My Last Briefing Ever
My thoughts on starting my final project
Me on the day I received my last briefing of my academic life
I have a feeling that the next couple of months will be a series of lasts. I had my last first day of school in September and yesterday, I had my last briefing of my academic life. It’s all coming to an end so soon - but let’s not get all soppy and teary eyed just yet. That’s not what we’re going for right now. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on receiving my final briefing. Thoughts, fears and excitement. I will also be rounding it up with some tips on how I will make the most of it and advice to my future self.
What is the assignment?
The final year of university is a moment to demonstrate everything you have learnt over the last three years. As a fashion journalism and content creation student, that can look like a magazine, website, YouTube channel etc… I will be revealing my project in full in another blog post, but for now I can share a short description.
I am making a Youtube channel called Let Me Be Creative where I will be interviewing industry professionals in behind the scenes creative roles. This is to educate young creatives on the multiple ways their talents can be manifested as careers in super niche jobs. I will use my platform to shine light on the underdogs of the creative industry as well as address barriers people may have to get into the creative industry.
How is this different?
Every other assignment has had some sort of guidline. A clear title, aim and result. The difference with this is that it is up to us to define all three of those points. Although we will be supported, it is the most independent project we will do. The ideas will come from our own interests and executed to our own standards. It’s the last one. The final hurrah before we walk across the stage to receive the qualification we have been working towards. Every assignment is important, but this one means the most to me.
95% Excitement: I’m so ready for this
I thought of my idea in the summer holidays, but I have really been working towards it my whole life. When I started uni, I thought I would produce a magazine and I was worried that I wouldn’t find a niche to focus on. I’m not part of any subculture, I don’t have an attachment to any location and I didn’t want it to be just a fashion magazine with no clear focus. However these past three years, I’ve done alot of self reflection which made me realise that advocating for young people in creative industries is something I have always done. I work with young people currently wanting to apply to creative courses; I use my social media to bring attention to fashion journalism and I have always pushed friends to pursue their creative interests beyond hobbies. I am excited to now be able to do this on a bigger and even more intentional platform. I get full creative control to realise this vision and help others - I can’t wait to start!
5% Apprehensive: It’s ok to be worried
But with great power comes great responsibility. I think sometimes I get in my head when I care deeply about something. I want to do right by my audience and I see this beyond being just a uni assignment. I don’t know how it will be received. I don’t know if people will agree to do interviews. I don’t know if I will get it all done in time. But what I do know is that I will try. All I have to give is my best and let God do the rest. There’s many ways this project can turn out and I will dodge each curveball as they come.
Let’s make this work:
I could spend time fearing the what ifs. Or I could put systems in place to minimise the effects of possible negative outcomes. Here’s what I am doing to make the most of this project:
Planning ahead: I refuse to get halfway through this project and ask myself where did the time go and what did I do with it. I love a to do list, but this project requires more. We have been advised to create an overall schedule of the timeline for this project, then break it down day by day. See the bigger picture then plan how to get there.
Get loud: I was someone who would keep ideas to myself until they were complete. But something un has taught me is the value of others input. I am surrounded by people with bright creative minds who can think of things that I won’t. When you open yourself up and share your ideas, you allow others to help it grow. I also noticed that the more I talk about my project, the more confident I get about and the idea gets clearer in my head.
Ask for help: This doesn’t have to be a solo trip. I will continue being that annoying person asking all the questions in class. I will book as many tutorials as possible with academic support to refine my idea. My friends and family will be able to pitch the project themselves after all the times they hear me talk about. This is a big project and it is submitted independently, but it doesn’t have to be done alone.
Have fun: This is my final project and I want to look back in a couple years and smile at the memory. I might have late night where it’s just me and my laptop, but that will be sandwiched with days out with friends and family. I will continue to make time for my other interests and vlog to remember this time. There is a good chance this project will consume my time these next two months, but I intend on loving every second.
Dear Future Me…
This may be get hard, but it is just the first step. Every step you have taken up until this point has equipped you with all you need to excel in this. You will do even greater than this in your life, don’t let fear stop the excitement. You got this.
I will be sharing my final year project soon on upcoming blog posts and my social media, be sure to follow and subscribe to receive updates on latest articles.
