519 Days
I graduated from The Ohio State University in June 14, 2009. 519 days ago I was standing inside the Ohio Stadium with my fellow classmates happy to have completed The Interior Space Design program through The OSU Department of Art, but also emotional when I considered my classmates, my teammates, who I shared the most inspirational and challenging years of my life, would soon be off to conquer the world in their own ways.
The next day I jumped in my truck and went to work as if it were any other day. Although, this day, I had a Bachelor of Science in my hand. My dad told me it may take months, maybe years for this accomplishment to sink in, and I agree, for that today, 519 days ago seems like yesterday.
Now, 2011 is approaching at a rapidly increasing pace. I think back to last year, when I was excited for 2010 to arrive. I was eager for a new decade, a new start, and new inspiration. You see, I work(ed) in real estate. I began in the industry just as the market began to decline. Ever since my mom dragged me to my first open house, at the age of 5, I knew I wanted to participate in real estate in some way, shape or form. The smell of freshly painted walls, the thoughtful house staging, and the innovate architecture blew my mind; I knew this was for me.
I can clearly see that this initial inspiration still drives my spirit today. I've stayed strong through the ups and down of this unpredictable beast of a real estate market. I've been laid off. Twice. I've worked for no pay. I've achieved goals against ridiculous odds. And I still have a passion.
At 23 years old, I've adapted to more shifts to stay relevant in the workplace than some people do in their entire lifetime. My experiences will directly allow me to start a new career and achieve new goals.