Interview with current student, and soon to graduate, Jessica Holt.

1) What motivated you to come to Guru?

I had worked in a corporate environment for most of my adult life. I was always successful at it but never really loved it. I found myself forever incorporating creative ventures on the side. For awhile I made and sold my own jewelry. I have always had a passion for photography and grew up with a pencil firmly lodged in my hand. I knew that, as successful as I could be in an office environment, it wasn't the life my husband and I dreamed of. I felt like I was living two lives and trying to balance them became overwhelming. I needed a career that I was excited to be a part of and that I could do from anywhere. Graphic design seemed like the perfect fit and I'm confident that I've made the right choice.

2) What was the most valuable thing you've learned in your time at Guru?

For me, the skills and tools I learned where fantastic but more than anything, I learned how to adapt outside of my comfort zone. Learning how to change the way I look at things and succeed in an unfamiliar environment was the most valuable lesson.

3) What activity/volunteer project/commercial project have you taken on that allows you to apply the skills you've learned at Guru?

With only a few months left of school, I was presented with the opportunity to volunteer as a Brand Champion with the David Suzuki Foundation; an organization I have long respected and wanted to get involved with. They were willing to take a chance on me even though I was still a student and the experience has been nothing but positive. I'm proud to say that my work can be seen in their 2009 Holiday Catalog and I'm optimistic that this will be an ongoing relationship for years to come.

4) What would you recommend new or prospective students consider when coming to Guru?

I think, more than anything else, prospective students really need to ask themselves if they're ready to make a serious commitment to their educational growth. This program is intense and students need to make certain sacrifices in order to be successful. But at the same time, that intensity is also a great benefit; it breeds some of the most amazing ideas and prepares students to tackle challenges face-on. Those are lessons that continue beyond the classroom walls.

5) Where to from here? What are your goals?

After graduation, I really want to take a week just to catch up with the friends and family that I have neglected over the last six months. Those human connections are good for the soul and I think it's important to reconnect with the people that have supported me through this endeavor. After that, I hope to get a job doing website design and development with a firm that encourages and nurtures growth and development. There are specific paths, mainly web-based, that I really want to explore and being in school has helped me focus my interests so that I can ensure I'm on the right road. Also, I'll probably take a nap. That's been a long time coming.

6) Any words of wisdom you wish to share?

Push yourself out of your comfort zone. That's where the most valuable learning happens. And learn from those around you. Connect with the person in class (or life) who seems like your polar opposite; not only can you learn the most from them, you'll strengthen your own skills by teaching them what you know.