14 Things I Learned From My Last College Spring Break

What is known to be the week of unimaginable amounts of alcohol, major sun burn, and bikinis so small your 13-year-old sister shouldn’t even be able to fit into them turned out the be quite the opposite for me—unless you count the bathing suit bottom I’ve had since middle school, the sun rash on my inner thigh, and the single spontaneous shot of tequila we took on the strip. After catching up with a few high school friends in DC, I traveled south with three of my college friends to spend the week kicking back on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. It was my first and last tropical spring break, but believe me, it was no Panama City. There were lots of old people and ice cream shops. We watched sunsets next to families and shared peanut butter and jelly donuts and went on walks to nowhere. The wildest party we had was falling asleep after too many crab legs. But we laughed a lot. We even cried a little. We talked, and sat in silence, and smiled, and made memories. It was a wonderful time.

My favorite part about getaways and vacations (aside from the fancy stationary pens they leave you in hotel rooms) is the brain space it grants you. Staring at the sea and the sky makes you think. I did a lot of this. Staring out a car window also makes you think. I did a lot of this too. Also—I’m just a sappy, thinky person. So naturally this blog post makes a lot of sense. Here’s a run down of what ran though my brain this past week. I hope you get as much out of these moments and realizations as I did, or even come to your own truths. Let’s start shallow, like the questionable pool at our three star motel.

1. Phones suck.

I don’t understand why we are addicted to distraction. I don’t know why we choose the people on our screens over the people right in front of us. I constantly evaluate whether I am going to burst from the amount of news and entertainment and blogs and emails and updates that I want to (and feel like I have to) read. But when I put my phone away for an entire day while we were here, I remembered what it’s like not to question any of that. And it rocked.

2. Phones rock.

I love sharing my experiences and thoughts with the world. I love being able to take notes when something cool happens and email them to myself so I can write blog posts like this. I love capturing moments with lenses, and seeing what my friends are up to on the other side of the world, and being able to let my parents know I’m safe. I hate Apple maps, but I am grateful every time I open it that I don’t have to unfold a blanket-sized paper one. Thank you, technology.

3. Walks are the best.

I forgot how much I love these things! You get active! They generate thought!  You see cool things! You smell the roses! They make you feel like typing sentences with exclamation marks!

4. So is the sun.

Sunshine doesn’t fix everything, but it fixes a lot. I’ve been trying to figure out why I’ve felt so weird and unmotivated lately, but then I remembered it’s because I’ve been spending the past month with my head in a hood stomping through snow and cursing at the cold. Sunshine feels good and it reminds you to be grateful for life. It recharges your soul. When there’s sun, take advantage of it. Where there’s sun, go. I like to think of it as a natural medicine or herb or drug. Get the D. (But use protection, specifically sunscreen, thank you and you’re welcome)

5. Things can be mended. 

Bad things happen. People will hurt you, intentionally and unintentionally. But I know two things. One, people make mistakes. Sometimes really big ones. And two, people can change. I know these things because I’ve done both. The second was a result of the first. Humans suck, and you and I are not excluded. But humans can also be really great, too. Forgiveness is hard, but it is important. And I’m still learning. The third thing I’ve learned may be the most important, and that is that things can be mended. Broken friendships and relationships get better with time (key word is time). But know that while some things fix themselves, a lot of things things don’t fix themselves—at least not at first. It involves communication, and effort, and proof that that person is not just trying to make things better for the heck of it, but that they actually want things to be better.

6. Mending looks different every time.

No scar or crack heals or gets filled in the same way or in the same amount of time. I’ve learned that you can’t put an expiration date on hurt.

7. Some people just won’t get it.

Every situation is unique. Some things mend differently than others, and not everyone will understand. And it’s not your job to convince them.

8. What people think of you is not a reflection of you.

It is a reflection of themselves, or where they are at in their head or day or process. I’ve discovered that when people are being rude, it’s usually because something has happened to them. If a person says something mean, it’s because of an experience they’ve had or a perception they’ve created in their reality that isn’t necessarily true of your reality (Thank you, The Four Agreements). When someone is acting annoyed or irritated, they are dealing with emotions they may be handling or hiding. I know that doesn’t really make what they say or do any better or less hurtful. But it helped me stop questioning myself and my actions when I realized this. There is something that person has to figure out for themselves. Let them, and you go on with yo bad self.

