Going on this trip has been a test for me as an individual to say the least. Before the trip, I was sold on moving and living in New York for a few years to understand the industry within the city. Now, as the days end and I come closer to putting my grad cap on, I am facing reality checks on who, what, where, and how my life will unfold after college. Do I say f*%& it and make the move here without a job? Or do I move home to LA (because free rent) and to work on my portfolio? Do I freelance? Do I say ‘wait what if’ and open up a restaurant? Do I save the world? So many options and questions constantly floating in my head. It sounds overwhelming but I know that I am not the only one. I know that I am growing and learning at a fast pace and I welcome these thoughts. I welcome them because they make me uncomfortable. Over and over again I have been told that doors open when we are uncomfortable. Things happen no one sees coming when we are uncomfortable. Spending the week in the city of NY has pushed me to find a space where I can be comfortably uncomfortable. In this space, I have met so many more amazing fellow Ad students and professors. In this space, I have opened up the possibilities for my future. In this space I have found unforeseen insights within the industry that I will never forget. In this space I have found what it means to be comfortably uncomfortable. To that I say, Cheers! 

Jess Leonard. 5.10.19.