Alumni

I cannot believe next week marks 2 years since I graduated from Ringling.  It feels like it has been so much longer than that!  Since next week a new class is graduating, I wanted to write a post about what it means to be an alumni.  Let's start with the definition of alumni:

A graduate or former student of a specific school, college, or university.

There are many different views of what it means to be an alumni from a college. In the college's eyes, they mostly look to you as a way to promote the college and also a new source of new donations. I have received countless mail asking for donations in addition to the phone calls yearly.  The funny thing is they actually think you should donate after having paid so much money to attend the school.  Sorry folks, my money is going towards something called rent!

Personally, I have a very different vision as a college alumni.  As an alumni, my vision is to help the current students and graduating students from Ringling.  How can I help them?  While the students are still in college, they have so many questions they want answered.  The professors can answer some, but it also takes former students who are now in the business to answer them.  The questions range from how to get an internship, how to get a job, where is the best place to move, ect.  Sometimes being an alumni even means I'm up late at night reading their scripts and giving them feedback.  I enjoy feeling involved and helpful even when far away from Ringling.  Last fall, I found myself calling accepted students and speaking with them regarding their choice of major, answering questions, and helping them in any way I could regarding their college decision.  I enjoy speaking with potential students and remembering what it was like for me when I was in their shoes.

A great way to help current alumni, is to help them make the move to Los Angeles, CA to start their career.  In December of 2011, I helped Lindsey move out to California by letting her get on her feet and move in with me.  This upcoming July, she will be moving out and I will be helping another alumni, Jessica, make the move to California.  I'm extremely excited for Jessica to move on not only because she's an awesome friend, but I'm also excited to see her get her film career started.  I'm always so happy to see fellow alumni succeeding in working in film and television.

I have found the most essential time for alumni to be there for current students is when graduating seniors need their questions answered.  Graduating from college is one of the most important times in an individual's life.  The time period between when you graduate and get your first job is one of the most trying and difficult times.  There are so many questions the graduating seniors have.  I always find myself giving the exact same answer:

No matter what you want to do, no matter what it takes, move somewhere besides back home.  When you move home after graduation, you learn to settle by getting a job around the town and over time you lost interest in pursuing your dreams.  The most important thing to do after graduation is to move somewhere you can get a job in your field.

So, in the midst of my crazy, busy life I still make time to be a good alumni.  Are you working to be a good alumni for your college?  Have you reached out to fellow alumni or current students lately?  Volunteer some of your time and see what you can do to help.  You were once in their shoes, and I'm sure you would have enjoyed some help.

Til next time readers.

♥ Mir