Finding My Passion in a Pandemic

If you had asked me what my post-graduation plans were five months ago, they would look very different than what they do now. Like the rest of the world, my life has changed a lot in the past five months. In March, I was planning on starting a co-op at a large corporate company and could see myself working there full-time after graduation. I am a Marketing major at Drexel University and had planned to pursue Marketing in some capacity as a career. While I had tried out some of my other passions professionally, marketing was the only one that made "sense." However, the past few months' crazinesses made me realize that there may be more to my professional story.

Growing up, I had always had an interest in the design and construction process of homes. However, it was always hard for me to place how this interest affected me professionally. During my time at Drexel, I took a few Construction Management courses and even spent part of my first co-op in a construction-type role. While I enjoyed seeing that side, these experiences made me realize that I don't exactly love doing it for work. While I still enjoy Marketing, going back to it after my real world experience made me feel in a way that I was "settling."

Both my second and planned third co-ops took place in a traditional office setting. While I enjoyed the environment, I kept feeling a longing for a job that had more variability to it. In a perfect world, I felt that my career would consist of traveling, going to meetings, and constantly meeting new people. While I would never wish for the world to shut down again, this "pause" in time has allowed me to explore professionally one passion that brings all of these things together.

I have spent the last few months at the Jersey Shore wondering what would be next for me. When I heard a local interior designer that had worked with my parents was starting their own business, I saw my chance. Interior design brings together my passion for the construction process as well as my communications background. I have spent the last month attending client meetings, getting to know sales representatives, and immersing myself in the design world.

“While it is so easy to feel helpless, this internship has brought a new sense of purpose and passion to my life.”

For the first time in a while, I am excited every day that I go to work. While I am still new to the design world, I already have plans to expand my own portfolio and advance my career professionally. I am so thankful that this opportunity came into my life and changed it for the better.

If living through a global pandemic has taught me one thing, it is never to settle. For me, it was not to settle professionally, but this lesson applies to any part of life. No matter how hard it may seem, or how often you may fail, pursuing your passion will always be worth it at the end of the day.