March 26, 2021
For 17 years, I went through tests, grades, scales, weightings, points, ranks, reviews, critiques; and receiving countless feedback and opinions from professors, peers, and strangers. The system told me where I was at and how I compared to others. The system gave a clear path. You go from kindergarten to first grade, then second grade, and so on. You go from Point A to Point B. You do these assignments and get these grades, and then you move to the next level. Although I found the system tiresome and boring, I found comfort in the predictability and stability.

But where do I stand now?

The system has faded away, and the path has led to an open sea. The road signs are gone. The checkpoints are nowhere. It's just me facing the sea of unknowns and new decisions. What's next? Is it time for a promotion? Is it time to move departments? Am I ready for any of it? 

I. Don't. Know.
And that's okay.

Something beautiful coming soon.

December 19, 2020

"Be the main character in your own story." has been a theme that I noticed this year --more of a trending joke on TikTok, but overall a reoccurring theme. Or perhaps it's a little thought that I whisper to myself, or what I am reminded of when I have a rough day at work, and my small mistakes felt heavy on my shoulders. When I plan a perfect outfit, and the lighting brings my face to a pretty glow. Or when I daydream about moving to New York and facing the cold adulting world away from family feels sooner rather than later.

This year has been long and emotional. It seems as though the only way I could smile through the days is by thinking someone out there is rooting for me. As though I'm the main character in a long journey and the audience is yelling at me from another universe, and I can't hear them. They keep trying to give me the answers like I'm Dora asking the same simple questions on repeat.

People always ask, "what would you do if no one is watching?" I think the better question is what would you do if everyone is watching. Part of me doesn't care if someone is watching. Part of me wants my life to be a reality show. Would it be exciting and engaging? Probably not, but it would be fun for me. Better yet, maybe it's not for the audience after all. My desire to record and perform is all for me. Like I'm working my way to impress my future self... my kids, my mom, my siblings, my future generations. I'm performing as though they are my audience, the people I want to make proud. And I'm working for the sweat, blood, and tears of my family before me.

I'm the main character. Whether the audience hates me, laughs at me, or enjoy that I'm trying, I will see my happy ending. 

December 30, 2020

this year provided me with ample time to do nothing but rethink what I'm doing in life. what's the purpose of opening the same apps? why do I enjoy making content? how can I make the most of where I'm at and where I want to go? And so on. most importantly, I felt like it is time to rebrand the Jezz Smith brand. 

"I'm here for it." serves as a starting point for all my social media profiles. let's cut to the chase, what can followers expect from my profile posts, and what do I want to remind myself to focus on online. each platform has a purpose and has different means of interacting. 

*why am I here?* 
for starters, I'm online to build connections, find/give mentorship and advice, inspiration, authenticity, community, and discovery. the most alarming thing I want is authenticity. usually, we don't imagine authenticity on platforms where people can easily pretend to be something they are not. interestingly enough, the authenticity I'm talking about doesn't come from the posts but the dialogue and behind-the-scenes conversations. everything isn't rainbows and roses all the time, and the sooner people post reality over the alternative botox reality people will notice. I want to share my story authentically and listen to others. I want to be in the mix of conversations about culture, trends, and advice centers. I want to change my focus.

*past*
originally, my profile bios focused on my job (media planner), my alum (University of Florida), and my past advertising program experience. the more I saw my bio, the more I dreaded the write-up. in all honesty, I want to be a strategist. every day I wake up thinking, "what does it take to be a strategist." my college, although reputable with solid advertising alumni, I don't love as much as others. when I look back at my time at UF, I think of competitiveness and superficial interactions. thankfully my experiences with MAIP and MPMS have been joyful, but I want my name alone to stand on its own. 

*the new look*
lowercase everything. here's my train of thought: lowercase is informal, gentle like a friend whispering a secret, no exact beginning or ending, simple like a sticky note, and easy to make additions. all of this just flowing like a freestyle poem or an ongoing thought. better yet, the new style gives a nice nod towards my logo, all lowercase jezz. I'm a brand for sure. the colors updated, the bios cleaned up, and two blue hearts added. I saw a tweet asking "what emoji would you be?" I said two blue hearts, specifically, two hearts, because we all need extra love. through multiple texts and posts, I realized the two blue heart emojis are also part of my brand. also worth noting, I made sure to include my pronouns on all platforms in support of the LBGTQ+ community.

*find and seek*
find me and follow me on all social platforms. warning: my tiktok is harder to find since it's off the grid and more for my Kpop fangirl side. overall, I hope you enjoy the new look and don't despise it like the New Coke.

July 21, 2020

I attended a great vision-board party hosted by MAIP alumnus and Integrated Media Planner Aaron Francois, Media Planner Kiara Millet, and current Maiper Shalimar A. This activity was relaxing after a long day of multi-tasking. 12/10 would recommend this activity for virtual happy hours. I'm posting this to be held accountable and be reminded of my vision.
 
