Kat's Odyssey: A Call For Change, Passion and Connection

I was born with the name "To Bao Ngoc," but in Canada, I go by "Katherine To." My friends call me just Kat, and some of my LinkedIn connections know me as "Kat The Dream Seeker," which is my blog identity. More than just names, they have marked various milestones in my personal growth journey.

Just a week ago, I had a fantastic opportunity thanks to my professor, Wendy Greenwood. She invited Melanie Evely, Senior Manager and Enterprise Colleague Journey and Product Group Owner at TD, as our guest speaker. Melanie's perspective on change left a lasting impression on me: "Change is good. You may not be 100% ready, and that’s okay. Change within a current position is change, too." It was an "Aha moment" for me because it resonated with my own journey of breaking free from my constraints, discovering my authentic self, and pursuing my dreams. If you've followed my dream-seeking journey on https://kat-the-dream-seeker.blogspot.com, you'll know that change has shaped who I am today, and I will be that go-for-it kind of friend. My journey started three years ago when I decided to quit my stable job to work in a faraway country, which was a turning point for not only my career path but also my personal development. To a young lady living under a comfort blanket with her protective parents, taking such a risk was scary and exciting at the same time. Thanks to that bold decision, I became much more independent, determined and passionate. I'm now grateful for all the changes that have molded me into a more resilient and mature individual.

Melanie also emphasized the importance of personal interests in one's professional life, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. I had tried various roles as a teacher, administration assistant, and salesperson, but I found no motivation in those jobs. Only when I entered the field of digital marketing did I discover my true interest. I was passionate about creating impactful campaigns, conveying meaningful messages, and enhancing brand identities. The best part of being a digital marketer, for me, is the opportunity for creativity. I've been passionate about writing since childhood, and as a marketer and content creator, I get to craft compelling brand stories and deliver messages in creative ways. I used to write a diary every day, made up stories where I was the main character and wrote some books about romance, mysteries and tales. Now, being a marketer, I am also a storyteller and writer. And guess what? I'm also a big fan of art, particularly drawing and painting, and being a marketer allows me to channel my inner artist. Being creative, passionate, and occasionally daring in my approach has consistently yielded impressive results when I follow my heart.

Another highlight from Melanie's talk was the "Global Financial Institution" case study. My teammates, who came from diverse educational and career backgrounds, were truly amazing. Despite our differences, we all shared a hunger for knowledge and a commitment to growth. In just 20-30 minutes, we developed a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Global Financial Institution, complete with beautiful slides and actionable recommendations. While our work wasn't flawless, I was impressed by their ability to generate brilliant ideas on the spot. In the dynamic and fast-changing field of digital marketing, such sharp minds are invaluable.

Lastly, Melanie stressed the significance of networking for career success, a point reiterated by other guest speakers as well. Since arriving here, I've been proactive in building an authentic network through my school, on-campus and off-campus jobs. As an energetic and outgoing person, I thrive in social settings and love attending events. I've participated in digital marketing symposiums, volunteered at cultural events, and joined various on-campus activities. These experiences have connected me with professionals in marketing, banking, finance, event planning, and more, who have provided valuable advice and exciting opportunities. Now, as an Event and Creation Support Staff member at GBC's Student Association, I'm incredibly thankful for the valuable experiences and connections I've gained.

In conclusion, Melanie's speech reinforced some key lessons: embrace change, leverage your personal interests, learn from your peers, and cultivate genuine connections. Thank you, Melanie, for all your wonderful pieces of advice!