9. Sometimes what other people think of you is a reflection of you.

Are you noticing patterns?

10. Your parents are your ultimate teachers.

Stop right now and go thank (or give thanks if they are no longer with you) your parents for being them. I don’t care if they are or were the best or the worst—they provided you with a foundation for your life to mold and learn from. I am infinitely grateful for mine. I have realized so much about myself and my habits; who I want to be and who I don’t. How your parents raised you and where they raised you is a part of your life story—more than you even know. I realized this while talking to my friends this week. This is my moment to tell the world that my parents are fantastic, fantastic people. I love them not only for giving me life, being in my life, and providing for me in life, but teaching me what I know and how I know it.

11. Nature is talking to us.

I’m going to be honest with you. I’m 21, and big waves freak me out. But I noticed something: the big waves were never as scary as I thought they were when I swam straight into them, or turned around and rode with them. But they were always scary when I ran away and hope they didn’t hit me. Nature is always trying to tell us something. Catch my drift?

12. Seagull attacks are a real thing.

A seagull literally took a bite out of my friend’s sandwich. I couldn’t make this stuff up, folks. But what was really fascinating and infinitely less upsetting was the evening we watched a 12-year-old boy play with a flock of seagulls by leading them with a single Cheez-it. Magic. At first I was terrified for his life, then I laughed with him, then I was transfixed in pure awe. It was one of the most beautiful things I have seen a very long time. I felt liberated through this little boy; he was having the time of his life. He was so innocent. So free. The most amazing part is that he was in control, and he didn’t even know it. This made me think about my own life.

13. The times you feel the most lost, you never actually are. 

This is a common theme in my life, because I’m graduating and I’m scared and sad. This would not be the first time, but I’ve realized that this is probably going to happen a lot in life and I am okay with it. I started thinking of all the transitionary periods in my life. I look back and realized I got through all of them. Every single one. And the best part is, when I think about where I am now, every “next” stage turned out even better than I imagined it. I felt lost, but now I realized I never actually was. I was just scared. The plan for our lives is already mapped out, and even better than we know. A friend told me “If you don’t feel lost, then you are safe. And if you’re safe, then you will never grow.” Fear is a sign that you are putting yourself out of your comfort zone, and that’s where all the good stuff happens. Guess what? Everything is going to be okay.

14. Light follows.

Just like the seagulls, light follows. Or at least—that’s what we thought. We watched the sun set every night. The first evening, I noticed the reflection of the sun in the water created a path of orange light leading straight to my feet in the sand. I smiled to myself. A sign from the universe just for me, right? The second evening, my friend Meredith said something about it. I told her I was thinking the same thing yesterday, and we shared the moment. The third evening, we noticed the path of light led back to us yet again. All of a sudden, it was not cute anymore. I walked down the beach to solve the mystery. As it turns out, the trail of sun traveling across the water directly to my feet followed me wherever I went. It followed everyone. I was pissed! This was supposed to be a sign, what the heck! I returned with the bad news. They gasped in horror. Then we laughed for a long time. I felt so stupid. We were mad the magic wasn’t ours. But then I realized that wasn’t true. The magic was ours; it everyone’s. And that made it even more real. The world doesn’t revolve around me. It doesn’t revolve you. There’s enough light to go around.

The world is a big place. But the sun will find and follows us wherever we go.

37 things I learned from being a producer

Beyonce once said, “It takes a true bad ass to run shit.” But the truth is, Beyonce never said that. And I am not a true bad ass. But the good news is after my first experience as a producer for the student short film, On The Run, I’m 5% there.

People are often like, “What even is a producer? What does a producer do?” Well, well, well. Step into my office.

A producer oversees the creative and business aspects of the production. They help steer the film from it’s conception to it’s completion.  They work behind the scenes. They handle the day to day operations, and act as the point of contact for the film. Sometimes I was out and about running errands. Sometimes I was at a desk typing and scribbling away. Sometimes I held stuff on set. Sometimes I went to the car or to the store to get food or coffee or a prop we forgot. A lot of times, I was making calls and talking to people and convincing and asking and bribing (legally, of course) and scheduling and preparing.

