Always Aim for the Best (How My MFA Acceptance Changed Everything)

I'm proud to announce that I've been accepted into my MFA in Film and Television from my dream school in Atlanta. It made me believe and inspire people to always aim for their dream. You can't get what you desire if you don't even put a hat in the ring. My MFA acceptance letter was a calling and a reminder that my hard work deserved what I wanted and feel so blessed for what lead me to this point as well. Here are some tips to help those who want to succeed.

1. Work Hard for YOU

I used to work hard for others, but I had to remind myself that if I worked hard for others that it's also for myself. If you're not working for yourself either, than it gets harder to remain motivated. You also have to figure out what is the goal when you work. Is it for just financial? Is it to achieve your dream? Is it because you feel good? Or do you not know?

Either way, figure out your reasoning. Realize that waiting for an opportunity is different from giving yourself the opportunity. Don't work hard because other people tell you or into a position you don't want to be. You have to work because you are doing it for yourself. And remember if you are not happy, you don't have to stay and work hard for the wrong people. Life is too short to burn yourself out for the wrong people.

2. Strive for Better When Rejected

I can tell you flat out I've been rejected from job applications I don't know how many times, had customers and coworkers that weren't satisfied even when it wasn't my fault etc. But you know what it made me strive to look for a new tactic or a new way to deal with things. If I was rejected from an application, it just wasn't for me or it wasn't time yet. I had to rewire my brain to not take it personally. However, I did strive to be a better person and worker for dealing with the rejection. If my friends or colleagues panicked about rejection my solution, whether agreeable or not was, "What's the worst they're going to say, No?"

I go by you strive for your best even when rejected. If things don't work out, maybe it's not meant to be at THIS moment. You just have to find a better solution and go around it. And yes it is hard not to take it personally. But it's okay to look for a plan B and not let the rejection take over. You have to have thick skin to be happy wherever you go. So start early! And if you don't know how to handle it get advice! It's okay to ask for help and collaboration over a rejection or something that didn't turn out the way you wanted it.

3. Be Patient and Remind Yourself It's Worth It!

Love what you do, strive for what you want and remind yourself it takes TIME. It doesn't happen overnight. What's great about it is that in the process of being patient and continuing your steps is that when you finally do get to a point in your life where you're happy with your goal, you've grown so much. Your life, your goals, your meaning of being happy is worth every second. So just be patient. If you really want to be that thing or person you want to be, you will find a way to make it work.

The reason I aim this to you is to show you that no it's not easy, but it is worth it. I went into a major in undergrad I had no idea about other than how to edit. I started from an artist who didn't know where to go, to a videographer who strives for a new story and is confident telling it. That was over the course of almost 6 years now. And because I knew my worth, told myself that the risk of rejection was there, I still applied and got accepted into my dream school. I put my hat in the ring, did my research and am now confident to be getting my MFA which I've been wanting to do for a while. Don't wait for your opportunities, make them happen. Even if you're scared, be courageous. It's better to try and fail then not try at all.

And as always thank those who do support you! It makes your journey, struggles and life so much easier.