A Journey Home

A JOURNEY HOME

Typically when considering a college education, future career aspirations and the journey in between, we map out how each step will prepare us for the next. First, graduate high school. Next, apply and commit to a college or university. Check! Now you’re moving through general education requirements which means it’s time to commit to a major. Undecided, no more! Change your major a couple of times to keep it interesting. Pick up a part-time job, internship or volunteer work associated with your degree to bulk up your resume and set yourself on an upward trajectory towards your decided career aspirations. Graduate college and enter the workforce. Use your degree, excel with ease and give all credit to your path of preparation!

Or, perhaps your journey looked a bit more like mine… 

The Not-So-Linear Approach

Recently joining Angel Oak Creative has been one of the most surprising moments of my professional career so far. My educational and professional journey has not been one of a linear progression as mapped out above. Graduating high school did lead to pursuing a college degree, which was accompanied by many part-time jobs, which have added tools to my toolbelt. However, from the outside looking in, each experience can appear isolated from the other.

Grace & Grit

So, how did the Psychology major from Tennessee who earned a minor in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, who worked in hospitality, the food industry, outdoor recreation, customer service, warehouse packaging, marketing and more become a Client Success Executive at Angel Oak Creative? The answer is two-fold. First, the grace of God as He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. And secondly, grit.

A Mosiac

The structure of a mosaic contains rich colors, harsh contrast, rigid edges and beauty. While no two pieces appear connected individually, a design is formed as they are placed strategically, yet viewed as a whole. In many ways, the culmination of grace and grit working together is comparable to a mosaic.

Each season of life brings a rich pigment to our journey. One season may contrast the other, though they still sit beside one another. The rigid edges of life allow us to sharpen our skills, thoughts and empathy. In expanding our minds and emotions we begin to see with fresh eyes. We uncover a new depth of beauty through each experience.

Home

Week two and I’m already settling into my position at Angel Oak with deep excitement and gratitude. By the grace of God, each of my life experiences have worked together to prepare me for such a time as this. Unknown to me at the time, the Lord has been guiding me home. Home in Him, home in a new city and home in a new job.

While the work is plentiful and the nature of nonprofits continues to call us deeper and wider, grace abounds. To the nonprofits we have worked with in the past, the ones we’re partnering with currently and the ones who will join in the future, you got this!

– Emily White, Client Success Executive