Don’t Despise Small Beginnings

This time next week I’ll be loading this life I have lived in Tennessee into my white Avalon.  I will begin my journey back to my roots, my home and native land.

Four years ago I said goodbye to the life I knew, took a risk in moving to a new country, and fell in love with the possibility of a bright future.

I knew it would be life changing, I knew that it would be challenging, but I told myself that with God I was up to it. I was scared-but I did it anyways.

In coming to Lee University in a small city called Cleveland, Tennessee I learned the balance of staying true to who I was, and becoming who I’m supposed to be.  I had no idea what I wanted to major in, but I knew my two passions: God and art.  I didn’t want to have to separate the two.  And I strove to be practical about it.

When people would ask me what I want to be when I grow up-I’d tell them I dreamt of having a job that I would love as much as my parents love theirs.  While I had no intentions of going into the medical field as they have, I was still encouraged to find my own passion.

I questioned myself and grew into myself.  I had no idea what I wanted to do but I knew who I wanted to be.  The art of discovering my passions and how I can incorporate them into my every day life has been beautiful.

So after attending a university in Canada for a year and then another whole year in USA still not knowing what my final major would be…I stumbled upon telecommunications.  The idea of communicating thoughts, ideas, stories through images and sound ignited something inside of me.  I put my heart and soul into my classes and discovered the career path that I would pursue.

In May 2011 when I shook the hands of my professors and received my Bachelors of Science in Telecommunications, I actually felt good about it.  Not just because I had a job in my field lined up but because I knew I had found what I wanted to do, and in doing so had found myself.

So after touring Europe for a couple weeks I came back to America and started life in the “real world”.  There is nothing that you can say or do to prepare a recent graduate adequately for this real world-it is something that we all have to go through. It’s not all bad-it’s definitely wonderful-it’s just different.  And sometimes different is hard.  

If I were a writer I’d try to write a book about it, if I were a pastor I’d preach about it, if I were a musician I’d sing about it, but I’m an artist and a reflector so this is all I can say…|

Life is messy, pain is a part of this journey.  It doesn’t always make sense.  But it’s good.

We will meet the most selfish and deceiving people, but even more so we will meet the most selfless and trustworthy people.  What is wonderful is that we have the choice of who we pattern ourselves after.

In being a production manager at a television station, I have had the pleasure of working with a vast number of people.  I have been inspired by the people that are so in love with their jobs-whether they tow trucks, shape the lenses for glasses, create jewelry, sell antiques, cook a good home cooked southern meal, treat patients for allergies, sell insurance, or run a charitable organization-they love what they do.

I’m so blessed to be able to say the same.  I love what I do.  I get excited about directing live television, I am fully engaged while editing footage, and love getting out there and shooting it.  I’m enthusiastic about helping others tell their stories.  I have hit many bumps in the road, have learned from many a mistake but I still can’t see myself doing anything else.

So here’s my heartfelt thanks to my bosses, colleagues and clients.  You have filled these past four years with joy and self-discovery.  As I take this next step towards my future, I’ll forever be grateful for the time I’ve had here in Tennessee.  Both at Lee University and WTNB East TN Television.

In the fall I’ll begin working towards my Masters in Media Production in Toronto, Canada and I’ll do so knowing that I have found a way to incorporate my passions into my everyday living.

So whether you see my name in small print on a big screen, or if you never hear of me again, please know that I’ve made it-cause I’ve found happiness.  Not only in my God and in my personal relationships but also in my professional life.  I love being a director and I love being a photographer–I love what I do.

So one week from today, I’m moving back to Canada for the next chapter. I know it will be challenging, and yes I’m a little scared-but I’m going to do it anyways.

Looking forward,

Jenny

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