I saw a lot more documents than I ever wanted to see, dealt with more people than I thought I’d ever have to, and got really good at professional-sounding emails and a grown-up phone voice. I was the organizer, the solver, and the handler. I wore whatever hat I was handed, whenever and wherever. But my main job was to bring a team together, create an environment where that team could flourish, and then let my team do their job. And that’s how it all happened.

Being a producer is about being a little bit of reckless, and a lot bit of graceful. It’s busy, and then slow. It’s boring, then exhilarating. And like any job, it has it’s ups and downs.

The cool thing about any job in any field is that when it comes down to it, we all essentially have the same goal: to get the job done. Being a producer taught me about the ins and outs of filmmaking and business, but it also taught me about life and professionalism on a larger and more universal scale. Here are some things I learned along the way.

1. Your first option should never be your only option.

2. Your first option is often not your best option.

3. Never be afraid to ask. Just spit it out. Ask ask ask, or you will never know.

4. People are more kind and willing to give than you realize.

5. People are also hard to deal with.*

6. Negotiate. Everything is a balance.

7. Risk is a wonderful, terrifying, very important thing. Befriend it.

8. (See 7) Realize that when you take risks, shit will most definitely hit the fan. Know that in advance. Be okay with it. Prepare for any and every outcome. Handle with grace and care.

9. Often, things don’t go as planned.

10. (See 9) Often, it’s a blessing in disguise.

11. Rely on your team. They are your allies, your bloodline, your heartbeat, your everything.

12. Know you can’t do it alone.

13. Know you will have to do some things alone.

14. Dance parties are important. (Especially in parking lots at 3am)

15. A team that bonds together is a team that stays together.

16. Learn how individuals on your team react and respond. Tailor the delivery of your compliments and critiques to each person. Think about how your words will best be received.

17. You don’t have to be an asshole to get things done.

18. If you don’t like something, say so.

19. If you do like something, say so.

20. Days and nights will get long. People will get tired. People will be stressed. Things will be said. Feelings will get hurt.

21. “Don’t take it personal” is easier said than done. But really—don’t take it personal. You can’t afford to. There is no time to sit and toil over it. Keep moving.

22. Don’t just communicate, communicate well. Be clear. Be concise. Be transparent. With everyone. Always.

23. Sometimes you will feel useless. And it’s not anyone else’s job to make you feel otherwise, which sucks. What you choose to do about it is up to you.

24. Starting early is never early enough. Start earlier.

25. You will probably cry.

26. You will definitely laugh.

27. You will definitely eat a lot of food. And consume more sugar than you ever thought you would, or could.

28. But don’t chug two Coca-colas back to back after 1am. Seriously.

29. No one wants to be the one to crack down, but someone has to be the one to crack down, and when you are the one to crack down, people will get upset. You have to learn how to get over that super quick. 

30. You will mess up. 

31. (See 30) Sometimes you can fix it. Sometimes you can’t.*

32. (See 31) It will feel like it’s the end of the world, but it’s not. I promise.

33. When you are forced to choose between your pride or the project—choose your project. Always. 

34. Things will get broken, both literally and figuratively. Your job is to put the pieces together, but know that sometimes you will have to pick the pieces up, too.

35. Prioritize the right things. Think smart. Work smart.

36. If you come to the table with a problem, don’t forget to bring a solution.

37. Always, always, always give thanks, appreciation, and love. Constantly, genuinely, and graciously.

*Take tylenol as necessary. Or a shot of whiskey.

As a person who fell in love with filmmaking after making Youtube videos at a young age, I am used to having creative control. I have always been the one to conceive the idea, execute the idea, and edit the idea. But to step back and orchestrate a team was different. I had to trust that my team could do the job and carry out the vision. And they did.

Making a student film while juggling the actual task of being an student, an employee, and a real life semi-functioning human being with social and physical needs is hard. Creative work is draining, but rewarding and beautiful, and that’s why we do it. Having a big vision is a big task. It’s not easy. It’s not predictable. I was not perfect. I did good. I did bad. I messed up along way. But that’s the extraordinary part about this and about life. You learn as you go, and put the lessons learned under your belt for next time.

