The Show Goes On

I'm an official alumnus from the University of Illinois as of May 14, 2011. Um, what? Where has the time gone? As I sat in my seat during commencement, I rewound all the memories over the past four years and wondered how it all led to that day. I reminsced my accomplishments, the nights out with my friends, the long days and nights of studying, the sporting events, and in entirety, my college experience.

Many don't know that I fought my way to U of I. My dad was pretty adamant about me attending the community college near my house. I knew that route wasn't for me so I went behind his back, accepted to U of I, and paid my deposit for the dorm. Needless to say, he wasn't too happy when he found out. But thanks to my Mom, she decided to help me with my college loans and from there, the rest is history.

I arrived as a freshman more excited than I had ever been. It was my time to shine, my time to succeed, my time to discover myself and the path I would take to the future. The thing I wanted to do the rest of my life turned out to be not for me. I waved good-bye to journalism and embraced advertising. Never would I have thought the field would make as much of an impact on my life that it has. I've found my calling (or so I think).

The last four years have been a whirlwind full of laughter, tears, stress, smiles, and bittersweet memories (that may or may not be remembered). I just can't believe it's all over. The last week, I was praying Ashton Kutcher would just pop out and yell, "You just got PUNKed!" Too bad this is real life.

The future is hazy. I thought I knew what I wanted, but now it's all a little confusing, frustrating, and scary. I really don't know where to go from here and I certainly don't know how to feel at this crossroad in my life. But I know I'm not alone. Some of us are moving halfway across the country to follow our dreams. Some of us are starting our first job - maybe our dream job, maybe one we've settled for. Some of us are preparing for even more school ahead. Some of us are just crusing through this thing we call life until we figure out what the hell we want.

I learned a lot at U of I, in and out of the classroom. But the most profound thing I learned there was to truly follow your dreams. Don't pick the job you know you won't like just because it pays more. Don't listen to anyone but yourself. Don't ever settle for anything. Do what you want and do what makes you happy.

I will admit I cried during my graduation. I couldn't help it. I've followed my dreams thus far - hit some bumps along the road and maybe didn't always get what I want - but the point is I've aimed high and succeeded and that is something I can be proud of. U of I not only gave me that confidence, but gave me the best of friends.

You all know who you are. As cliche as it all sounds, I wouldn't be the person I am today if I had not met each and every one of you that remain dear to my heart. You each made my experience at college so unique, exhiliarating, and memorable. I cannot thank you enough. And it saddens me to know that many of the people that have touched my life, I won't be seeing on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis. It could be a yearly basis now, if not ever again.

So here I am. An alumnus of U of I. Not really sure what my future holds. Not really sure where my path will take me. Not really sure what I want. All I know is I'm going to keep taking deep breaths, knowing that everything will happen the way it is supposed to. Because after all, as Lupe Fiasco would say it, "the show goes on."

With deep breaths and wonder,

A Little About Me.

"Who are you?"

I’m Kelly Nash. My name just kinda flows, so most people always refer to me as “KellyNash” as if my name is just one word. Feel free to call me that (or any of my other nicknames: Kel, KellyBelly, KayNay, K-Nash, K-Nashty; they could literally go on forever).

I’m known for my sappy comments (people love to make fun of me for this), my clumsiness (I trip over everything), my blondness (even though I’m not a real blonde), laughing at my own jokes (when no one else thinks they’re funny), and being born with 11 fingers and 11 toes (yes, this is true).

Over the years, I’ve realized a few valuable things about myself. I can be negative at times, but I have a positive outlook on life. I can be selfish about what I want to do and what I want, but I will always put others before myself. I sometimes feel like I’m not good enough, but I will always stand up for myself and for what I believe in. I fight with my dad the most out of anyone in this world, but that’s only because he and I are exactly alike. I guard my heart and am afraid of getting hurt, but I will open up when I think the time is right. I sometimes have the worst luck, but then my lucky moments make me appreciate every moment I do have.

I picked up “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss and read it cover to cover before I turned 3 years old. I decided in just the 5th grade that I was going to write a book someday and even then began scribbling down ideas to get started. By the 7th grade, I already knew I was going to push to go away to college; where I would actually go didn’t present itself until my senior year of high school. My freshman year at the University of Illinois was when I decided to become an advertising major, even though I knew absolutely nothing about it; my sophomore year, I realized I was destined for the field. It was also my sophomore year that I decided to sit down, exert my emotions, and dive into writing an actual book that I hope to get published in the near future. Now, it's the end of my senior year and in just a few short weeks, I will begin my journey of ‘big girl’ world.

Needless to say, if you were to ask me what one word I would choose to describe myself, I would tell you that I am determined.

I’m determined to set myself apart from the crowd. I’m a leader, not a follower. I like to scare myself a little and push myself to limits I didn’t think I could do.

I’m determined to make a difference. I know I can’t make a dent in the problems of this world, but I can make a dent in the lives of my family and friends. I put my all into spending time with my family and being there for my friends.

I’m determined to live life to the fullest. I treasure each moment and try to go above and beyond with the experiences I have. I also want to explore the world and break free of my comfort zone.

I’m determined to see beauty in the simple things: a smile from a stranger, a clear blue sky, a run where you feel nothing can stop you, that connection you get when you’re with all your closest friends in a room, giving up your seat for an elderly person, a kiss from a loved one, a handwritten letter, a phone call just to say hi, a shoulder to cry on, an embrace from someone you haven’t seen for months, lighting candles, giving and receiving flowers, buying someone dinner when they don’t expect it, and most importantly, being vulnerable and opening your heart.
Nothing is guaranteed, so I cherish every breath, every laugh, every hug, and every experience I have. And the motto that gets me through this thing called life? Everything happens for a reason.