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Ask Away Friday: Graduation Edition with Shannon Mitchell

It’s time for another Ask Away Friday! This time, it’s all about graduation!

If you’ve been watching me on social media(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+), you’re aware that I graduated this past Saturday.

My best friend and I acting silly. Photo Credit: Photography by Larissa.

And what a better way to celebrate with you guys than to answer some questions about it!

I had the pleasure of teaming up with my good friend Shannon Mitchell of Walking Shoes once again! If you missed out on our last swap, head on over to see what questions she asked me! While you’re at it, check out her blog – it’s pretty amazing, just sayin’!

Now, let’s get to the questions!


1. What is your degree in?  What do you plan to do with it?
~I graduated with degrees in both English and American Studies. I plan to kind of combine them both and use them in my writing career.
2. What is one word that describes your college education? Why?
~ Thought-provoking. College educated me in so many different ways and opened my eyes to a lot of things that I never really considered before. And for that, I am grateful.
3. What were some of your favorite classes?
~I’d have to pick three classes: US History, Western Civilization, and Philosophy. I loved these three classes not only because of the subject matter, but also because of the teachers!
4. What was your least favorite thing about college?
~My least favorite things about college was not having a car. I didn’t buy my car until the spring break of my last semester, so I was a bit late LOL. There would be times when I needed to run to the store really quick, wanted to get something to eat(cafeteria food gets old really quick!), or just wanted to go home and I couldn’t. So I would just sit in my room and look pitiful ha.
5. What extracurriculars were you involved in?
~I was in marching and concert band (I wrote about our marching show – click here to read about it), jazz band, Phi Theta Kappa, and I was on the staff of the school newspaper. Oh, and I participated in a writing showcase too!

My friends and I after our spring concert. 
6. What is your favorite college memory?
~ Hmm….my favorite college memory….that’s a tough one – I have so many! One great memory I have is playing at the Sheffield House. There was a weekend in my college’s town of historical marker unveilings, and one of the places was the Sheffield House. They had an open house and invited the jazz band to come play. It was so much fun! String lights, all kinds of people, golf carts(Lol)….just an old southern atmosphere! And the food was AMAZING! I really had a great time performing!

Jazz trumpet section picture at our Sheffield House performance.
7. When going through the whole college selection process, what stood out to you about your school?
~When looking for schools, I chose ICC because all three of my older sisters went there, so I knew a little bit about it, it wasn’t far from home, my friends would be there, and I had a free ride! Ha.

8. What are your immediate plans after graduation?
~ I am going to take a break and focus on my freelance writing career, just to see how it goes. After that I may go back to pursue my Bachelor’s, but I haven’t fully decided yet.
9. What would you change about higher education?
~ I wouldn’t count the community colleges out! So many people disrespect community colleges, but they are actually the best place to start for most people! I’ve talked to so many people that started at a university who wished they would have started at a community college first because they were overwhelmed. Don’t sell CCs so short!
10. What piece of advice would you give to others that are pursuing a higher education? 
~Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, and don’t let others pressure you either. So many kids go to the college their parents want them to go to or major in something that people tell them would make the most money or look the best. Do what makes you happy! College is a time for you to explore and figure things out – the only way you can do that is by following your heart and finding your passion.

Great questions, Shannon! Wanna hear more about my college experience? Ask your questions in the comments below!

14 thoughts on “Ask Away Friday: Graduation Edition with Shannon Mitchell

  1. Awesome answers! You should always follow your dreams and congrats on your acheivements! Have a great week!

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