GUEST POST: Viivi Clark

Finding Yourself

I graduated from high school in Finland in December of 2014. I had decided that I would apply to study Literature in England if I achieved the required grades. The funny thing is that I got the grades I needed, yet I ended up stepping into a very different degree programme.

A few months later, I enrolled on an Economics degree, and already during the very first

lecture, I felt dramatically out of place. Throughout the three years, I felt lost and alone,

unmotivated and frustrated. I was angry at myself for choosing the “wrong” path. I began

looking for inspiration and creative outlets outside the academic environment because I felt like my field of study wasn’t providing me with ways to express myself in a fulfilling way.

I started studying photography in my free time, and in 2018 I started a fashion themed blog. Blogging brought some much-needed excitement and creative stimulation into my life and ultimately led me to Southampton.

Now I am at Solent University, on an MA course, studying Creative Direction for Fashion and Beauty – still not the on the literature course I had planned to be on after graduating high-school. I can’t say that I have truly found my calling yet, but I am so much closer to it than I was a year ago.

Sometimes I scroll down LinkedIn and stumble upon the profiles of my former course

mates from Finland. Most of them are now working in finance, auditing or as consultants –

some of them even have their own companies! I would be lying if I said that the impressive titles (and the salaries that often accompany those titles) didn’t evoke a slight tingle of envy in me. However, I am also proud of myself for accepting that none of those particular career paths were meant for me, and for acting in accordance to that realization and trusting my intuition to guide me on my search for what feels right.

During these past seven months, I have had time to really reflect upon my life and what truly brings me joy. In this blog post, I wanted to share some of the things I have learned through reading books, going to numerous guest lectures, watching documentaries and conducting expert interviews:

1. There is no universal path the success; there isn’t even an agreed definition for it! Don’t look at or listen to how other people define success - decide what it means for you today and keep redefining it as you learn and grow.

2. Take time to discover yourself, honestly and openly. This is the perfect time to find out what brings you joy, what you are passionate about, and what enables you to enter the flow state. Flow is a state of complete presence – a state in which you can be creative and free from limiting beliefs and thought-patterns. It can be a very useful signpost on the path to self-discovery.

3. Trust your intuition to guide you on your path, don’t force yourself to hold onto situations, beliefs or people that don’t inspire and empower you. Trust your mind and body as tools that you can utilize mindfully and intentionally – don’t let your appearance or your thoughts limit you or define you.

4. Work is most effective when balanced out with rest and recovery. Laughing is important, sleeping enough is important, your mental and physical health is important – even when deadlines are looming, the priority is YOU.

I realized that even if completing my Master’s degree at Solent doesn’t lead me directly to the “career of my dreams”, it will be an integral part of the journey. Without this experience, I wouldn’t have learned the things I have about myself or gained the skills and confidence that will be required for the next step, whatever it may be.

It’s comforting to realize that there is no such thing as a “wrong turn”; the things that don’t feel right are there to guide us towards what finally will. With every step (even if you land in a puddle and your new white shoes get ruined) you learn, and you grow.

And for anyone and everyone (including myself) that needs to read this:

Stop and breathe. You are exactly where you are supposed to be at this moment - nothing that is meant for you will ever pass you by.

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Thank you so much to Viivi for writing this motivational post. It can become daunting when thinking about life post-graduation but it helps to know that you are not alone. Follow Viivi on Instagram @viiviclark and read her blog here.

Credit to Loren Parkhurst for footer graphic.