Alumna pursues creative Journey

In a world where many individuals find their passions and callings at an early age, Tayla Brand's journey was unique. Growing up, she knew she had a creative spark, but the path to discovering her true passion was filled with exploration, self-discovery, and gratitude. Today, as an alumna of Nelson Mandela University and a content creator for Eworks Manager, Tayla shares her story of how she found her path and her aspirations for the future.

Tayla's upbringing laid the foundation for her creative spirit. From a young age, she was drawn to languages, participated in inter-house plays, and played various musical instruments. Attending a small school with supportive teachers who recognized her talents, Tayla was encouraged to nurture her skills and passions. Her early exposure to the arts and languages sowed the seeds for her future in the creative industry.

Unlike some of her peers who had clear career aspirations, she initially had no specific calling. She explored various universities and programmes before settling on Nelson Mandela University's Media, Communication, and Culture programme, graduating with her BA degree in 2016 followed by a BAHons (Media Studies) in 2017. The courses’ flexibility allowed her to explore different fields, ultimately helping her uncover her true calling.

Through this educational journey, Tayla discovered her passion for content creation and communication, which led her to a rewarding career. It's a reminder that not all roads to success are linear, and sometimes the journey of self-discovery is as important as the destination.

Her story is an invitation to embrace uncertainty with open arms, for it is in the uncharted territories of life that we find the greatest opportunities for personal and professional growth. As we navigate our own journeys, let us draw inspiration from Tayla's resilience and determination, understanding that the path to success is often dotted with challenges, but it is through these challenges that we build the strength and wisdom to achieve our aspirations.

Tayla's ambitions reach beyond her current role. In the next five years, she aspires to take on a leadership position within her company. As an introvert, she's dispelled the notion that leadership is exclusively for extroverts. Tayla believes leadership is about inspiring, motivating, and guiding others toward common goals. Her goal is to help her colleagues grow their skills and realize their potential.

One of the key driving forces in her life is gratitude. She recognizes the value of the opportunities she's been given and the responsibility to make the most of them. This year, she challenged herself to practice gratitude daily and to seize every opportunity for growth. Her motivation extends beyond personal and career development; it's about making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

As a motivational message to fellow alumni, Tayla emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. She believes that learning doesn't end when you leave university. In any industry, there are always opportunities to expand one's knowledge and skills. She encourages everyone to embrace these opportunities, not only to advance their careers but also to become better employees, colleagues, and individuals.

Tayla’s journey is a testament to the power of exploration, self-discovery, and gratitude. Her path to a fulfilling career and her aspirations for the future inspire us to embrace uncertainty and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Tayla Brand