The 'Me' of Past, Present, and Future

I have always known that i would not be a mathematician, doctor, or engineer. Using numbers and equations to solve a problem has never been my strong suit or interest.

I have always known, however, that i am a creative person who believes that words have a way of solving problems and making sense of what seems impossible. Words can persuade you, save you, and change you. If you want a cliche to apply, "The pen is mightier than the sword" works just fine for me.

My journey thus far has been very lucky, and easier than most. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, it was a natural progression for me to attend McMaster University for my post secondary education. Why leave your own backyard (and amazing family) when you have one of the best Universities in the country at your disposal? I started off at McMaster with no specific idea of an intended career. I believed that through my classes i would find out what i loved and what i did not. This could not be more true. The classes i thought i would love (and even major in) turned out to be the ones i hated most. The classes that i did not put too much stock in and had an open mind with surprised me.

Like any other student, i changed my major a few times. I ended my first year of university believing that i would do a double major in political science and gerontology. Over the summer, i started using Tumblr, and 'tumbled' on to a blog written by the Donna Karan PR practitioner (link: http://dknyprgirl.tumblr.com) Having never heard of PR, it piqued my interest. I faithfully read through every one of her posts, describing her every day tasks and responsibilities. I realized that it was a glorified version of public relations, but at the base it had all the things i wanted in a career: freedom for change, no two days being the same, creativity, and writing! Lots and lots of writing.

I marched in to McMaster during the first week of school and completely changed my schedule around. I researched the requirements of becoming a PR practitioner, and carefully mapped my way to get there with the help of my guidance counsellor. I changed my majors to Political Science and Communications and never looked back!

Beyond PR, i love reading, music, and photography. These loves fit perfectly with my passion for traveling. I really enjoy experiencing new cultures and seeing historical places. Oh, and i also love eating my way through these new places! After graduating from McMaster i took a graduation trip to Greece, and it was everything i hoped and dreamed. I hope to continue traveling, and maybe even live in a new country.

Through my past i have learned that keeping an open mind with the future is necessary. Follow the things you love, and it will lead you to where you need to be. I have learned to be confident in my skills, especially writing. I have found that i am interested in crisis management, due to my love of solving problems with words. I have found that i have a true love for pop culture, and the need for crisis management in the entertainment industry is always needed (See: Sony hacking scandal). I have found that i am a human entertainment almanac. I can recall facts about anything pop culture related on a dime. I attribute this to my love and dedication to any and all MuchMusic programs since i was 8 years old.

Presently, i am enjoying where i am in life. I am relishing my last few months of school (ever). I am looking forward to what my career has in store.

Looking towards the future, i hope that a year from now i am gainfully employed at a job in PR. I realize that first jobs are not always what you hope for, but rather getting your foot in the door. I may not love every aspect, but i hope that at the route of my job i am enjoying the PR profession and my ability to exercise the skills i have honed over the 20 years of my education. I hope that this job is a stepping stone on the way to a great and successful career. I also hope that this job is in Toronto, or another great city in the world.

Five years from now, i hope that i have successfully navigated through my 20's, and have had an exciting time doing it. I hope that my job will be one of those excitements, and that i will be working in some way or form in the entertainment industry. I hope that five years from now i will have experienced living in a different city in the world (Dream city: London, England).

Ten years from now, i hope to have a family of my own to share the excitements of life with. I hope that i will have found a great career groove. I hope that i will have a decorated resume with great things on it. I hope that i will have written a book (whether it is successful or not). I hope that i will love PR as much as i do right now.

What the future has in store for me may not be an easy path, but i hope it is an exciting path with lots of winds and turns. I have a feeling that the 'Me' of past, present, and future will lead me to where i need to be.

Signed yours truly,

Jordan Hamilton