Sources: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/757_producer

This post is dedicated to my incredible, wonderful, and hilarious team members of Track 02 productions. Becca, Wells, and Tyler—I love you!

From One Intern to Another: How to get the best out of your internship

You’ve scoured every LinkedIn article, and you’ve googled “How to be a great intern” at least eleven times. You’ve bought five new dress shirts, a new blazer, and the notebook that you’ve had your eye on too. You know to arrive a few minutes early each day, to always dress and act professionally, and to constantly be taking notes. While all of these things are important, has anyone actually told you how to get the best out of your internship? I’m no seasoned professional, but as someone who was where you’re about to be less than two weeks ago—and for the very first time—I may have a little something to offer. Your internship doesn’t have to be just an internship; it can be a life-changing experience. Here are some ways to get the very best out of your summer, spring, or fall internship.

Introduce yourself.

Say hello and introduce yourself to as many people as you can during your first week. Make an effort to truly remember names. It’s good to recognize the people you’ll be emailing and working with—and it’s also good to put your name and face out there as well.

Be proactive. Be bold. Be brave.

You’ll have daily tasks given to you by your supervisor. But one of the most incredible parts of having an internship is that you have the opportunity and ability to experience and explore a variety of things. You have a building full of resources at your fingertips; use it! Whether it’s an informational interview, sitting in on a morning meeting, going on a shoot, or shadowing someone in or out of your department—be straightforward about what you want to do and what you would like to try. No one will necessarily tell you to try things, so it’s up to you to bring these ideas to the table. Often times, you’ll be rewarded and even recognized for showing initiative. Most supervisors understand that internships are all about learning, and are there to help and support you in making that happen.

Be open to learning.

When something is thrown your way, welcome it with open arms as a learning experience—or even as a challenge.

Try new things and ask questions.

Sit with someone and watch what they do, and ask questions about how they do it. Despite what you are specifically interested in, there are many pieces that go into the making of the whole. Expand your knowledge on every aspect of what your company does. You’ll look better for it.

Be flexible.

Sometimes you will be given a task outside of your daily duties and what you’re used to doing. Be present in these moments. They end up being some of the best learning experiences.

Carry your notebook…everywhere.

And I mean everywhere. You never know when you’ll be asked to do a small task, or be told something awesome or inspirational that you want to remember forever.

Reach out when you are inspired or intrigued.

If you appreciate or admire someone—tell them. I know you may feel like you’re a bother at first, but the truth is: people love to be flattered. Although this is true, always be genuine in your efforts and your interests. Ask to chat over coffee or lunch. Some people like to bring a list of questions, and some like to make it more conversational; find what’s best for you. Most people are happy to tell you their stories, how they got to where they are, and how you can be successful too.

You’re a part of a team now.

Someone once told me, “You’re never just an intern.” From the day you begin your internship until the very end—you are part of the team. Everyone works together and helps one another to achieve the greater goal of an awesome project, production, show, or brand. What you do is not isolated; you can have a positive or negative effect on it all.

Don’t take it personally.

Although everyone is usually welcoming and friendly, everyone also has a job to do. A lot of the times people are busy-busy, so if someone happens to come across as rude or cold in an email or in person—it’s not usually you. Send an email before you approach someone, or ask them if they’re busy when you drop by. There may be a lot going on during crunch time. 

Better detailed than not.

It’s always better to dial it back than to not give it enough the first time around. 

Anticipate how you can help.

During my internship, I often transcribed interviews for producers to skim through for story ideas. They were usually pages and pages (and pages) long, so I always tried to highlight a few potentially interesting lines and note when a new topic began. Going the extra mile is well worth it. You’ll stand out.

Always be ready to think on your toes.

Things happen, and sometimes there’s nothing you can do. But if there is an opportunity to fix something, don’t be afraid to propose a quick solution. You could be the one to save the day.

You will make mistakes.

And that’s okay. It’s part of the process. But what matters is that you are learning from it, and that it shows.

Be honest.

