Rewind + May | 1 year reflection after graduating
Today’s tidbit: “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road. Celebrate the journey.” — Fitzhugh Mullan
Things have a way of falling into place—you just have to let them. There will be bumps along the way, but that’s what makes us grow and become stronger. You have to stop trying to plan everything, and embrace change and what comes your way.
For my final design class at George Mason University I was tasked with writing and designing a book. With freedom
to choose any topic, I figured there could be no better chance to combine two important aspects of my life—photography and Celiac Disease—in an effort to connect with people diagnosed with the disease on a more personal, positive and colorful level. In “The Ins and Outs of Celiac”, the reader is confronted with a fuller understanding of not only what the disease is but also the people it has affected. This is accomplished through surprising statistics, bold typography and riveting photographs. Instead of focusing on the limitations and the negative, what is “Out”, the focus is on the positive, what is “In”. As someone who has Celiac Disease, instead of thinking of everything I cannot have and the limitations, I believe it is important to realize all the different options out there that we may not have experienced before. I believe life should be thought of in the same way.
Once I finished the book, I sent those who had shared their personal stories a complete copy. Nothing topped the feeling of satisfaction I felt as I received their positive and emotional reactions and sincere appreciation that I wanted to ensure their stories were known. During opening night of the Senior Art & Design Show, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment as I saw person after person flip through my book and watched them get excited over learning more about the disease. After hours of research, countless all-nighters and time spent in the lab and recipes being prepared and photographed, all the work and determination paid off… especially when I heard people say they’d like to purchase the book. It was a huge success and a rewarding experience.
Be sure to click below to read more and check out the slideshow. Enjoy!
And with that, there was only one thing left to do after the Senior Art & Design Show was over… walk, or in my case practically run, across stage. After transferring 3 times and changing majors, it seemed like this day would never come. On May 20th, 2011 I finally graduated! I do think things happen for a reason and I grew as a person and artist at each of the 3 schools I attended. I do not regret any of the decisions I made along the way. Instead, I feel fortunate to have dabbled in so many different college settings and experiences. Nothing was a mistake, simply a new eye opening experience and chance to meet new people.
You are correct on so many levels! I am so proud of your journey to enlightenment, fulfillment and career success and your perspectives on life and its ups and downs. You inspire me! Hope to see that wonderful book published some day soon….
so proud of you sissy, can’t wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish! love you
[…] little background: Once I transferred to GMU and changed my major to graphic design {read more}, I started to get involved with a lot of groups on campus, like AIGA–GMU student group and […]