enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

oh, college.

elise talks college. from elise blaha on Vimeo.

On my "What do you want to hear about?" post, I got a few requests for something directed towards college students. I loved that idea to the stars and back. And, never one to turn down a chance to talk about my life story, I made a video. As always, apparently, it's long. But perhaps it will be interesting if you're currently in college OR want to know a little more about my un-traditional path towards doing what I love.

Hope you enjoy. love, elise

P.S. anything else you'd like a video on? I know, I know…something with Paul. It's on the pipeline.

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42 responses to “oh, college.”

  1. Kara H Avatar
    Kara H

    LOVED this. you’re awesome.

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  2. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! There were some real gems of advice in there and I can’t wait to share them with my friends! Elise, you are so inspiring. In fact, I was running with a friend tonight and I told her about the post you just did about running.

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  3. Gabriella Avatar
    Gabriella

    I really, really liked your video. I’m in my second year of university and am so curious/nervous about what is going to happen when I graduate. This was just nice to hear, and really great advice! Thanks!

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  4. elsiecake Avatar
    elsiecake

    so cute, elise! i like hearing peoples stories. XX, elsie

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  5. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    thanks heart. you are too.

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  6. Catherine Avatar
    Catherine

    I love this so much.
    I teach college students and so many of them think that they’re doing “it” wrong if they don’t know exactly what they want to do on day one. And then they think that as long as they take classes (whether they will be done well or not), that they will be automatically given whatever job they most want. They tend not to realize that there is still work involved post-college.
    You telling people that the work involved is worthwhile is wonderful.

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  7. Courtney Avatar
    Courtney

    I’ve been struggling this entire semester with whether or not my major is right for me, and whether or not I should continue working toward making the career plan I have come true. So, this video could not have come at a better time. It definitely gave me a fresh, much needed perspective on things. You’ve always been such an inspiration to me.
    You’re awesome, Elise! Thank you so much for this.

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  8. Flo Avatar
    Flo

    You have a talent to sum up real experiences and squeezing the motivational juice out of them ! Great insights on career searching/making.
    “I didn’t want the job, i wanted a job”, I can so relate to that. Lukewarm feelings about a possible job are never a good sign, I guess.
    Thanks for this video !

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  9. melissa Avatar
    melissa

    you are so inspiring and creative…..and a GOOD speaker!
    i could watch you talk about paper clips or underwater basket weaving and you would have me glued!!
    i’m a university grad, doing nothing in my field of study…but i’m so happy i went.
    thanks elise!

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  10. Joy Avatar
    Joy

    Thank you for sharing your story. I’m a hospitality major and having a job when I graduate that I love is something that is really important to me! and I’m still trying to find out what exactly that is, but I think that’s ok. It’s hard but your story is a nice reminder that not knowing exactly what, when, where and all the other simple questions that are actually very complicated is ok. Thanks again

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  11. Alexandra Avatar
    Alexandra

    Thank you.Thank you.Thank you. I can’t say that enough times. This video came at the perfect time.
    I’m graduating from college in 17 days, with no “real job” on the horizon, but a burning desire to do freelance design work.
    Thanks for your “push” and inspiration. Because really, your story is one of the most inspiring stories ever–it’s not always about the plan, but what you make of everything when the original plan doesn’t work.
    Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙂

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  12. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    Thanks for sharing your story. Mine is very different but in an unexpected way your words really helped me with where I am right now. Thank you. You’re fantastic!

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  13. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    this made me cry… weird I know. But I’m 22, looking for a job, not THE job, just any job and it just made me feel like I can do this and things will work out.
    Thanks for sharing! You are seriously the best! You are the blog that inspires me, everyday, to keep going after what makes me happy. I’ve related to you for so much over the last 2 years, and this post was perfect timing.
    Again thanks Elise!

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  14. Monica Avatar
    Monica

    I love watching you talk. You have such a shining personality, and it really comes out in these videos. Thank you for sharing your story.
    I would love to hear your experiences regarding friendship, as I am super shy and making friends does not come easily.

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  15. kaitlin Avatar
    kaitlin

    A lot of what you said reminded me of my college experience.
    For me, a major in Interior Design, I found I was having more fun working on the presentation and little pieces of my projects…stressing out about fonts on my board rather than the code of my building. Taking an internship sealed the fact that my heart was not in I.D. But I would not be where I am now had I not gone to college. It is the experience of college that made it for me. Great talk 🙂

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  16. Jillianitaly.blogspot.com Avatar
    Jillianitaly.blogspot.com

    Ditto to what Alexandra and Samantha said. I asked one of the college questions on that post, and this did come at a perfect time. I’m graduating in a month and applying to things out the wazoo. Honestly, the most helpful thing for me was just to hear you say, “hang in there.” Thanks for the words of encouragement… it means more than you may know because it really is a struggle right now.

