PART 3
Reflecting on the transformative experiences of 2023, I find myself standing at the intersection of uncertainty and excitement as I enter 2024. The past year has been a journey of profound personal and professional growth, marked by a deliberate choice to step away from my usual environment and immerse myself in new and unfamiliar places.
Traveling has been a wellspring of inspiration, providing a refreshing perspective on life beyond the United States and encouraging me to embrace the unknown while living on-the-go outside my comfort zone. Unlike my previous travel experiences, which were centered around sports during my time as a competitive youth soccer player and collegiate athlete, my recent travels represented a unique and liberating departure from my student-athlete identity. This newfound freedom allowed me to engage in cultural excursions and explore movement-related activities of my choosing, such as surfing, snorkeling, yoga, and hiking. For many of us former D1 athletes, it feels like a rediscovery of our inner child, exploring activities driven by personal choice rather than dictated by a busy schedule.
From a marketing standpoint, this journey revitalized my enthusiasm for content creation. In the early years post-graduation, achieving a balance between work and personal life proved challenging, resulting in occasional burnout—a shared experience among many digital marketing managers. Yet, throughout and following this trip, the process of crafting and editing cinematic pieces to encapsulate my journey brought a fresh wave of joy, infusing a renewed passion into my professional endeavors.
Reflecting on past blog entries from my student-athlete journey, particularly a mini-mester to Scotland in 2018, I am reminded of the transformative power of travel. This time, I felt compelled to share my thoughts with my network, expressing gratitude and hoping to inspire other young professionals who may find themselves in similar shoes. I have no regrets about my decision and deeply cherish these memories.
Looking ahead to 2024, my goal is to remain open to enriching experiences and fearlessly explore non-traditional career paths. I am confident in my ability to adapt and succeed, supported by a diverse skill set and a proactive mindset.
Since returning home, I've immersed myself in local opportunities, working at a nearby restaurant, and taking on projects on Upwork related to marketing, graphic design, and business development. Although my experience on Upwork has primarily been as a hirer, I am eager to transition into the role of a freelancer and look forward to discovering new collaborations and connections as I continue to refine my skills.
In the coming months, I plan to return to Australia (NSW) since I find myself drawn to the culture and lifestyle that captivated me during my past visit. I am exploring potential work opportunities there and could envision more time there in the future.
If you are aware of additional freelance platforms or if you are seeking someone with my skill set for a support role in your business, please feel free to reach out. I am actively seeking a virtual position and am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to a new venture.
Here's to embracing the unknowns of 2024 and welcoming the exciting possibilities it holds!
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