This all depends on your line of work, and how many people are assigning you tasks during your internship. But if you’re swamped—say so. Be honest about how much you are working on, and give a truthful estimate as to when you’ll be able to help that person. The great Jackson 5 once said, “A, B, C, as easy as ‘I’m working on something now, but I can get to this in about fifteen to twenty minutes. I will update you as soon as I start.'” This is always better than saying you can do something, and not turning it in until five hours later.

Prioritize.

If you are interning somewhere with a million things happening at once and a thousand requests from a handful of people, things can become overwhelming at times. Who’s request do I complete first? Will I be able to get everything done? As someone who struggles with prioritizing, the best advice I’ve ever received from someone is to “Work deadline to deadline.” Whenever you receive a task or request, ask for the due date or deadline. Work in order of what’s needed first.

Delegate.

Like I said before, you’re part of the team now. If you have a huge task to take on and you’re being honest with yourself about the amount of work it will be—split it up between you and the other intern/interns, if possible. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seriously.

Much of the knowledge I acquired throughout my internship, in addition to being taught, is from asking for help. When a producer once asked me to find multiple clips of someone saying “obsessed” in an archive full of tapes, I asked what would be the best and most efficient way to find it, and she helped me with no problem. You will always be able to find people who are willing to help. Take advantage of that. But always remember to look it up before you ask, and to write it down so you remember for next time—and the next person.

Beat the “nothing to do” blues.

Even when you’ve asked every single person in the office if they need help and they’ve all said, “No, but thanks”—there is always something to do. If there really is nothing to do, then create something to do. Research trends, make a presentation, write an analysis, or even organize the storage closet. Act upon your ideas. As always—you’ll stand out.

Attitude is everything.

I love the saying “Your energy introduces you before you even speak.” You set the tone for your day, as well as anyone else’s that you come into contact with. Be positive, be friendly, and be you. It goes a very long way.

Walk into every day like it’s your first day.

I’m no stranger to first-day jitters, but I do believe in a little thing called “first-day glow.” You may be shaking in your boots, but there’s a total sense of confidence, professionalism, and brightness that you exude walking into your very first day on the job. You’re dressed to the impress, you want to prove yourself, and you’re ready to learn. Bring that same energy, confidence, and sparkle every other day, all the way until your last day. Another day, another slay—am I right?

Connect.

Just because you’re only there for a few months doesn’t mean that you can’t build real relationships. I’ve met the most amazing people, made the most incredible connections, and found life-long friends in just one summer: from interns throughout the building, to producers and production assistants in the newsroom, to the people in the media center and at the security desk and working valet. At the end of your internship, don’t forget to write thank you notes (you don’t have to limit it to just your supervisor) and exchange contact information. Working hard and being professional always comes first—but be a real person too. Ask someone about their day, or their weekend. Talk about your goals and aspirations. That could be the person to open the next door in your career for you. Even if that’s not the case—at least you made someone smile.

Time is short but sweet.

Let me tell you—time flies. Make every single moment count. Don’t wait until the last minute to do all the things you want to do. Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, and create opportunity for yourself. Most importantly—be fearless. You’ll be glad you were in the end.

Leave your mark.

Every time I embark on a new journey or chapter in my life, I ask myself: “How will leave my mark?” How can I make this place better? How do I want to be remembered? What kind of imprint do I want to leave? You don’t have to set the world on fire, or create something extravagant. But I’ve learned that little things can leave the biggest impact. With that being said—what kind of mark do you want to leave?

On the first day of my internship, the other intern whom I worked closely with this summer, Tessa, sat down with me for lunch. Not only was it my first day after she had already been there for a few weeks, but it was her eighth internship while it was only my first. I told her how intimidated I was, and she told me something I’ll never forget. 

“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

We laughed, and she told me it was her motto for the summer. I gave her a big hug and stuck it on a sticky note next to my desk. It quickly became the theme of my summer too, and I’m glad it did.

So now I’ll ask you.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

The only way for this to be the best experience of your life, is to make it the best experience of your life. Fall into this experience with open arms, an open heart, and an open mind. Go after what you want, and soak up every moment of it.

You were chosen for a reason, and you’re going to do great. Do good, be good, and work hard. Congratulations, and best of luck!

