I fulfilled my undergraduate requirements at Campbell University, where I obtained a B.A. in Studio Art. My dream throughout high school was to major in art, move to South America and sell art on the streets while residing in a van, surrounded by other people with the same ideals as I. I did major in art, however things tend to change as you learn more about the world around you. From high school to college to now graduate school, I have learned more than I could ever imagine possible. I learned that leaving your family and home to pursue a life of wandering may not be the best financial decision for myself, as I enjoy eating at restaurants, fancy bath products, and endless amounts of Starbucks.
During my undergraduate career I had no homework, no tests and hardly any work that was taxing in the slightest bit. I got lazy and complacent with my mediocre academic performance. I did the bare minimum, but somehow managed to make the Dean’s List both semesters my senior year. It’s not a question of whether I am an intelligent individual, it’s more about the effort and desire to do better and be better. I am somewhat good at art, but it is a very subjective matter and can be interpreted in multiple ways with the right mindset and knowledge of the subject matter. Art is a great way to express feelings and thoughts freely, improve mental skills, creativity and reduce anxiety and depression.
After I graduated, I tried to apply to positions in my career field. Sadly, the arts are an incredibly hard career field to thrive in. Since I played softball in college, I decided to apply for a Graduate Assistant position, which has me working as an assistant pitching coach and going to graduate school. So far my experience here at UNC Pembroke has been very different from my undergraduate experience, but I am enjoying the ride and learning a lot. I am majoring in Sport’s Administration and Exercise Sport Science, which is VERY different than art. My school work requires reading, writing, tests, group projects and even off-site work. At first I was really worried about the transition from art to a degree program that actually involved a more classic style of schooling. At this point, I am very surprised with what I am actually capable of.
Now I know what you are probably wondering. “When is she going to talk about the all-nighter”? Right now, actually.
This past week I had the first half of my group project due for one of my three classes. It was a ton of work, trust me. The word count reached over 68,000 and the page count reached to 265. The night before it was due, we began compiling every group member’s group onto one document. This included cases, in-text citations, references and personal statements. I never intended to stay up all night, but sometimes our intentions are not feasible. I learned a lot in those long hours. One thing I learned was that coffee helps but will ruin your appetite for the next day if you drink too much of it. I finally found out my tolerance level for coffee, which is around a pot and a half. I also learned that time moves quicker than I was aware of. Several times I would look down at the clock and then look up again later on and 2 hours had passed. I found that I pace a lot when I am doing high volumes of work. The carpet is worn down from me walking the same path back and forth, literally. Computer screens suck…end of story. The most valuable thing I learned is that my discipline is stronger than I thought. Staying up all night when you value your sleep as much as I do is a huge test in discipline.
Bottom line, when you have such a deep passion for something, you will do anything to achieve your goals. My desire to work hard, get exceptional grades and coach to the best of my ability is greater than any other desire I possess currently. In everything you do, do it with all you have. Take advantage of your opportunities and be grateful. Give your time and effort and the world will reward you.
