Grow Before You Go
It seems like being a teenager means you’re fair game for the dreaded question: “What’s next?” Yikes! Take a step back and think through the reflections, considerations, and stories from creatives to inspire you to embrace the unknown.
Learn About Yourself
Questions to Consider for Yourself
- What inspires you?
- What makes you come to life?
- What fills your bucket?
- Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
- Do you like routine or variety
Conversation Starters With a Trusted Adult
- What positive qualities do you see in me?
- Do you see me as an introvert or an extrovert?
- What tools do you use for self reflection (for example, journaling or therapy)?
- Did it feel scary to think about the future when you were my age?
- Did you know what job or career you wanted when you were my age?
Actions You Can Take
- Creative Careers Quiz
- Keep a journal for self reflection
Real Life with Real Creatives
How did you get started writing poetry?
I started writing poetry at the age of 13. I jumped a ditch (I’m a country girl!) and heard a voice whisper words to me. I went into the house and wrote down those words and they came out as poetry. I’ve been writing poetry ever since.
What advice would you have for someone interested in your field?
Focus on the work and your craft. The accolades and career opportunities will come after you do the work. Always look for opportunities to practice and learn more about your craft. Look for ways to evolve and grow as an artist; don’t be afraid to try something new or be uncomfortable. Trust yourself and your process. Don’t overextend yourself; be sure to get rest.
Visit ColumbiaPoet.org to learn more about Jennifer’s role as the Columbia Poet Laureate.
Use What You’ve Got
Questions to Consider for Yourself
- What kinds of after school jobs could you pursue related to your arts interests?
- What non-required courses could you take at school?
- Who could you reach out to in the field who could tell you more?
- What skills could you use now that might help you later?
- How does your arts interest intersect with other careers or fields?
- Can you afford to do an unpaid internship or do you need to look for paying jobs?
Conversation Starters With a Trusted Adult
- Can you help me create a portfolio (or a resume)?
- Do you know anyone who works in (your arts interest) that I could shadow?
- What kind of extracurriculars should I try out if I am interested in (your arts interest)?
- What qualities do you see in me that could be useful in a (your arts interest) job?
Actions You Can Take
- Get an afterschool job that is loosely related to your arts interests.
- Consider joining or starting an afterschool club for your arts interests.
Learn new skills on You Tube related to your arts interests. - Research online to find organizations and businesses that are in your arts interest. If possible, plan a road trip to visit.
Real Life with Real Creatives
My career inspiration isn’t tied to just one individual but rather the collective support of the many people who have guided and encouraged me throughout my career. Their advice, encouragement, and belief in my potential have been invaluable in helping me navigate the often unpredictable and challenging art world. Without their support, it would have been much more difficult to find my path and continue growing as an artist.
Future Forward
Questions to Consider for Yourself
- Do you need to go to college or can you enter the field right away?
- Do you know anyone in your arts interest that you could shadow?
- Do you know the kind of place you want to live?
- Do you imagine a life where work is your primary focus?
- Is there a business or organization you can reach out to and ask about internships?
- Do you value stability or adventure?
What are your personal circumstances (finanicial, family, etc)?
Conversation Starters With a Trusted Adult
- Do you regret going to college/not going to college?
- How did you decide what the best path was for you?
- Do you think it is important to live far away from home for a time?
- Can you help me research college scholarships related to my arts interest?
- If you could go back in time and talk to yourself at my age, what would you say?
Actions You Can Take
- Create a Vision Board
- Research arts jobs and compare salaries, longevity, etc.
- Explore higher education opportunities for your arts interests
Real Life with Real Creatives
I tell my students all the time that the most talented are not always the most successful. It takes hard work and dedication. Every one says the arts are a hard field to be successful in and I agree to some extent but every field is hard in its own way. If you desire to work in the creative field, what is hard is that you have to keep pushing, you have to make your own way, you have a be an artist entrepreneur, you have to keep showing up and seeking out or making your own opportunities.
