Jessie's Thoughts

When I was at my lowest point in my life, graphic design lifted me up. I would come up with ideas for ads, flyers, brochures, and more. I’d sketch out the concepts, then decide what fonts, colors, and composition would bring the piece to life. I even created alternative versions just to explore different possibilities.

I always enjoyed my art and design electives throughout high school and college, and looking back, I believe that’s where the spark for design really started.

Although my ultimate goal was to go to design school in New York and grow as a graphic designer, life took me on a different path. One that turned out, if anything, for the better.

I applied to the Master’s in Graphic Design program at Suffolk University, but due to personal reasons, I had to defer a semester. By the time I was ready to begin, the program was cancelled and no longer accepting students. I kept searching until I came across the Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media program at Northeastern University, with a concentration in Interactive Design. It felt like the perfect fit for me. I applied, pouring my heart and passion into the admissions essay.

I will never forget the moment I received my decision letter. I was so happy and grateful to have the opportunity to return to school and study something I truly loved.

Excited for the new chapter in my life, I even reached out to alumni from the program to learn about their experiences. Since starting classes last fall, I’ve grown so much. I’ve learned about designing websites, coding in HTML/CSS, and the power of visual storytelling.

During this process of finishing my undergraduate degree and entering graduate school a year later, I was also applying to countless jobs. The rejection emails and no replies were overwhelming at times, even after multiple interviews and second rounds. But eventually, two years after I graduated from my undergraduate program, I finally landed a job offer.

I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to use my creative skills to make an impact on others’ lives. I hope this serves as a reminder for anyone reading to keep going, keep learning, and keep pursuing your goals, because the right path will always find you.