What’s Next? Finding Answers In Times of Personal Uncertainty.
Observing a happy stranger atop the Pyramid of The Sun at Teotihuacan. The Pyramid of the Moon is on the right. ©2021 Dawn Rosenquist. All Rights Reserved
What do you do when you're stuck and wondering what's next in life and your career? That was the question I was asking myself when the company I worked for no longer existed. I worked at an independent production and distribution company, and I loved my job. The challenge and responsibilities excited and fulfilled me, but now it was gone. I didn't know what was next, and at the time, my job was my everything.
My case of the blues became apparent when someone asked me what my passion was. I realized how embarrassed I was when the only answer was the job I no longer had. That was the pivotal moment when my journey started. Looking back, I realized my process to discover my passion was the same path I practiced from childhood. I said yes to everything and showed up. I wanted to try, learn, and give it my all. So with that, I enrolled in school again and began taking classes.
I started taking classes that I always wanted to enroll in but never had time to do while working on my degree. The next few semesters were all about general interest. The subject matter was vast, including cultural anthropology, mythology, philosophy, storytelling, and screenwriting. Then, by the time I completed art history and photography courses, I realized that I wanted to create a brand that fused the art of branding with my love of art.
Going back to school fulfilled me and opened the doors to the world of possibility. By following my curiosity and showing up, I find myself today at a place I never thought I would be, and I am grateful for the journey and the excellent teachers who have helped me get here. I went from taking courses for pure enjoyment to taking classes to remain accountable.
Having started as a marketing, creative, and research executive, I feel like I have come full circle. In the last year, I have been a CEO, head of product development, website designer, mailroom clerk, CMO, photographer, and cleaning lady. This month, I added another responsibility, head of visual display, which happens to be my latest SMC class to keep me accountable. With the help of Lorrie Ivas at SMC, I have created a store-front window in my apartment. The first of many to come.
If this article finds you today, perhaps what helped me can help you too. Reflecting on my childhood and what interested and inspired me back then helped me create a path to seek joy and happiness. I planted the seed for change by giving my attention to what interested and inspired me, which grew by taking classes at a community college and other independent institutions. By taking classes, I educated myself, built new skills, and met more people. When I started this educational journey, I didn't know it would take me here, but I closed out this Fall 2020 semester with 58 credits at SMC and a UC 3.88GPA. I still can't let go of the grade thing, but I'm working on it. My husband reminds me it's not about the grades; it's about the knowledge. I know he's right, but that's me competing against myself. After all, I'm still that little girl that wants to challenge herself to say yes, show up, and be her personal best.
Dawn Rosenquist is a brand marketing strategist and storyteller. She consults for various brands and entertainment studios and is the founder of artskul, a creative lifestyle brand. Visit DawnRosenquist.com and shop artskul.com