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  17. Julie Rouse Avatar
    Julie Rouse

    Thank you so much. I’m a math major, but I’m trying to experience as much as I can and take as many art classes as I can. I love following blogs, photography, scrapbooking, and simply making things and I’m in a place where I’m not sure whether these things should be simply hobbies or a part of my career. I am passionate about math and education but I don’t want to be stuck in the dialogue of getting ‘the career’ after college that my major has prescribed for me. I’m encouraged to see you doing what you love and how you got there. Thanks for the vlog.

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  18. france Avatar
    france

    even though I haven’t been in college for almost 20 years, I still loved this. My path was somewhat similar to yours and I think your advice is spot on. I hope that the young followers (and by young, I mean younger than me:)really listen to that…especially in this tough economy finding a way to do what you love is so very important.
    BTW…i’m a former papersourcer myself:)

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  19. Maria Stenlund Avatar
    Maria Stenlund

    It would be fun to hear Paul talk about you!

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  20. Alyssa Avatar
    Alyssa

    you could pass for Australian with that accent 🙂
    I’m Australian, I would know.

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  21. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    After I graduated I freaked because I thought “what had I REALLY learned?” So, I can talk my way through any discussion on political theory, but unless I wanted to be a professor (which I did not), what was I supposed to do with any of it? My boyfriend at the time (turned husband later) wisely told me my degree was not about the “stuff” I learned but about the analytical and thinking skills I developed. He was so right. And those skills have served me well in a multitude of areas.

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  22. Jamie Avatar
    Jamie

    great post. i absolutely agree. i had nearly the same experience with finding a job. i had to take a VERY low paying job after getting a degree, it takes the ego down a notch & helps you figure out what you REALLY want to do.

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  23. creole wisdom Avatar
    creole wisdom

    This is really great. I love what you said!

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  24. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Great video Elise! I sent a link to my daughter because she is graduating from college next month and slightly panicky about what she is going to do next. I think it will be helpful for her to hear that there will be twists and turns ahead and that’s OK.
    It was great to see you and hear you and you are so stinkin’ cute! Your energy and enthusiasm reminds me of my sister and it is infectious! Thanks for sharing part of your life with us.

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  25. Nicole Hurley Avatar
    Nicole Hurley

    I just wanted to say that your video spoke to me. I went through college as a single mother with two young children and I worked my butt off to get through. I was of the thought that if I could just get through college, I could create the life that I wanted. Six months of job searching post college I got an interview. I took the position because I needed the financial stability (as you mentioned) and I needed the work experience. I was teaching kindergarten in a very poor area (with many different issues that I never could have foreseen) and working extremely long hours. I then got a brain tumor but jumped right back into work a month after surgery for fear of losing my job (a job that left me no time with my family and always left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough). At the end of the year I was laid off and I am now right back at the beginning doing the college thing again. I just wanted to say that I completely, absolutely agree with you that college doesn’t always give you the answer as to where you should end up. What’s important is that you find a career that makes you feel like that’s where you belong and that makes you happy. I couldn’t agree with your video more. It reminded me that I am not alone. There are many people that go to college thinking they know exactly what they want and graduate feeling lost and confused. I do, however, believe that it will always (eventually) will work itself out.

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  26. Milena Avatar
    Milena

    i’m not in college now (had to stop going because it’s way too expensive & my student loans were getting out of hand) but this was definitely inspiring. especially since i’m moving to maryland next month! any thoughts on MD; best place to live, best shops, that sorta thing?

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  27. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    hi Milena, we lived just outside of downtown Bethesda. If we were to do it all over again, we would live in the heart of DC or at least in downtown Bethesda. We didnt take advantage of what the city had to offer in retrospect. DC is amazing though – so much to see and do. Youll love it.

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  28. Ashley Brimeyer Avatar
    Ashley Brimeyer

    oh my gosh. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I needed to hear this. I needed to see this. I needed to find your blog.
    Currently have 2 more years in college, studying to be a teacher but facing the prospect of absolutely no available jobs in 2 years. This just encouraged me to run with these prospective hardships and do what I feel called to do, not what I feel I have to do.
    Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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  29. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    Wow. I haven’t read your blog before, but I stumbled across it via another blog that I read regularly… so glad I did! I’m just out of college with a psychology degree and working at starbucks. When I was in college, I just assumed something magical would happen and I would find work within my degree when I was done. I’ve always thought creativity was my greatest strength but have always felt that I “should” pursue a more career-type job. What you said about trying to fit a round peg in a square hole totally hit home. Thank you so much.

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  30. kate Avatar
    kate

    love love LOVE this…i am a senior in college right now, graduating in may and FREAKING OUT…listening to your story is quite inspiring!! so thanks! 🙂

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  31. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    this video never gets old. especially for a senior in college….
    thanks, elise.

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  32. samara Avatar
    samara

    i’m so happy i found this video, your advice is so wonderful for me right now!

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  33. Heather V Avatar
    Heather V

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video! Your story has helped this college student a ton!

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  34. Chick Tyler Avatar
    Chick Tyler

    I needed this! Great post that I just found!

