"Do what makes you happy"

I was born and raised in a small town in southwest Michigan. Most people lived and died there. Generations of the same people stayed in the same place until they became the entire town. Everyone knew who their neighbors were, where they went to school, and what they do for work. You most likely lived down the street from your grandparents and worked in the area. No one ever left. In my mind, it felt like everyone was stuck in place.

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Hearing the words “Do what makes you happy” changed my life. Every big decision I’ve made has been influenced by this phrase. From moving to a big city for college and studying art against the wishes of most people around me to later realizing the act of making art was too enjoyable for me to be stressed about for work. I decided to change my major and study Public Relations and Advertising. It felt like a good combination of having the ability to think creatively while also tapping into my joy of helping people.

 

If I don’t believe I will find happiness in myself after the choice I’ve made, then I don’t make it. The work I do right now makes me happy, and I’m so excited to progress through the field. Even if I don’t end my career at this company or in this field, I know that when I look back, I’ll be satisfied with what I accomplished.