Here's my 2025 Vision:

This is my vision, and I'm speaking it into existence. 

August 13, 2020

Originally, I was going to graduate on May 1, 2020, with my family beside me. I finally had a chance to celebrate with my family on July 18, 2020. I learned that for me, the ceremony doesn't matter. The fancy paper used for my diploma doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is the opportunity to make my family proud and celebrate with them. The chance to dress up and take family photos is priceless.

2. What is Media Planning?

Preface: I got this analogy for media planning from my supervisor. Media Planning is like a gift. Media planners are trying to give consumers a gift (the advertising message) that appeals to the consumer. Consumers are either disappointed in the gift for them or thrilled that the gift satisfied their need or desire. Media planners don't want to waste money on a gift consumers don't want. Consumers want to be heard and recognized. Media Planners have to find the right message, the right timing, and the best way to send the message.

3. Who made my summer internship experience very enjoyable?
The MediaCom team I worked with Frances Page, Matt DeZarlo, Emily Kusterbeck, Shannon Kortmann, and Kelvin Morales. The HR Business Partner who answered my many HR questions, Kelly Waite. All of the interns across the world: Amy DuVall, Bisi Alade, Emma Roza, Francisco Vera Nicola, Gabriela Nishanyan, Gabrielle Silverstein, Jared Deck, Luis Banegas, Luisa Torres, Mariam John-Sandy, Noah Santo, Ritu Sadarangani, Roseann Chi, Syed Rahman, and Iris Shi. My group project mentor, Anna Rosenblatt, who taught my team how we can always improve. Every media planner, creative person, director, and strategist that met with me one-on-one: Aaron Francois, Olivia Dal Porto, Megan Bridges, Rebecca Golub, Michelle Chernack, Danielle Wolff, Arielle Leonard, Sarah Federman, Vickie Song, Zach Smith, Zandelle Pierre, and Robby Rigano. The most down-to-Earth company executives I've met, Sasha Savic, Debbie Kemp, Ron Chen, Karen Erasmus, Jason Lim, Ilana Nolte, Steve Carbone, Tom Lee, Rachel Brook, Benjamin Vendramin, Anush Prabhu, Adam Potashnick, and Mark Egan (GO GATORS). 

4. How to make the most of an internship during a pandemic?
For starters, I recommend that you don't think like an intern, think like an employee. This meaning, how can you take your assignment a step further? If your supervisor asked you to organize data, what trends do you notice in the data? If you have a virtual presentation, how can you make the most of the situation? Custom virtual background? I always believe in going BEYOND what is expected and bringing in something that you know. If I found a news article, heard something in a podcast, or saw something while shopping, I would bring it to the table explaining how my insight can benefit the client. No one has the same point-of-view as you, so take advantage of that!

Simple things that go a long way: specialized thank you notes at the end of your internship, scheduling 1:1 meetings with team members, sharing your meeting notes with the team, and always asking the "dumb" questions (trust me, most likely the question is not dumb). During the slow parts of my internship, I asked where could I help and created my own work. Also, take the time to ask for recommendations from your team when the internship is over. Another pro tip is to create a dictionary of industry jargon.

5. What advice advertising experts have for anyone starting in advertising?

The transition between college and full-time work is not easy. It takes some time to find the work-life balance, so don't feel pressured from not being perfect. Also, don't feel bad for not knowing much when starting a job. The entry-level job is an entry-level job, so no pressure. Of course, we're in the middle of a pandemic but if you want to move somewhere --do it. Dream big and travel now while you are young. Communicate with your supervisor about your workload so you don't become overwhelmed. Also, learn how to bounce back from failures and fake it until you make it.

June 13, 2020

In a matter of months, the coronavirus has changed our lives. In a matter of weeks, violence reminded us of the injustice Black people face.
 
Nowadays, “Black Lives Matter” sounds like a thing brands say to stay woke. It sounds like a thing my non-Black friends tag me in on social media. It sounds like a thing co-workers say with no action behind it all.
 
I can’t open my social media feed. I can’t see another BLM hashtag tagged on a pretty girl’s Instagram post captioned, “I felt cute.”
 
I hate it. I hate that Black Lives Matter sounds as though people are saying thoughts and prayers to the people we lost. I don’t want thoughts and prayers. I want to feel safe. I want brands to stop capitalizing on the trend when the company treats its own employees with disrespect.
 
I don’t want Black Lives Matter to become a cute trend with no change.
 
Donate. Vote. Petition. Protest.

We're tired of educating you. Google it yourself.

June 28, 2020

It's been a long emotional, heart-breaking, exciting, career-building set of weeks. I finally don't feel physically and emotionally drained. I feel five pounds lighter and happier. Taking a social media break freed up a lot of time for me. So here's what I did for June:

1) Podcasts:
I thought I didn't have the attention span for podcasts, but now it's part of my daily morning routine. I listen to Snacks Minute, Today Explained, The Window, Mixed Company, Sweathead with Mark Pollard, The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, Ad Age Ad Lib, We Are Next, Coffee Break French, and more. 10/10 would recommend listening to Mixed Company.

