I haven't really had a very good day. And I couldn't be bothered taking any shots which is why I ended up with this. And again, I'm wondering why I'm still doing this every day.
We had a careers and UCAS day. Everyone seems to sorted, they all seem to know exactly what they want to do, what they're going to do...or at least have a vague idea. Me? Nothing. I was sort of thinking product design, but after today I've decided not. Basically, it's a lot more computer orientated then I thought and I don't want to be sat in front of a computer for 3 years.
We're supposed to start writing our personal statements tomorrow but I can't say I'm going to get very far with that given that I haven't the foggiest what I want to do, at all, and it's supposed to relate to what you want to do. And I don't know what I want to do, I don't have any ideas, I have no idea what my grades are going to be like, I don't know what I like, I don't have a specific job in mind or anything like that, I don't know of anything that I'd especially like to do for 3 years. I don't know what I'm good at. And it's all just a bit of a mess.
I guess...I would tell you to write down what you think you MIGHT like to do. It doesn't have to be the answer because you can be free to change your mind any time you want. So, think about just today. What ideas pop in your head right now. Don't worry about this being the answer. Things change all the time.... My advice would be for you to find a job that uses your creativity. I am always amazed at the way you create something...a picture...baking...your art....all of it. So for now...take Emily Dickinson's advice ....and just dwell in possibilities. Hugs!
I completely agree with Mrs. Smith. During the average working life people change their careers 3 to 5 times. So go initially one where you can capitalize on your creativity.
Most people don't know what they want to do they just seem like that they know. I've made my choices and I still don't know I took a guess at something that vaguely interests me. University is what your school or sixth form wants you to do , you do what you want to do there's so many choices and options and just think why do you want it if you need any help send me an email :)
I quit my A Levels aged 17 because I had to move out of my mums house due to having a horrid stepdad, and thought I'd never get in to education again, or have a life outside of working 9 to 5 in an office.
I worked in various offices for three years, which was soul destroying and badly paid, but it made me realise what I wanted to do with my life.
Now, I'm 23 and I've just got on to a post graduate course at Central St Martins which is one of the best art colleges in the UK. I took three years out but I'm still at the same level as my peers, if not better.
This little essay was basically to prove a point, you absolutely do NOT need to make a decision right now. Don't rush anything. You only have one shot at uni, especially with these astronomical fees.
Take some time out, try things you've always wanted to try, work voluntarily in a job you'd like to try. Enjoy your Summer
I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up! (I'll be 57 this year) Find something you are passionate about and take a big step! All the best!!
First off, let me just say one thing: You are 17, and it's OK that you don't know what you want to do with your life! Please don't let this worry you.
As for your 365...as much as I love to see your photos and hear how your day is going, it should never feel like a burden. You're such a pleasure to follow, but if you have an off day, it's OK. Come back and post again when you feel like it.
I wish you all the best Naomi, and there seems to be some great words of encouragement up above. I hope it helps.
Naomi I can only agree with most of what's already been said. Very few people know what they want to do at 17 and those that think they do often change their minds at least once throughout their life. I really think you need to get into something creative but what I do not know - try various things out before you decide. Above all you need to be happy and healthy, everything else will fall into place eventually..
Naomi, I know you said everyone else seems sorted out and know what they want to do, but believe me, half of those people will change their mind anyway. I felt the same way it your age and then when I thought I knew what I wanted, I quickly changed my mind in first year university. and even now i don't know that i will do my current career forever. It's okay to change your mind no matter your age. Please don't worry, because like everyone has said, you do not have to decide your whole life right now. I think i recall you being interested in working with children, does that still interest you?
Oh Naomi...you are so talented in so many ways, and I hate it that you feel such pressure to decide right now when you are still discovering who you are. I only know you here, but what I know is that you are an incredibly artistic person with both photography and all other art forms, you love and enjoy spending time with children, whether it be the kids you babysit or your little brother, and you are a whiz in the kitchen and seem to love baking too. What you don't like, as far as I can tell is being pressured, testing of any kind, and chemistry. Life really does offer many different chances, so pick the one thing that brings you the most joy right now and pursue that to the fullest. When I was your age, I just wanted to get married and be a mother. It was a different time, and I do not suggest that route for you. But now I have four children that I love, but in my mid 20's, I realized my original goal wasn't enough and worked hard to get a college education. At first I wanted to be a teacher, because I love children and the hours would work for my family, but I eventually figured out that writing was my passion and I've done it ever since. You will find your way, and even if you make a misstep now, life is long and you can correct it along the way.
Ah, that's a shame about the product design thing - I guess when I did it there was not so much computer work going on...(CAD only just invented and all that!!) Having said that - there must be 3D courses that don't focus so heavily on CAD - have you tried looking (for instance) at the Consumer Product Design Course at Coventry or the Industrial Product Design course there - They always prided themselves on being a "bit more artsy" that wholly technical? Dunno if that's the case still! Try not to get down, try and think about the parts of product design you wanted to do and think about the other options that are avaialble to you using these! Cool shot BTW - even your can't be bothered ones are cool!
You do this every day because you're a fabulous photographer and it makes you happy(?) At least I hope that's why! Hang in there--it will all sort itself out. Some times it's all in the journey, you will "do" something, which may lead you to try something else, etc., etc. And I think that's perfectly okay. Just be happy and enjoy your journey
I can tell you that one thing you're really good at? Is photography. Is anything like that an option? I think you are so young, I don't think you should be expected to have it all figured out. I know that my life now is nothing like what I would have selected when I was in school, so I say do what you love and what makes the most sense and don't be afraid to change your mind as you go along!
June 18th, 2011
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I worked in various offices for three years, which was soul destroying and badly paid, but it made me realise what I wanted to do with my life.
Now, I'm 23 and I've just got on to a post graduate course at Central St Martins which is one of the best art colleges in the UK. I took three years out but I'm still at the same level as my peers, if not better.
This little essay was basically to prove a point, you absolutely do NOT need to make a decision right now. Don't rush anything. You only have one shot at uni, especially with these astronomical fees.
Take some time out, try things you've always wanted to try, work voluntarily in a job you'd like to try. Enjoy your Summer
As for your 365...as much as I love to see your photos and hear how your day is going, it should never feel like a burden. You're such a pleasure to follow, but if you have an off day, it's OK. Come back and post again when you feel like it.
I wish you all the best Naomi, and there seems to be some great words of encouragement up above. I hope it helps.