Mia Brabham is a senior at James Madison University in Virginia, studying Media Arts and Design with a minor in Creative Writing. She was recently a Summer 2015 production intern at E! News in Los Angeles, California. After graduating, Mia wants to direct, write, act, produce, and eventually host her own television show. You can find her on Twitter at @yourstrulymia_.

School Year Resolutions

Well hello there!

If you know anything about me, you know that I am a huge fan of two things:

inspiration, and organization.

So when I stumbled across this blog, you know I was double excited.

For her blog  A Glitter Affair, Chantel wrote a post about her New Semester Resolutions. She shares some awesome tips about getting excited and organized for the new school year, or the new semester.

I thought this was an absolutely fantastic idea. So I wrote a list myself! Here are my School Year Resolutions.

Academic Resolutions:

+ Homework before play, always. Some people are most motivated to do their work right after class. Some need time to unwind. I’ve bounced between the two, as my study habits have changed from semester-to-semester depending on what kind of classes I am in. And as of last semester? I am the latter of the two. When I get home from school and work, looking at my 50 page reading is the last thing I want to do. I find myself diving into my work anyways, only half focused, reading things over and over because it’s not what I really want to be doing. I think I’m helping myself by making myself getting it done, but I’m really only wasting precious time. Prevent this by giving yourself a 30-minute-free-for-all. When you get out of class, give yourself a 30 minute break to snack, watch TV, relax on the quad, whatever. When those 30 minutes are up, do your work. Like Chantel, I am going to put my phone in a completely different room, and study. When you finish, you’ll be glad you have the rest of the day to relax.

+ Break it up. Rather than reading a whole chapter the day before it’s due, read a little bit each day, and stick to it. It’s less dreadful.

+ Stop jumping around. Focus on one task, complete it, then move on to the next. It saves you so much unneeded stress.

+ If you need help, just fricking ask. That’s what teachers and tutors are there for.

+ It’s going to be hard, but read the chapter before you go to class. Chantel had the bright suggestion to highlight all of the concepts you don’t understand, and write down any specific questions you may have. Then you have a basic knowledge of the material, and you might even be a little bit more engaged in what’s going on.

+ Everyone loves new things, okay? Figure out what school supply gets you excited, and get a new one. Just call me highlighter happy.

+ RE-find your study place. One semester, it was outside at a table under a tree. Another semester, it was at a desk in the corner of the library. A different semester, it was in my room. It may take a few times of shopping around to see which spot suits you best. When you find it, stick with it. But here’s the key. When you start getting bored of it, don’t force yourself to stay there. That’s a fatal mistake. You’ll lose concentration, and you will waste your time. Find a new spot again. You’ll look forward to studying, and you’ll actually stay focused.

+ Make study guides as you go. At the end of every chapter. For every test. Don’t wait until finals week to create study guides. It’ll make hell week a little more bearable. 10 chapters x 5 classes + 1 week to do it? You solve that equation.

 

Health Resolutions:

+ Do not stay up until 3AM every night. Just don’t.

+ Really, don’t stay up until 3AM every night.

+ Listen to your body. Don’t push yourself. Nourish it. Take care of it. It’s the only one you have.

+ I want to really take care of my hair this year. I want to let it grow out, so I’m going to work on keeping it healthy.

+ Drink more water. I don’t want my insides to look like SpongeBob inside of Sandy’s dome anymore. Drink some when you get up, and drink some before you go to bed. Carry a water bottle around with you all day. You’ll be more inclined to drink it. Pinky up.

+ You like to dance. So dance. Take one zumba/world beat/cardio dance party class every week. Just one. It’s fun. You let off some steam. And you never not feel great afterwards. It’s a win/win, really.

 

Work Resolutions:

I have an on-campus job as the student videographer and photographer at my university’s career and academic planning center. This will be my second year working there, and I absolutely love it.

+ Be a great team member.

+ Be a great leader.

+ Leave your school stress at home, and your work stress at work. Whatever you do, do not cross the two. I’m going to have to really buckle down on this one.

+ Continue to be organized at work. I print out a monthly calendar from Google, and put it on the front of my work binder to see all the important dates and fairs coming up. In my school planner, I choose one color for my work events/dates, and write them down there as well.

