A few weeks ago for Spring Break, I embarked on a “Study Away” trip with Michigan State University’s College of Arts and Letters. The description of the trip was to explore creative industries and cultures in Los Angeles. We would tour creative offices and take in local culture. I had never been to California, but I was applying to jobs in L.A. so I knew I needed to visit. I was so nervous when the trip finally came around.
Study Away
This past year has been the craziest, most difficult, most fulfilling year of my life. To say my emotions are like a rollercoaster is an understatement. Part of me was worried that L.A. wouldn’t live up to my expectations and I’d have to start my career search from page one again. Part of me was nervous that I wouldn’t make friends with my classmates. I was nervous that we wouldn’t have time to explore Los Angeles from a personal perspective as well as a professional one. I also lost a dear friend the weekend before the program began and had attended his funeral hours before my flight took off. Like I said, rollercoaster.
Study Away
I keep trying to think of the words to describe how amazing the program was. As soon as I landed all of my doubts and hesitations faded. I knew that I was doing something special. Everything about the trip and the program were amazing. There is nothing I would change. We toured Warner Brothers Studio, Disney Studio, Prop Heaven, Mocean, and Pandemonium. Some other highlights were speaking with Jack Epps, Bill Mechanic, and Peter Stougaard. I also became friends with some of the most compassionate, funny, inspiring people I’ve ever met.
If you were to see my Instagram story while I was in L.A. it would have looked like I got 3 credits to go on vacation. I won’t lie. I had a blast. But I also learned so much about myself and what I want for my life after I graduate. It is so important to remember that work can actually be fun. There is absolutely no reason that you shouldn’t feel totally fulfilled every day of your life. I’m lucky that I figured out that I could combine my passions to create a career. I know that every day I will wake up excited to go to work.
While we were driving to a comedy show at the Upright Citizens Brigade our car was singing a variety of songs from Cheetah Girls to Shallow. In the middle of it, one of my classmates laughed and said “I love my life.”. I think we all could agree. My trip to L.A. was so special to me and I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned with me after I graduate. For my final project for the program, I decided to write a song and make a video-slideshow. It portrays my emotions about the trip and displays my love for music. Enjoy!