In June, I graduated college!
Since then, I've been getting questions about life after school, what I learned in college, and more. So, why not have a FAQ about my life right now? Get some popcorn and let's dish!
Q: How is post-college life?
A: It's a million times better than being in school. Freedom feels nice and so does the responsibility. Sometimes, I miss being told exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, but it's nice to be trusted to make my own decisions and have control over my life. Also, not having to drive to Boston every day? Priceless.
Q: What did you take away from going to art school?
A: People will never be satisfied, even if you work hard, so the only person you need to satisfy is yourself. Never let anyone tell you your work isn't "worth" it or "valid". Don't let anyone tell you that you're doing the wrong thing if it feels right to you. Always trust your judgement and do what your heart tells you!
Q: Now that you're done, did you like your experience?
A: Overwhelmingly, that answer is no. I think it would've been different if I had went to a generalized college and studied art rather than an art-based college. I'm thinking about doing a blog post about my experience at MassArt, so if people would be interested in that, let me know!
Q: If you knew what you knew now, would you have gone to school?
A: This is a tough one. I refined my skill and found my own style while I was at school, but I'm not sure if school was 100% necessary for me. While I was there, I didn't learn a lot that I didn't already know. I learned more from my peers than my professors. However, I think I changed a lot after attending college- in a good way. I learned how to talk to my peers, be in charge of my own work, and what not to do while on a job. So, I'm not sure I would've attended MassArt, but I think I would've still gone to college. I don't think a degree is necessary to pursue photography as a profession after I attended college, though.
Q: How is freelance work going?
A: As I mentioned in my Jammy Jams Vol. 1 post, freelancing is really difficult, especially in my location. Since I'm still living with my parents right now in a small town, traveling and finding paying clients is my main challenge. However, I still do shoots for fun and to add to my portfolio. My priority is to make as much money as I can now that my job so that I can pay off my student loans and switch my focus to freelancing. We'll see!
Q: Are you disappointed you didn't get a job in your field?
A: Absolutely not! I love working at Apple. I needed to feel engaged after I left school. I spent four years there not feeling challenged or welcomed by the community, but the people I work with balance out that feeling. So, I'm not disappointed. I knew I wouldn't get a job in my field right away. I'm okay with it.
Q: Advice for a new college student?
A: Stay true to yourself. Take risks and experiment. Try to make friends, but don't change yourself to fit in. It's not high school! Start fresh if you need to and live a little. If there's one thing I regret, it's not having more of a "college" experience. So, use this time to find out what you love and what you hate.
Q: Are you going to grad school?
A: Definitely not now. I want some time to fine-tune my photography and get my money up. I'm not ruling it out for the future, though. I'd like to go back and earn a degree in teaching if I can. I'd love to be an art teacher or an art professor.
Q: What's next?
A: Continuing the blog, continuing to shoot, but also working my ass off at my normal job. I have a couple weddings coming up in 2018 and I'm excited to start that chapter of my photo journey! I'm also taking time to enjoy myself now that I don't have to stress about schoolwork anymore.
If you have any more questions that I can answer, leave them down below in the comments or message me directly! I'd love to chat and give out some advice about college.