+ There’s a new Dunkin’ Donuts on the first floor, but try not to eat everything.

 

Social Resolutions:

+ It’s my junior year, but I want to continue to be open to meeting people. Not even for the sake of friendship, but because people are interesting in general. Engage with the stranger on the bus. Talk to the person sitting next to you in class. Everyone has a story to tell. Take time to hear it. Take time to learn. You might find friends in the most unlikely places.

And I’m in two already, but…

+ Join one more club. Just one. I might want to shoot my foot off, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

I have found the more you are involved with your school, the more you love it.

 

 

Now, I know many people are turned away just by the idea of resolutions. They are convinced they never last, or that they are just for show. But I am convinced that anything and everything is possible. If you want it bad enough, and if you truly have a desire to better yourself, it can most definitely happen- no questions asked. If you stumble a few times, hey, that’s life. Just keep on trying. It’s been done before, and it can be done again. You are not the exception. You can do it too, just like everyone else. No matter how small, or how big the goal is.

 

This is a clean slate for you. Take advantage of it.

 

I hope these tips and ideas from myself as well as Chantel have been helpful to you. I know I’m going to print out my list and smack it on my cork board above my desk! Leave a comment below, or create a list of your own resolutions. Writing down your goals make them more real, more visible, and more attainable. I can’t wait to hear them!

 

I wish you the best of luck going into the next semester.

 

Cheers to the new year!

 

To check out my new blog, click here.

 

The truth is,

Yesterday I posted the first episode of my new Youtube series, Life Talks with Mia.

First off, thank you so much for watching! I’ve always felt super passionate about these kinds of things and it’s really cool to me that you took 10 minutes (hopefully) out of your day to watch this. I’m thinking this will be one of the longer Life Talks, it won’t always be so long – there was just a lot to cover. So thank you again!

Now bear with me.

Second.

Contrary to popular opinion,

This was actually terrifying for me. Haha.

As every one else does, I have thoughts. Opinions.

But I have never been one to invest in conversations about things like this the way I know I should. I’ll say a PART of what I feel, but I know I don’t address the issue in a way that can make a difference.

Why, as humans, are we all so scared to share what we think?

I don’t know how you feel about it, but to me,

uh,

it’s terrifying.

It’s so easy for the other person to judge you. Think differently about you. Disagree. Attack you.

I was scared because I could be wrong. I could sound completely stupid.

But there’s no more of that.

I thought it was about time to speak up.

The truth is: YES,

Some people will judge you. Some people will think differently about you. Some people will disagree and will attack you.

Yes, I will be wrong sometimes. Yes, I will also sound like a complete idiot occasionally.

Or more than occasionally.

But why should that stop you?

By attempting to challenge the way you and others think, listening and considering the opinions of others, risking looking stupid,

you are doing more for yourself than you have ever done before.

You are learning.

So I’m in this super super cool class this semester called GHUM: Great Works. The topic of the class is actually “Writing the Self.” We have the most incredible readings.

I’ll be reading, and then I’ll turn to my roommate and be like OH MY GOSH YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS.

There were three essays we read within the first two weeks that changed my perspective on everything. This is basically what I got from them:

Be a daredevil.

Speak up.

Some people, and many more than you think, will genuiunely want to hear what you have to say.

By some small chance, hey, they might even agree.

By some small chance, they may not.

If they don’t agree, maybe they will change their mind.

If they don’t change their mind, at least they’ll have something think about it,

and you’ve done your job.

Then we received this first assignment, and I thought:

What a better time and way to start what I’ve been trying (but hesitating) to do for so long?

For the longest time I thought “living” or “being adventurous” was walking a new way across campus.

Well, more or less.

Getting in the car with your friends at midnight and driving around town. Trying a new restaurant. Or maybe just a new flavor latte at Starbucks.

That’s all great, really.

But truly living and truly being adventurous is being scared,

but taking that leap anyways.

SPEAK UP.

Don’t argue to be right. Argue to make others think.

Be respectful.

Be open to others.

Be honest.

But most importantly, be kind.

You and me both have the coolest super power in the world.

The power to speak up.

And our generation has got to learn to embrace it, not run from it.