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  35. amelia_bermingham@hotmail.com Avatar
    amelia_bermingham@hotmail.com

    I am a 22 year old studying marketing and am in my final year. I have dreamed of a corporate job but have not had any success in graduate jobs but am slowly finding my love of interior decorating and colour design. Your video was exactly what I needed and it felt like you were talking directly to me! Thank you!

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  36. Ffion Avatar
    Ffion

    I love this post so much, just rediscovered it from lemonandraspberry 🙂 Thank you so much for your words of wisdom 🙂

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  37. Bethan Avatar
    Bethan

    Whoa, it’s so weird to hear the sound of your voice because I’m so used to just reading your words. You have such a lovely way of speaking! Also, such a useful video. I am just starting out in medical school in the UK, so am guaranteed a job at the end anyway, but still useful to hear this and gives me some more perspective on what it is like for most graduates.

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  38. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    I’ve seen you link to this video before but finally took the time to watch it today and ohmygoodness you are the best. I graduated from college almost two years ago and initially took internships that fit with my degree (Political Science) but quickly found that while I loooooove talking about all things political, I’m not really fit for that world. So now, I’m a nanny. And no, I don’t want to do this forever, but it is a job that got me to my favorite city (DC) and pays the bills – and it allows me to take some time to decide what I really, really want to do. Which I think might be to be a teacher, but we will just see how the GRE goes in two weeks. Eep!
    Anywho, thanks for being so real and honest all the time, you rock and I’m kind of obsessed with your blog.

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  39. fred Avatar
    fred

    Thank you for this Elise! I’m even more excited about your podcast plans now.. it’s really nice to listen to your enthusiasm.
    Your message really hits home with me right now. I graduated medical school 2 years ago, but just recently quit my job. I’m not sure at all what i want to do right now and that is so SO daunting. Also because my life is about to change in a big way this month with the arrival of our first baby! One of the only things i’ve always known for sure is that i wanted to become a mother. And words cannot describe how happy i am for that dream to come true. However, something i have realised these past few months of not working as well, is that i do need to find something else to keep my mind busy, i think, like you said as well, it makes me a better person if i stay busy.
    Right now i’m still struggling with what to do. Finding a medical job would be the easy thing to do and provide the most financial security for my family. But the thought of working so hard in something i don’t love makes me feel really sad. The biggest problem is, i can’t seem to figure out what i love, or actually how that could translate into a job.. So that remains the big dilemma for me. How did you find your passion?
    Sorry for this insanely long comment! I guess i just wanted to say thank you for the inspiration. I really enjoy reading your blog. I think you come across as a very business-savvy blogger and a lovely person!

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  40. Hannah Osborn Avatar
    Hannah Osborn

    I have been following your blog for about a year now and have always found you to be such a huge inspiration! I’m so glad you linked to this video because hearing your college and post-college story is so tremendously helpful. I am a junior in college and a journalism/public relations major, but my ultimate dream would be to work for myself in a creative business. I have a feeling I’ll be referring back to this video a lot in the next few years. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

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  41. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    Elise, I just watched this video. As someone who finished college last year and ended up with a Journalism degree right at the time when the industry (especially in Queensland, Australia, where I live) is pretty much going down the drain and fast. I have felt totally lost and adrift the past year, and like you, managed to score a few interviews, but never got the jobs. The more I think about it, the more I realised I chose journalism in the first place, because I thought it would automatically give me a job. I thought if I studied journalism, then when I graduated I would be a journalist. Easy. Rather than if I studied, art, history, or business. I really didn’t know what I would do, post university. Hearing your story gives me a lot of hope and optimism I haven’t had for a long time. I have been working in a homewares store, similar to the Container Store in the US, and if I am honest: I love it. While I could have easily gotten the job without a degree, perhaps it is all worth it to find something I really love, even if I haven’t found that yet… I know now that it’s probably not journalism at all, but rather something else. And most importantly, I know that is ok.

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  42. Mary Andrikus Avatar
    Mary Andrikus

    I just watched this video and absolutely loved it! I’m thinking to share this on my blog.
    I am a freshman so that’s that. And I seriously don’t know what major should I take. All I love to learn is just literature, foreign languages, and cultures. This is why I’m taking Spanish as a major.
    But then, in order to be “stable”, I’m thinking to get a business degree. Just because my parents and my boyfriend told me I would be good at it. I have a tendency to get and chase after what I want. And right now, I don’t know what kind of business major degree I want to pursue.
    To be honest, your previous dreams are actually my current dreams, hahah 😀 I always want to travel, go to the big meetings, dress up like the boss in the Devil Wears Prada movie with hot dress and killer heels. All that such.
    But I don’t know if I will love it because I don’t have enough experience to know if I love it or not.. My spanish major is kind of my back up plan if I don’t like the other major. I mean, again, literature – cultures – foreign languages are the most things I am interested to learn about.
    Thank you for creating this video. 🙂

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