What is "Identity?"

Maybe it's because I work in marketing. Perhaps it's because I have a distant-but-growing obsession with branding. I can't say for certain, but I'm quickly becoming tangled in this task of creating an identity. Who do I want to be? Or, more specifically, what do I want others to see? This is a valuable thing to consider in your career. At this stage in life, it's terrifying to sit and think, "Who am I? What makes Kelly Rivard?"

I'm finding that this is a careful combination of "being yourself" and adaptation. I'm definitely not saying you should run out and create some alter-ego. You shouldn't, by any means, lie about your history or credentials. These should be givens. You never want your identity to be a lie. You need to be who you say you are, whether it's on a resume, or an online account. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Google Buzz, and various other networking sites can be valuable tools for establishing your professional identity, but they can also be deal-breakers.

This is hard subject for me. My professional interests are pulling me in two very, very different directions. At age 19, I'm contemplating the possibilities of what I'll be doing for the rest of my life.

I know, I'm young. I know my goals can change and that my career could take my places I'd never imagine. But what I do now could influence my opportunities later. If I grab internships in public relations, will it be too late to go to e-commerce later? These questions are common.

For now, I'm going with the flow. Opportunities are finding their way to me. The proactive things I did early on have brought some amazing chances to my doorstep now. I can at least rest assured that I was wise in getting on-the-job experience young.

Going with the flow doesn't make it any less terrifying. I'm shocked at how often I get complimented on how motivated I am, how focused and career-ready I am. I always look at the person talking to me with surprise and confusion. I'm driven, yes. Motivated, yes. But I'm not ready. I'm nowhere near ready. I'm uncertain.

I don't even know who I'm going to be in the work world yet. I may not for a long time. But it's safe to say that I'll cherish the relative safety of college until I have to face the "real" world.

Interview! And Other Business.

That's right. I scored an interview.

It's exciting. Granted, it's a 4-hour drive round-trip, but it's worth it. One of the fringe benefits is that I'll be in the same city where my boyfriend attends college, so I might get a date to Noodles & Company or Avanti's after my interview. Wootwoot!

The internship I'm interviewing for is internet-based, so I'll be able to do the work while I'm 2 hours away at school. My primary mode of communication is email, with texting as a close second, and then Facebook, so I'm feeling fairly confident that if I get the spot, I'll maintain myself well.

I've never done a formal interview before. I'm quite excited. I know nerves will rise as it gets closer, but I'm hoping I'll remain moderately cool throughout this preparation process.

In other news, my farmboy (aka my boyfriend) took me to see the musical Jersey Boys in Chicago last night. It was the best Christmas gift I have ever gotten. Why? It's not some gadget or toy that I'll enjoy for a bit and will soon be outdated. It's an experience. It's a memory. And it was an amazing night. We even got lost for a little while in China Town, which wasn't in the plan...but we still got to the parking structure with more than enough time to eat, explore, and go to the theatre.

While in Chicago, we stopped at my favorite art supply store known as Dick Blick (although it generally just goes by Blick now). To make up for getting us lost, and also because he's just a thoughtful guy, Tim bought me a geeky only-Kelly-would-want-that present. SEE?! Isn't it FABULOUS?!

I'm so excited about this book. I guess times like this are the ways I can tell I'm studying the right thing...when my design-geek side spills out into everyday life.

The next few days are going to be HECTIC. I have one of those "volunteer" things to finish up, a piece for the Farm Bureau newspaper. It's due on January 1st. I also have to pack and do laundry so I'll be ready to head back to school on Sunday. ALSO, I have to finish a painting job that I have going. AND tonight is my best friend's birthday, so we're going there for dinner. AND I have to take pictures of every rabbit I plan on selling so that buyers can see what they may be getting.

Whew.