The career services team at my alma mater, Colgate University, invited me to be the keynote speaker for their annual SophoMORE Connections event in January. As a first-generation high school graduate whose mom put a premium on education, this meant a little more to me than just another speaking engagement. Needless to say, I was hyped for the opportunity to share my journey.

When considering what to share for my keynote address, so many different ideas came to mind. Latching onto and sustaining a career in the arts, particularly as a freelancer, is not easy. But atop the list of rewards for my efforts is doing what I love. Basketball and my camera have taken me all over the world and given me the privilege of documenting the game I love from its grassroots to its highest levels. I learned quite a bit over the years in terms of technical competency, valuing my work and myself, and connecting with people.

I titled my talk Create Your Own Success. I’ve learned that the perfect job description rarely exists and if I wanted a perfect job, then I needed to create it for myself. There are many ways this idea can manifest, being a freelancer is only one possibility. I discuss how, after not taking photography classes in college, I translate my education into the real world today. I emphasize the power of learning. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you can’t learn, you can’t thrive,” by Cal Newport, author of Deep Work. Learning how to learn has been a critical component to my growth as a professional. Failure, and embracing it, have become almost cliché and I do believe there is truth in the value of abandoning fear of failure (easier said than done, I understand). But, the important part of failure is the learning that usually comes with the experience. Finally, I emphasize the importance of human connections and how I choose to treat everyone like I will see them again.

Some people say that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. And while there is inherent value in networking, I believe the greater value is in character and genuine relationships. I cannot control who likes me and my work and who does not. I can, however, control working on myself and being the best person I can. This goes a long way in developing meaningful relationships, the kind that extend beyond a merely transactional nature.

Feel free to watch the keynote. I hope it sparks a conversation or provides a fresh perspective. I was especially proud that professor Page delivered such a kind and generous introduction to my talk. And I was moved by the warm reception I received in the room—the gym where I have some of my fondest memories as an undergraduate—and truly enjoyed spending time with everyone who could be there afterwards.

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