Our latest contributor and recent OCAD University graduate, Jiya Puri, is ready to share her hard-earned wisdom with all the graduates going through the same roller-coaster emotions. Here is her story.
It is that time of the year when you see several people taking pictures in their robes, you see graduates proudly donning their caps and gowns, capturing the essence of their hard-earned success.
Graduation marks the culmination of years of hard work, countless late nights, and a rollercoaster of emotions.
It is a bittersweet moment that is simultaneously filled with excitement, nostalgia, and a tinge of apprehension.
As I stand on this momentous milestone, I reflect upon the profound impact it has on my life.
Graduation signifies the end of an era, but it is also the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities and boundless potential.
It is OK to feel anxious…
I find myself in a peculiar middle ground, with the question of whether to embrace the carefree enjoyment of my 20s or to work towards securing my dream future.
On one hand, my 20s are an opportunity for exploration, personal growth, and creating lasting memories.
It’s a time to meet new people, discover new passions, and take risks that may shape my life’s trajectory.
On the other hand, I am aware of the significance of building a secure future. The choices I make today can have long-lasting implications, and investing in my education, career, and personal development is crucial for setting the stage for success down the road.
Jiya PURI
Here’s my view – why pick one when you can have both.
You can be extremely productive and at the same time be fulfilled and happy.
I believe this comes when you choose a career that has meaning for you. When you feel firmly anchored by your beliefs, even on the most challenging of days, you can find strength by reminding yourself of the reasons that brought you to this point.
You need to know who your cheerleaders are.
A lot of the time this anchoring can even come from the people that surround you.
I’ll give you an example. My passion lies in designing spaces for people which is why I eagerly applied to several top firms in my city, expressing my interest in any available positions.
It seemed that everywhere I turned there were only positions for senior levels open which was extremely discouraging after spending four years of my time and money on my education.
I kept trying and after about a hundred applications, I interviewed with this fabulous firm, with a super supportive and positive senior designer that assured me that there are indeed great places to work.
Their focus is on empowering junior designers with more responsibilities in preparation for future promotion to senior roles. Unlike other firms, this one believed in nurturing talent from within rather than outsourcing senior positions.
My point is that sometimes you have to keep looking and stay focused on the goal till what fits right comes along for you.
A tip for new grads and students in general: There will also be friends and mentors, and perhaps even a rare individual who fulfills both roles.
These are the people who you should consciously keep in your life because they possess the power to uplift and inspire you. They are the ones who will provide the necessary boost when you need it the most.
Networking and building lasting relationships are essential aspects of personal and professional growth surrounding yourself with a supportive network of individuals who believe in your abilities and share your aspirations can significantly impact your journey.
This is just the beginning…but there’s nothing you can’t overcome:-)
Here’s something I learned in my four years – success rarely comes without challenges.
The key is to approach setbacks as opportunities for growth and to view each rejection or closed door as a redirection towards something better suited to our unique path.
You may or may not be aware of this, but it’s a fact that every single person in those graduation pictures is experiencing the exact same feeling of being lost or uncertain.
It’s a shared sentiment that often accompanies this transitional phase of life.
However, it’s important for you to know that this feeling is just a temporary phase, and you are more than capable of overcoming it!!!
Life Outside of Design Studio 