new year, new thing

Last month, I finished my internship at Des Moines Social Club. I know, I know: I'm already done? My contract with them ended in December, so it wasn't likely to extend into 2018. But then they offered me a long-term position within their programming department! I was really honored, but something just didn't click for me. Isn't that funny? It was an extraordinary opportunity, but it just didn't feel right. I don't always advocate for "following your feelings," but sometimes it's a good idea.  

More than anything else, being offered a position at DMSC felt encouraging because it meant people were recognizing my talents. I've had such an unorthodox career path and that means that I'm often unsure of myself. Sure, I feel talented, but who doesn't consider themselves talented in some shape or form? At the end of the day, the folks at DMSC helped me to appreciate my talents in a new way and I'll always be thankful for their investment in my life. 

After the internship ended, I had a small window of time to determine my next step. Honestly, part of me wanted to move away, but I still feel really emotionally invested in Des Moines and that emotional investment is what led me to apply for a position at Des Moines Performing Arts. 

Besides being a cultural juggernaut in our city, their values nicely align with my own - they have a high value for excellence, artistic expression, and community. Those are all things that I love dearly and do my best to advocate for in my day-to-day life. In that sense, applying felt like a no-brainer. Obviously, I wrote up a resume and cover letter, but I think this site is what really made me stand out. Throughout the interview process, I realized this has become my portfolio. It gives folks a clear sense of who I am as both a person and a content creator....even the best resume couldn't do that. 

Earlier this week, I got a phone call from them and I'm happy to say that I got the job! I'm humbled, excited, and so, so thankful. It's funny how my mind works because I'm already asking what's next and I haven't technically even started yet. Ha! But I've made up my mind to thoroughly enjoy this new season and not look too far ahead. I'm really excited to get started! I feel like my talents got me into the room and my talents are what will keep me there. 

I should not: this is sort of an internship at first. We're not calling it an internship and on paper I'm someone's assistant, but DMSC didn't start out as a permanent position either, so I'm just hoping this evolves into something more substantial. It's a "new job," but not in a traditional sense? I'm not sure what to call it.

Okay, that's all for now. I'll back soon! 2018 is looking up :)