2) Learning French... Again
Je apprend le francais. Instead of spending mindless hours on social media, I spend time learning French on Duolingo. I learned a lot of French in middle school and high school, but the knowledge not used was lost. My ultimate dream is to become fluent in French and travel to French-speaking countries without the help of Google translate.

3) MediaCom Intern
Four weeks in and I'm enjoying every second of it. I've been setting 1:1s with professionals, getting training on industry-used programs and talking to company executives. Will this internship lead to a job? I'm praying that it does! Special thanks to Kelly, Frances, and Aaron for helping me before and during my internship. Thanks to MediaCom for making us feel seen:
https://www.mediacom.com/us/news/news/2020/mediacom-welcomes-summer-internsvirtually!

4) MAIP sessions
After my full day interning, the grind continues with MAIP sessions featuring ad agencies, ad life experts, and tons of advice. Many 2020 MAIPers had their internships canceled, but that's not stopping this resilient and ground-breaking class. Everyone in the industry will know the MAIP Class of 2020 soon enough. 

Through the ups and downs, I made it through this long month of June. As news and trends turn away from BLM and Juneteenth, don't forget about the cause. Check on the Black people you know, and learn how to be an ally. --Also, Happy Pride Month! I'm working on my allyship and watching Pose on Netflix! Watch it! Be the change you want to see.

May 26, 2020

First, I want to thank advertising professionals, Senior Communications Strategist Paulina Liang at VIRTUE Worldwide, Managing Director Jerico Cabaysa at TBWA\Chiat\Day, and VP Strategy Director Nathalie Con at Giant Spoon. Also, I need to thank We Are Next for hosting Coffee At A Distance plus other advertising resources.

What I've learned:
1) Quality Over Quantity.
I read hundreds of profiles on Coffee At A Distance, narrowed it down to 30 professionals, and contacted my top three professionals. I spent time getting to know each individual's LinkedIn profile and crafting personal messages before meeting.

2) Every Ad Agency is Different.
Ad agencies can have different descriptions for the same position. Don't limit yourself, and try job positions to find what works for you.

3) We're All Humans.
It's scary contacting advertising professionals because of overwhelming self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter syndrome. Breathe. Take another breathe and start with small talk. Coronavirus makes for great small talk.

4) Have a Fun Question
I asked every ad expert, "What's the last thing you watched on tv/Netflix?" This question allows talking about personal tastes, passions, and commonalities. Better yet, I have new content recommendations.

5) Work After Making Connections.
Don't be afraid to ask more questions or introductions to other professionals. Worst-case scenario: they say no. Also, you don't need to know what's trending all the time to be great at your job. Invest in your passions.

These three individuals taught me this and a lot more. Thanks again, and stay safe!

May 27, 2020

I highly recommend the following shows and movies because of the detail-oriented plots, impressive actors, and beautiful art direction (except Queer Eye). Queer Eye is exceptional in another way.

1) Ozark, TV series (2017-)
I'm a Jason Bateman fan, but he's not the one to watch. Julia Garner gives an Emmy award-winning performance as Ruth. This show keeps you on the edge of your seat as the Byrde family navigate through the money-laundering world.

2) Breaking Bad, TV series (2008-2013)

Heck yeah, it's a slow show but worth every second for the build-up. The last episode won't disappoint you. There's a reason why this meth-dealing show won a Global Globe award for Best TV Series.

3) Jane the Virgin, TV series (2014-2019)
I was so skeptical that this show would be good. Then I watched another episode and another. Jane the Virgin is an addictive warm-and-fuzzy comedy about a pregnant virgin.

4) Queer Eye, TV series (2018-)
Yasss honey! I wish five guys would knock on my door and change my life. This reality show serves as a perfect reminder of self-love. Get your friends online and watch this together.

5) When They See Us, TV series (2019)
In light of losing the life of George Floyd and other police brutality news, this limited series will definitely make you cry and make you angry. Follow the true stories of five innocent black boys getting caught up in rape charges in 1989. 

6) Shameless, TV series (2011-)
Every single episode tops the episode before it for this family of seven. With an alcoholic dad and absent mom, the Gallaghers get through the days by cheating the system.

7) Train to Busan, Horror movie (2016)
Forget about those other zombie movies; this movie is scary to watch during coronavirus. With the destruction and fighting, you don't know who will survive in the end.

8) The Stanford Prison Experiment, Thriller movie (2015)
This movie is my favorite psychology-related film. Watch how research participants get more than they signed up for as power dynamics change.

9) Cheese in the Trap, TV series (2016)
This Korean drama series is a perfect college story of real college-life struggles. The cherry on the top is the attractive cast.

10) Reply 1988, TV series (2015)
This Korean drama series is a must-watch for all Kdrama fans. The story focuses on the 1988 lives of childhood friends as we learn who ended with who at the end.