<p>Oh Franny, you just made my day! Thanks so much for checking in. Best wishes for the rest of your time at UCF!</p>
<p>Thanks for updating. I’m glad to hear things have worked out so well for you.</p>
<p>Hey Frannie! This is such great news. You sound like you are doing really well. Keep up the good work. As you learn and grow–keep a thought to what’s after college. In the summer or when you have time, try to get some freelance design work, even if it’s something you do for FREE. (Some free things can set you up to take on paying things). Like for a non-profit, offer to design posters or flyers and such. The more experience and real-world samples you have, the better you will look down the road to your future clients and/or employer. If you are able to fit in a business writing or marketing course here or there, that will also set you apart down the road.</p>
<p>Mostly though–keep doing what you’re doing. Great job!</p>
<p>Frannie,</p>
<p>I think your thread needs to be stickied (is it a word?) to server as an inspiration to the students in similar situations.</p>
<p>Great job and good luck.</p>
<p>I love it that you came back and filled us in. So often people disappear and you always wonder how things turned out. Yeah for you!</p>
<p>Go Frannie! Just read the whole thread, and it was wonderful to have a conclusion/update. keep up the good work.</p>
<p>So good to hear things are going well for you! </p>
<p>Maybe someday you will be applying to the MFA program where I work. :)</p>
<p>Congrats to Franny, thanks so much for the update!</p>
<p>Congratulations! Thank you for the update. I am glad you are having a great college experience. :)</p>
<p>no problemo also thanks for the advice paperplane! @lerkin: i think it should be too! @kelsmom: u work at ucf?</p>
Hello all! It’s been more than 4 years since this thread has been created and I wanted to update you all one last time since the help I got through this thread has lead me to where I am today. I tell my friends the story of how people on the Internet helped me find my way, and everyone always finds it inspiring. At UCF, I was heavily involved in many ways. I served on the SGA Executive Cabinet, I was a part of CKI (a branch of Kiwanis) where at one point I even served an International position, and I was an officer for Graphic Design Student Association (student design group that often collabs with AIGA.)
I ended up having to be financially independent for most of my college career so I worked two jobs (both I worked as a graphic designer) and went to school full time. I was able to graduate on time and debt free! After many months of searching, I finally landed a dream job working with CBS Radio as a designer & digital coordinator here in Orlando. I’ve actually come to grow to love Orlando (even tho Florida weather is still terrible) and there’s a very active design community where I have made many friends. I’m excited to begin my new life in adulthood and excited to see where life will take me! Thank you all once again for the help you gave a senior in high school all those years ago. It is amazing how many ways that Internet has benefited my life!
Franny!!!
The cranky old godmothers are still hanging out with CC (and have brought a few new ones in the mix(.
Congrats on graduating debt free and landing your dream job.
I reread the whole thread. I saw my post telling you that I have every confidence that you will do great things. I am glad that after some disappointments and crying, you were able to move forward, everything came together for you and you are indeed doing great things. Thanks for allowing us to be part of your journey.
All the best <3
I am so proud of you – and thank you for coming back for the rest of the story. You took lemons, made lemonade, and now are making your dreams happen. Congratulations!
Oh franny101, you just made my day! So very happy for you. Wishing you continued success in all your endeavors!
Sounds like a great story! What is your overall take-away @franny101 (besides using internet advice)?
Don’t take on debt, seriously consider the in-state options, and don’t fall unrealistically in-love with your “dream” school?
@Portercat Definitely to seek out resources and help, you never know when to find it. Also, continue applying to scholarships even while in school. I received scholarships nearly every year from my school because people don’t apply once they get into college, despite vigorous advertising. Plus, all that you said!
I remember this thread. I use it as an example for non-CC people to explain how wonderful this website can be. Congrats on landing that great job!
Congratulations!
You sound like an amazing young woman - the days you had to support yourself and go to school at the same time must have been incredibly difficult.
It’s also incredibly nice if you to have posted the conclusion - I was rooting for a happy ending. 
I agree this thread should be ‘pinned’ at the top of the ‘hindsight/experienced learned’ forum.