APAD 29: If I Were King

"Ashley Lawrence, a junior art major, studies multiple choice psychology questions on her computer Monday, April 21, 2008 in the kitchen of her Denver, Colo home. Several University of Denver students, including Ashley, are studying in preparation for midterm examinations taking place this week."

At this point of the quarter most students are frantically stressing over midterms, papers and group projects. Personally I don't let all that get to me. I've never been one to worry about any type of major exam because it is what it is. I have much more important things in my life to worry about. I'm a pretty good test taker and I'm sure that has something to do with my lack of anxiety but for the most part they're really not that big of a deal. I honestly don't study for tests because I figure that if I don't already know the material then I'm not going to remember it if I stare and the information for hours upon hours. It's a rare approach but that's just what works well for me. My GPA is solid so why fix something that isn't broken?

While most other students were stressing over exams I watched an outstanding documentary on the production of Sean "Diddy" Combs fashion show for his Men's clothing line Sean John. I know what most of you are thinking but don't judge so soon. Sure I know that Diddy is extremely outspoken and most of the elder generation finds him rude and obnoxious but you can't hate on his talent as a businessman. I really look up to someone like him who has the drive and passion to be the absolute best at what he does and for a young black male like myself it's great to see that no matter where you started it only takes drive and hard work to get anywhere you want to be.

If I Were King highlights not only the work involved in putting together a major line for New York's fashion week but also how meticulous Diddy is. If you have a free 70 minutes (or so) give it a look. It really inspired me to push harder to where I want to be and what I want to become. No one is just going to give me a job, I have to work for it. 

During the program Diddy talks about "signs" he comes across that he feels are trying to tell him something. Although I'm not a very religious person I do believe that there are hints being left for each and every one of us to assist us in our journey through life. For me it came in the form of a friends advice during lunch the day after my 21st birthday in Milan, Italy. He suggested that I actually try and do something with my photography. 16 months later look at where that advice has taken me. It's little things like these that allow me to understand that everything happens for a reason. The problem for forward thinkers like myself is that you never know when and in what form those "signs" will come in. Pay attention because you never know when something or someone is trying to relay a message that may change your life. 

-JCE