511 days ago

It's been 511 days since I've graduated from UMass Amherst and 478 days since my first day entering, well, the rest of my life.

I didn't think I'd be one of those people who won't stop talking about their college days, being a recent grad, missing the university library, not having to worry about grocery shopping, and having a dining hall at every turn. But, here I am, shocker!

With that being said, I really do try to work hard to establish professionalism and not let my age define me. People don't always take the recent college student just as seriously as more tenured folks. Don't get me wrong, I don't pretend to have years of experience or the wealth of knowledge of some industry experts, but I do think I know at least a thing. Maybe two.

Over the last 511 days my mindset has changed completely. Never-mind my routine which was left many moons ago. I have moved from waking up every morning with the overhanging imagination of "What will I do the rest of my life?", to focusing on the now and current "importants" of each day, and then restarting the next.

Over the last 478 days, I've developed into a salesperson. Now, younger me probably would be producing a mental image of a scheming, polished person outside of a car dealership, but I am no where near that and I am really proud of where I am. I've learned critical skills and have been coached by incredibly talented individuals who have given me life-changing feedback and advice. Sales isn't for the weak either - tough skin has grown an inch on my arms each day.

I don't regret any single one of those 478 days. What I do regret is how I've siloed...in myself?

Looking back at my life 511 days ago - I wore a lot more hats. In the professional world, wearing too many hats often leads to burnout and disengagement. Too many hats equals not enough staff and working multiple jobs for the paycheck of one. I don't want to burn myself out and I definitely don't want to be living underneath a pile of sticky notes and ringing calendar notifications with new responsibilities every minute that passes.

But...

511 days ago, I loved all my hats.

511 days ago I was a published author releasing articles regularly to an internationally recognized online editorial.

504 days ago I was President of said online editorial and led a collegiate organization of 200+ female and non-binary students. 365 days before that, I was Editor in Chief and spent each week reading, editing, and publishing around 150 articles.

500 days ago I was presenting my senior thesis as part of the Commonwealth Honors program as an embodiment of my research and findings on how to optimize communication surrounding climate change and sustainability efforts while maintaining mindfulness of the direct impacts on the behaviors of consumers. Specifically, communication targeted towards young adults. My main subjects of research being my students in a UMass Amherst lecture, (spoiler: taught by yours truly), "The Emotions & Feelings of Climate Change: The Psychological Influences and Impacts of Climate Change Communication."

1060 days ago I was attending a town hall meeting, back in the place that raised me, after preparing and collaborating with local Select Board and Green Communities committee to enact a bylaw amendment that would ban single use-plastic bags from retail stores.

During those 1354 days of my undergraduate career, I was so many things. I wasn't just a college student - I was a University Instructor, President, Editor in Chief, Customer Success Marketing Intern, Published Author, Climate Activist, Social Media Assistant, Student Ambassador, and so much more.

I miss those hats just as much as I miss those days running around 1463 acres of campus grounds. Those hats all compiled into my biggest hat today, Account Executive at the Predictive Index. The same hat that lets me talk to business leaders who are looking to design dream teams and make better work and a better world.

Part of me has lost the dream mindset I once had. Where the world was my oyster and I couldn't grab enough hats. It isn't lost forever, but I'm working to find it once again.

I don't know if I'll go back to my roots of fighting for climate activism and working on legislation. I don't know if I'll find myself leading large organizations of strong-minded women or partaking in partnerships with brands as a social media ambassador.

I do know though, that right now, I'm here writing an article on my LinkedIn page, revisiting my love for writing and creative communication. I don't want to live the next 511 days only thinking about where I am right in this moment. I want to continue to think about today and know how important it is, but know that I have many a days ahead and many a hats waiting for me to wear.