This series is going to be completely uncensored.

No holding back.

I’m going to be totally vulnerable and completely honest.

So go easy on me, alright? 😉

Body Image is only the beginning.

I’m going to talk about things that hurt, that are awkward, that are wonderful, that are scary, that are alarming, that are inspiring. I will talk about the good, the bad, the ugly, things I hate, things I love, things that personally terrify me to talk about or say out loud.

I am telling you now that I have absolutely no intention – now, or in the future – of being offensive. Sometimes we have to dig deep to get to the good stuff.

I want this to be a discussion. I encourage and would LOVE if you left a comment and told me your opinion.

Well, not of me, of course.

But the topic.

How do you feel? What do you believe? What do you think? What have you learned? What have you experienced that relates?

I want you to exercise speaking your mind and not just having an opinion,

but OWNING your opinion.

I may look back at this video and my future Life Talks in 50 years. Or 5.

Most likely tomorrow.

And regret it all.

I may have a completely different view in 10 years, 1 year, or in 1 week.

We change, it’s natural.

But these are just my thoughts for now, and this is what I think.

I’m just here to shed some light on human experience.

And thennnn every other (other) week you can watch me have fun and be goofy and be the young adult that I am. Lolz.

The truth is, I’m a 19 year old girl who knows nothing. But I may have a little something to offer the world.

I can’t wait to go on this journey with you guys. I hope you decide to do the same.

Stay classy loves 🙂

Yours truly,

Mia.

If you’ve ever had a dream.

Hey friends!

As you may or may not know,

I make YouTube videos.

I’ve been making videos since I was 12, in 7th grade.

Today, a really sweet fan commented and told me that he was too nervous to tell his friends face to face that he likes to act and goes to stage school. He’s scared of how they will react. He asked me for advice on how to build confidence.

I really, really love when my fans and subscribers open up to me. I told him something like this:

It’s completely okay. I used to have this problem.

I still do.

But you have to continuously work through it. It’s what makes you stronger.

For many people, especially in the creative field, it’s hard to open up about what you love to do. It’s a hard thing to explain. Quite honestly, it can be embarrassing. It has been for me, more times than one. Many do not understand the motives, concepts, and beauty behind hobbies and careers like acting, writing, designing, and making videos and films. They don’t view it as “legitimate.”

“You can’t make a living that way.”

“Do you get paid enough?”

“That’s not a real job.”

“Do you think you’ll make it?”

“You must have a lot of time.” (This one kills me. It’s almost laughable. Believe me, it’s the thing we don’t have enough of…)

Art is weird. Art is being vulnerable. As writers, designers, artists, actors, musicians, and most importantly – visionaries – we are some of the most vulnerable people on the planet.

We expose ourselves, for everyone and anyone to see, examine, interpret, and most terrifying of all – criticize.

Instantaneously, I understood everything my fellow innovator was asking me, and more. I knew and could comprehend every single feeling and the exact emotions that were packed into his question.

How?

Because I have been there before.

It definitely gets easier to handle. At first, you will be super embarrassed and scared to tell people. That’s a given. But you have to (and you will) get to that point where you say to yourself, “Hey, I’m proud of what I love to do.” 

Here’s my advice to you: 

When you are scared to say it to your friends,

don’t think twice about it.

If they ask you, and you get scared, just sort of spill it right then. Don’t over think it. Don’t think about the outcome, what they will say, or what they won’t say. You can deal with that later.

When you own what you like to do, and especially (especially especially especially) when you start saying it out loud, you begin to believe it, and more importantly, you begin to believe in yourself.

You will get there eventually. It’s a process, and it will continue to be. But that’s all the fun of life!

You got it :]

My utmost respect goes out to the people who have the courage and bravery to do what they love, and not apologize for it.

And that’s who I have decided I will be.

I truly wish you everyone of you who are reading this the courage and best luck in all of your endeavors – no matter what you aspire to do or be! As long as you are alive, be dreaming. Let your passion guide you. It’s your passion for a reason.

Never fear the fall.

xo

Yours Truly,

Mia.

~

“To live a creative life, we must not lose our fear of being wrong.”

-Joseph Chilton Pearce