Pandemic Anniversary: The Peaks, The Valleys, The Emergence

Wow, I can't believe we're at the one year anniversary since the start of the pandemic here in the U.S. What a wild, weird, and tumultuous year it's been for literally every person on this globe. As I look back over the past year, I can't help but think about all the plans I had set in place this time, last year. Needless to say, life threw the ultimate curve ball (and didn't seem to let up), but not to just myself; the whole world, too.

Last year, I wrote an article detailing my decision to leave my previous company with the plan to relocate to NYC to pursue opportunities more aligned with my passion––marketing/communication opportunities in fashion/media. I was feeling good at the time I submitted my two week notice because I was able to secure multiple interviews at various companies prior to making the move to NYC. However, due to COVID, all the potential opportunities I'd worked so hard to obtain vanished within 1–2 weeks. This feeling of rapid, uncontrollable loss was incredibly anxiety inducing and crippling. Suddenly, I found myself jobless along with millions of other Americans.

Since about 2014, I'd spend much of my efforts seeking opportunities for fashion/media internships, but was never able to grab ahold of an opportunity. Upon graduating college in 2016, I put much effort into trying to land a post-grad role in my areas of passion, but was still unsuccessful. Six years later, in 2020, I felt like I was finally getting on the track I always desired and was finally getting the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I felt like I was SO close; the closest I'd ever been. Yet once again, unsuccessful, but due to factors out of everyone's control.

I was interviewing and/or having conversations about opportunities with PVH (parent company of Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein), Ralph Lauren, NBCUniversal, and later, Google. The affects of the pandemic laid those opportunities to rest. Eventually, by mid-summer, I found myself interviewing and making it to various rounds with Amazon Fashion, TikTok, The Washington Post, Solid & Striped, L'Oreal, Coach, + more, but ultimately wasn't selected for a role. No hard feelings at all, though.

After 6/7 months of not working and trying to figure out my next steps, I became aware of a marketing role opening up at LinkedIn (shoutout to Brian Wong; you're the man!), and within about 2 weeks, I had a job! And within about 4-5 weeks, I relocated from Toledo, Ohio to Chicago. I've now been working with LinkedIn for 5 months now and I don't have any cons to say about the company! From the culture, to the teams, people, managers, leadership, and even up to the CEO, it all has been FANTASTIC!

I often think what would I have done if I knew a global pandemic was on the horizon? Two weeks prior to the pandemic ravaging the states in March, I submitted my notice to leave my previous company to pursue other endeavors. However, if I knew the pandemic was on the horizon, I probably wouldn’t have left. In hindsight, I’m glad things happened just the way they did because there’s so much good and growth I’ve experienced in the last year. I’ve connected virtually and grew my network with 80+ professionals, relocated to Chicago, and took a new role with LinkedIn! I've birthed my own branding consultancy, FAME Focus, LLC, partnering with FAME (Fashion, Arts, Media, and Entertainment) professionals to help cultivate and strengthen their personal brand and online presence/identity. Additionally, I've grown personally and have learned so many things about myself during the midst of the past tumultuous year.

On the mark of the one year anniversary since the start of the pandemic, I'm proud to say I've gotten my 1st covid vaccination shot! I'm excited to see what the future holds and watch how the entire world emerges from the valleys of the pandemic. Cheers!

Below are some photos of my time here in Chicago so far!