Julia Balducci
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I Chose Must

(Writing segment for Miami Ad School Application)
When I graduated from college, I felt lost and scared.  There was no path laid out for me anymore, it was up to me to create it myself.  My life had no guidelines, no structure, and no “ins” to the advertising industry, where I believed I belonged.  I was frustrated and discouraged, I wanted so badly to acquire my dream job, but getting into the industry was much more difficult than I expected. 
 
As a graduation present, I received a book called “The Crossroads of Should and Must” by Elle Luna.  Elle wrote about the two paths we encounter in life, the path of Should and the path of Must.  Choosing the path of Should is following expectations.  It’s following paths that are already laid out, its conforming to pressures from peers and society, it’s safe.  Choosing Must is embracing who we are and following our true passions and desires.  It is a journey with no road map, it’s hard work and constant effort.  When we choose Must we are choosing what makes us feel most alive, and if we can fill our life with what we are passionate about we are bound to find happiness and success.    
 
From reading the book I realized the pathless, nothingness I felt trapped me was actually setting me free.  I didn’t need to follow in the expectations of others; I was free to create my own unique journey to my own success.  I put my job hunt on hiatus; it was clear I hadn’t yet possessed the experience for me to stick out in the industry.  I instead decided to start up my own business where I could use the skills I already possess to manage Social Media accounts for a few small businesses.  Spending a few hours a week on this made me happier and allowed me to stop wasting my time stagnant and start moving forward doing what I love.
 
I didn’t want to stop with me, I wanted to spread the words of Elle Luna and inspire others to do what they love too.  I passed on the message to one of my best friends who opened up to me on the struggles she was facing with her new move.  She had a new job she hated, no friends, and way too much free time.  I knew she liked writing and cooking so I suggested creating a food blog to fill the emptiness.  She was immediately delighted by the idea and texted me a link to her own new blog containing her first post within the hour of our chat.  I was filled with joy knowing I helped her find happiness through her rough adjustment.
 
Elle Luna’s book inspired me to start doing something with my life, something little every day that I am passionate about.  She inspired me to inspire others, to take risks, and to choose Must.  I am finally free from the Shoulds and free to create my own path and it has never been more clear.
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