Chicken, Then Waffles

Before I even moved in to my freshman year college dorm, I got my first email from my RA, Timarie. She introduced herself and talked about how excited she was to be back from a semester abroad and be with us for our first year at Carolina. At the time, I thought she was just going to be our over-the-top peppy RA – I had no idea how much she would come to change my mindset about life. She opened my eyes to the ideas of not only traveling, but traveling alone, and learning to be vulnerable in a new situation while embracing the new cultures al around you. She is the main reason I chose to study abroad in Ecuador – a developing country that hardly anyone from UNC goes – instead of Europe with the rest of my friends. Throughout my time at UNC, Timarie has become one of my closest friends, always challenging me to think for myself and go after what I truly want to get the absolute most out of my life.

Well this past weekend, Timarie came to visit. Since graduating in 2015, if I’m counting correctly, she has been to 13 countries spanning across 4 continents. We met up along with my old Craige 5th floor hall mates at Dame’s Chicken and Waffles for a night of reminiscing and laughter, catching up on everyone’s lives and telling all the funny “remember when…” stories that honestly never get old. But then we got to the elephant in the room, “Timarie, how are you doing this? How are you supporting this crazy lifestyle?” Well essentially, she does work trades – working somewhere in return for a place to stay and/or food. And she does this all over the world! She typically sticks to the yoga industry, but emphasized that there are opportunities in every field, you just have to find them.

This got me thinking. I’m probably going to be working a 9-5 job for the next 50 years of my life; why am I in such a rush to get started? Don’t get me wrong, I am actively looking for jobs in the field I have spent 4 years working toward, but the conversation made me stop and think about the details. Why go the same route as everyone else? I’ve always claimed to want to go and live out west or just somewhere new – why not go now? Public relations is not limited to Washington, D.C., New York or Atlanta. Why not use this new chapter of my life to take a risk and do something I’ve always wanted to do, make this more than just getting a job, make it an adventure?

I have found it’s so easy to get caught up in what I am “supposed” to do. After college, I am supposed to find a 9-5 job that leaves me feeling exhausted. I’m supposed to be looking at the major east coast cities because that’s where the opportunities are. I’m supposed to go out on my own and “see if I can make it.” Says who? Just because it’s what most people do doesn’t mean that I have to follow that path. While it’s scary to go somewhere new, this is the time to do it. I’m challenging myself to be brave and after what I want; now is the time.

#RA #ChickenandWaffles