0 Priorities
Sorry this week I’ve been M.I.A. trying to get my ish together!
After the successful show at the Key Club and the completion of the exciting new track with Liz Paige, I suddenly felt the disappointment of a plateau. If you’ve ever had a serious long term goal, then you know what I’m talking about.
Everyone reaches a point in a journey where the road you’ve so diligently followed seems to just cut off without a trace. Where do you go from there? How do you get to the next level? And in the scheme of things how much tangible progress has been made? It’s easy to slip into a slump.
I was able to put things in perspective on Monday when I met with all of my school counselors to map out my plan for June graduation. For me it’s somewhat of a unique challenge, not just because I am a double-major (Poli Sci/Communications) in an honors program (with a GPA requirement), but also because my focus has completely shifted towards making and promoting my music. Traditionally the music/entertainment industry could really care less if you graduated from UCLA with honors, so the conflict between aspiration and education is clear.
But the reality is, being a college student is a very important part of the path and identity I’ve chosen. I owe it to myself to finish strong because I know this is an experience I will never have again. My entire college career has always prioritized extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities over my studies, and I don’t regret it. I’ve gained so much more outside of the classroom than I could’ve with books. BUT I made a commitment to myself last year to be a more disciplined undergraduate and reach every one of my academic goals.
Keeping this personal promise keeps me grounded and lifts the burden of my musical passions. I can still develop as an artist without sacrificing my other important roles, as long as I don’t get ahead of myself. The possibilities are so maddening sometimes that they often cause more of a creative paralysis instead of a productive streak. It helps to step back and realize that it really is all about taking it one day at a time.
I’m not stepping away from my music by any means; Only letting go of the pressure to “make it” tomorrow and re-focusing on the priorities of today.
0 So that’s how you do it…
Apparently this dude is already a YouTube celeb and I didn’t even know.
Ryan Leslie + my geeky friend Ben from elementary school = Ronald Jenkees. This is the most pure example I’ve seen of raw funk/soul/illness coming from an unexpected place. No wonder he has 70,000+ subscribers. Enjoy!
0 lol.
0 Hope. We’re gonna need it.
Check out this video from GOOD Magazine titled, “What the Next President Inherits.” It’s a brief, informative, and humbling look at the current state of the United States and the immense work the lies ahead for the future. My joy and excitement over the election of Barack Obama has always been tempered by the knowledge of how many issues this country is dealing with. It’s a huge mess to clean up. He can’t do it alone. The people (you and I) are going to have to step up, too.
I’ve been following GOOD since last Winter when I came up on one of their print issues. I’m in love with this media outlet because they really do “engage and challenge the people, ideas and institutions driving change in the world.” And their videos are definitely suited to the A.D.D. internet generation, with hip design and really fresh music.
Learn more about GOODMagazine at http://www.good.is/
