I’m not someone to make New Year’s resolutions because I never know where I want to be at the end of the year (the year just started for crying out loud). So here I am, in March, reflecting on everything that’s happened thus far and where I want to be at the end of 2021.
I don’t like restricting myself by saying certain things will happen or won’t happen. That being said, in reflecting on 2021 thus far, I NEVER would have anticipated or even imagined all the great things that have happened would have happened to me…
Reflection of 2021 So Far
January and February were busy months for me and I definitely overbooked myself. That being said, I haven’t felt overly stressed about my increasing responsibilities in all areas of my life. After going through graduate school while working full time I think I’m used to the feeling of never having enough time to get stuff done…
Day Job: Work as a College Adviser and Educator
I gained increasing responsibility at work around student life projects and equity work. Both of these things are somewhat outside of my job description but my boss is supportive of me seeking professional development. This year the Students of Color Conference is not cancelled because of a pandemic, it’ll be offered virtually instead. I’ve been contributing little by little to the planning committee for the conference and look forward to increasing my responsibility in future years.
The Students of Color Conference, if you’re unfamiliar or located outside of Washington State, USA, is a student conference for students of color. Most of the students in attendance are community and technical college students but there are also a few university students who attend. The conference has keynote speakers, social networking opportunities (trivia and karaoke anyone?), and workshops to build on 5 pillars:
- Identity Development
- Awareness of Others
- Skills Development
- Social Justice and Social Activism
- Personal Development
Outside of all this, I’ve been in contact with the Communications and Social Media department for the college I work for to discuss applying what I’ve learned in other avenues. Currently, I’m in meetings to discuss helping the college start a podcast, create TikTok videos to give students short video advice on how to survive and thrive in college, and more.
Side Hustle: Podcaster
My podcast is 4 months old and just getting warmed up. I tried to space out future recordings (after what happened in February with lots of recording and guest booking) and yet somehow managed to book 3 guests for the month of March with two potential guests in April or May. I’m still reflecting on the fact that I had planned to do this podcast solo and so many people have offered to be a guest or have agreed to be guest when I casually asked / suggested.
I’m thrilled for what’s to come. There are lots of interesting topics that I haven’t heard discussed before in the context of Disney animated movies. I’m still planning ahead and deciding when to post episodes, in what order, and if I’ll continue to record solo episodes or not. Regardless, I currently have episode content that will get me to June, 2021!
I have also been guest co-hosting the podcast, Black and Yellow, in secret for the past couple months. The episodes will be uploaded throughout the month of March. I’ve really loved working with another through the creative process and recording process.
Social Media
I made this blog, a professional Instagram account (separate from my personal Instagram account), and a TikTok account. I always liked the idea of blogging but was never good about keeping up with it for the podcast (www.wonderfulworldofdisneyvillains.com). Then again, I also knew there were so many things I could talk about outside of Disney that others hadn’t already said or thought of too. I started being on Instagram more, finding time to type intentionally, actually jotting down ideas as they come up instead of forgetting about them, and more. I even started a digital planner to help me keep track of everything and all my brain dump sessions.
In February I started a TikTok account. Something I told myself I would never do because it seemed like it was more for younger generations than for me. That being said, I still ended up making an account and videos once I realized there was no one making content (blog, video, podcast, etc.) about how to survive and thrive throughout college. Everything was about how to get INTO college, how to survive high school, or what to do after college. As a college educator and adviser my students struggle in college. All students struggle with something at some point in time. College is… at least 2 – 5 years of your life. You’re bound to go through a breakup, a family fight, imposter syndrome, or something! I’m here to support you through all of it.
Goals for 2021
I have never been one to set goals but I love making checklists and checking off each thing I accomplish or complete. But I guess goals are just that… long term checklists.
Day Job: Educator
I am always looking for professional development opportunities and ways to increase my job responsibility. That being said, I’ve talked to my boss, deans, and other working professionals in the field for opportunities, experiences, and more to try and tip my feet into. Needless to say, in my current job I am running out of opportunities. The Students of Color Conference is a big vein of professional development and increased responsibility to explore. I’ve also been looking at opportunities to try college teaching. So for 2021 my goals are to…
- Find, at least, 2 professional development opportunities to do for the 2021 – 2022 school year
- Volunteer, apply, initiate projects, involvement in committees / councils
- Continue to learn and be involved in current issues as they pertain to students via social media or other
- Apply to, at least, 2 teaching positions before 2022
Side Hustle: Podcaster
I have really loved my short time with podcasting. It is something I wouldn’t mind doing full time if it had a retirement plan, a good paying income, and insurance. Until then, I’ll enjoy it while I can and keep publishing podcast episodes and blog posts whenever I find the time.
For the month of March I will be guest co-hosting the Black and Yellow podcast. If the Black and Yellow fans like me I can be a permanent new co-host. This is something I would really love to continue but I also don’t want to get my hopes up. It’s up to the fans after all. The Black and Yellow podcast is a great platform to talk about all things, whereas my podcast is restricted to only Disney. It’s also nice talking to someone versus talking to myself.
2021 goals…
- Continue to record and publish two episodes a month
- Record and publish 1 – 2 bonus episodes by the end of 2021
- Intentionally post on Instagram every weekday
- Post TikTok videos, at least, twice a week (please send me questions or tips you’re looking for to help you navigate college!)
- Be the permanent co-host of the Black and Yellow podcast
Let’s see how far I’ll go! What are your goals for 2021?
The Disney Villain Scholar 