This year has been such an adventure. From getting accepted into the University Honors Program, completing my second co-op rotation at Audible, and getting an internship at Google, it has been crazy different, and fun!
(Part I: What? So What?) Where do I even start? I feel like this year has been one of the most exciting years of my life. The decisions I have made thus far, the friends, the connections, and the growth has truly shaped who and where I am today. I'm ready to keep exploring new possibilities for where my major, passions, interests, and travels take me (I'm excited to study abroad in Singapore this fall!). In terms of travel, it was exciting to return to the classroom after my 4 month co-op at Audible, Amazon's audiobook company based in Newark, New Jersey. It was interesting coming from an environment with creative professionals to having to collaborate with peers my age on school projects. I have learned about the importance of work versus school, and also the importance of work life balance. Audible introduced me to new ways of applying career based goals to my in-class interactions. I would probably not have learned these goals and tactics without in-person work exposure in my field as an intern. I will never forget the lessons I've learned at Audible, along with Audible's productivity, energy, and mission! And I'll admit that I am hooked on audiobooks now for life now. What I have learned at Audible has given me great insight as to how I view myself in the future. I feel like my 8 months at Audible has allowed me to get a good gauge of my work ethic, skills, and love for design. I've also learned about the importance of networking, staying positive, and searching for optimism everyday.
(Part II: Now What?) I feel like one of the most important aspects about this year has been the personal development I've experienced. This summer was one for growth and reflection. I have started keeping journals, doing yoga, and understanding thought patterns. I think that by understanding thoughts, one is able to take the next steps towards healing and understanding others. Through personal growth always comes changes - for better or for worse. I feel that the growth I've experienced this summer and this year has benefitted me in positive ways. I've learned more about introspection, myself, and the ambitions and passions of others. I've also learned more about the importance of kindness, hard work, and an open mind. I've furthered my skills of thinking outside of the box and valuing diversity in others. Coming from Audible to Cincinnati's class environment has made me also step back and understand the differences in diversity from all environments I've been living in thus far. I love how Cincinnati has such a diverse mindset in terms of learning, growth, and ideas, whereas Audible's diversity stemmed a lot from individuals of different cultures and backgrounds (two of my closest co-workers I worked with were from Germany and Iceland!) I feel like diversity is really important, and it can often be the driving factor behind innovation, growth, and ultimately - change. Our world is in a constant state of change, moving and developing in one way or another. Even reflecting upon the changes I've had since high school, living in North Canton, and now living in places like Cincinnati, Newark, and (in the future) Mountain View, change is all around. And with this change of environment, I feel like I've been able to give back in each place that I've lived in using my talents, energy, and passion for design and for bettering society. From designing the branding for the Hackathon at Audible, creating and gifting meaningful photographic journey books for my friends who were adopted from China, and continually creating graphics I am passionate about during my time here at Google, this year has been so amazing!