watch the show.
I just love true crime stories and this really dives deep into crime stories and the darkest parts of humanity.
This show can be really sad or frustrating, but I think it's good for people to see the reality of addiction.
I also started this one very recently and I've always wanted to watch it. It can be cheesy but it's pretty entertaining.
This is a great show if you want to laugh. I love all of the characters and everything they bring to the table.