(left to right) Ava Brandt (‘27 Creative Writing, Documentary Film, and LGBTQ Studies minor), Mrs. Greenberg (Olivia Greenberg’s mom), and Olivia Greenberg (’27 Graphic Design) at the Tower Bridge while studying abroad in London, summer 2025.

In this month’s Career Corner, Ava Brandt (‘27 Creative Writing, Documentary Film, and LGBTQ Studies minor) shares with us how some of her Chapman experiences have helped create the path for her future.  

Every college student goes through a period of time when they have absolutely no idea what they are going to do after graduation. As a rising junior, I can say that I have felt this feeling many times and have often wondered if I am even on the right path. But I feel like the “path” we are all supposed to be on is entirely subjective and individualistic, and it is not the path that shapes us, but rather that we shape our paths.

Over the past few years, I’ve discovered that the best way to figure out my future is to try things, then reflect, and adjust. At Chapman, a handful of experiences have been pivotal in shaping my direction: studying abroad, working on campus, taking a variety of classes, and double minoring.

Studying Abroad: Expanding My World

Taking the summer abroad course, GD 308: Sustainable Design, expanded my world and broadened my perspectives. It taught me how to adapt to new work environments and how to work with a wide range of people. I learned how to communicate with clients and work efficiently. It also allowed me to realize that in my future work environment, I want the people or companies I work with to value global perspectives and maintain equity and inclusion at the forefront.

Being a Student Worker: Defining My Values

Working as the Wilkinson Event Photographer and Blog Editor has shown me how much I value the space I am working in, and to make that a priority when considering any future job. It has given me standards and allowed me to know my boundaries at work. For example, I will not work in an environment that is not respectful or kind to its employees. I want to work somewhere that maintains the same values as I do, which include equity, inclusion, diversity, environmental awareness, and more. And I want to work in an open and collaborative space rather than in a corporate building.

These values allow me to explore what careers I feel that I am best suited for and want to work in. From my experience as a blog writer for Wilkinson College, I know that I do not want to be a copywriter for a corporate company, but rather an editor for a publisher or a blog writer for a feminist or queer magazine.

Exploring Different Classes

I have taken many different classes at Chapman, including those on writing, journalism, graphic design, musicology, humanities, English, and documentary film. This variety has allowed me to explore what I do and do not want to do in my future career. For example, I love writing, but I have learned through my journalism and workshop classes that I am more interested in fictional storytelling than I am in journalism. Documentary film has allowed me to explore telling stories on screen and shown me possible career paths in that field, such as a director or cinematographer. The graphic design course I took showed me that I am definitely not a graphic designer, but there are so many amazing people who are, and I can admire that. Taking different classes is a great way to learn what you like and don’t like, and can even open up new career options that you didn’t think were possible. Next time you feel stuck, try taking something new!

Double Minoring: Why Not Both?

I chose to double minor last semester in Documentary Film and LGBTQ studies when I was struggling to decide between what I wanted to do. As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to learn more about our history and meet other people who are interested in the same things I am. However, I was excited about my growing interest in my storytelling abilities on screen. I calculated whether I would even be able to graduate on time doing both. When I realized I could, I knew that minoring in both was for me. This decision expanded my career options and is teaching me how to balance many things at once. I am excited to continue exploring these two subjects and seeing where they take me next. If you can’t decide, why not take both?

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Find the Path, You Create It

Looking back, I see that my growth hasn’t come from having all the answers–it comes from saying yes to opportunities, taking risks, and staying open to change. The path I’m on is shaped by my curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to explore.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your future, here’s my advice:

  • Keep moving forward, even if you are unsure.
  • Try something new.
  • Say yes more often.
  • And remember–you don’t have to find the path. You can get to create it.