By Gabby Carlson | Echo
Lizzie Wilson '16 Graphic Design
To be honest, this first year out of college has been the hardest of my life. After graduation last may, I went home to Ohio for three weeks and then moved my life to Texas. In a lot of ways, Taylor didn't and maybe couldn't prepare me for what I've experienced since graduating. On a career level, Taylor helped set the foundation for me as a designer with just enough experience to get the job, but there is an incredible amount of learning that happens on the job that can't be taught in a classroom. You have to learn by doing. Not only do you learn the skills necessary to perform your job, you also have to learn the ins and outs of your particular company (mission, values, company leadership and politics) and how you now fit into all that and what you have to offer.
Both professionally and personally, this year has been one of self-discovery-learning who I am and embracing it with confidence and grace (who I am as a woman, a designer, a Christian and so much more). All of my life I've had structures in my life (family, friends, Taylor, the Church) that have fed into me, supported me, encouraged me, challenged me and most importantly, they told me who I was. I lost all of that when I graduated and moved; my entire support system gone (or at least not as close as it once was), and I had no idea who I even was anymore. Everything was constantly changing. It's one of the most terrifying and vulnerable places to find yourself.
But the number one thing I've learned this year is that it's okay-actually so good-to ask questions. To be in a place of vulnerability and to have no idea what you're doing. There is so much learning and growing that happens when you're that uncomfortable. I'm a different person because if it. I've grown to see and know God in a completely different way and reach out to people when I'm in need. It's still so hard, but I have more perspective now that it's been almost a year and I can look back and see so much growth already. And one last thing: you're never, ever alone in this. I have never felt more lonely in all my life than I have this year, but there are people all around you who have been through this before you and understand the feeling. Reach out. It's totally normal and okay to ask questions and not know what you're doing.
