postgrad

Get lost.

Everyday

In the 14 days I’ve been in Houston I’ve probably gotten lost about twenty-eight times (if not more). I consider it a rarity if I haven’t gotten lost at least twice in one day. Normally this would frustrate me. I hate being lost. I hate not knowing where I am or being in an unfamiliar part of town.

Having lived in Dallas my whole life, I rarely got truly lost; I could always find a reference point (a major highway, a recognizable restaurant) to help guide me back to where I was supposed to go. Now I’m in a new city with new roads and new landmarks to learn. I’ve driven to the wrong location several times because there are multiple streets with the same names. I’ve made a ridiculous amount of U-turns. I’ve pulled into many a parking lot to re-configure the GPS on my iPhone only to discover I’m right where I was supposed to be all along.

Strangely enough, I’ve come to welcome the feeling of being lost. It’s through these times that I have been able to explore my new home, stumbling across random one-way streets and discovering hidden retail strips. It’s forced me to explore, not out of luxury, but out of necessity. It has made me embrace the fact that I’m not in Dallas anymore and the hundreds of new opportunities that allows me.

And it has helped me understand that everyone needs to get lost every once in a while, because if we are never lost, how can we know when we’re found?

Haley Takes Houston

Advertising, Everyday

Long story short: I’ve accepted a job offer as a Junior Copywriter at an ad agency in Houston. I start mid-June.

Long story longer: FKM contacted me out of the blue four days ago and, after a phone interview, I was asked to fly out to visit the agency to get a feel for the people there. Friday, I flew to Houston and had a series of interviews on site. Overall, I LOVED IT. I met so many amazing people and learned about the exciting work that the agency is doing (as well as their goals for the future). They are really cool and were really passionate and invested in me and my success. I was told how much they think that my talent and personality would be a perfect fit for their agency and their clients. So, after a couple of hours of interviews, they offered me a job. Because I leave for Scotland Sunday (tomorrow), they needed to know by then if I accepted the offer.

On the ride back to the airport, I felt a sense of peace which is weird because I had several emotional breakdowns in the previous 64 hours over the idea of moving by myself to a city I have only been to once (the first time was flying in for my interview). I was hesitant at first, because I’ve never considered leaving Dallas. But, it’s an opportunity to get crazy real work experience right off the bat which is not typical of entry-level advertising creatives. Plus, I really feel like the agency is a perfect fit for me. I’ve been praying this whole semester about being spontaneous and open to God’s plans for me, and I feel like this might be God’s reason that I’ve had nothing really solid planned job-wise.

So, I officially accepted the offer today (Saturday). That being said, prayers would be highly appreciated as I embark on this new journey. I am both excited and nervous about the days to come, especially since I’ll be in the UK for 10 days when I should be researched living arrangements in Houston–if anyone knows people with guest houses or who are looking for a roommate let me know! This is definitely going to be an adventure ;)

Stay tuned for more news about my crazy-fast move as well as a play-by-play on my adventures in Scotland and London this week.

Also, if anyone wants to see me before I leave, hit me up!

Jeremiah 29:10: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Acts 20:24 – “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”