Detour or Destiny?

I was offered 7 placements into university but I only wanted the one I did not get into (surprise, surprise). I now live to tell the tale of how I rejected the 7 offers and took a detour to get into uni that became part of my future game plan.

As I approached the last year of high school, I knew what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a graphic designer. Clever logos, gorgeous illustrations, cool magazines, and alluring stationery inspired me to learn how to make things look beautiful. However, my school did not have teachers who had design expertise or facilities that could help me build a strong folio. So when it was time to apply for further studies, I chose the Diploma of Graphic Design at Box Hill TAFE as my first preference, while the rest of my preferences were Arts courses at major universities. I was hopeful, but I knew that the chances of getting into a design course were pretty slim.

When it was time to apply for further studies, I chose the Diploma of Graphic Design at Box Hill TAFE as my first preference, while the rest of my preferences were Arts courses at major universities. I was hopeful, but I knew that the chances of getting into a design course were pretty slim.

When the higher education placement results were announced, I didn't get into the Diploma of Graphic Design. I wasn't surprised. Instead, I was offered seven places at various universities to study Arts. I was disappointed, but I still checked out the Swinburne Arts campus.

My dad advised me to accept the offer and transfer into the graphic design course later down the track, but I knew from that visit that I couldn’t waste my time doing Arts. Not for a year or even a semester, because to get into a design course, my folio needed to be of a high standard and studying Arts wasn’t going to help me produce a folio. I could sense my dad’s concern, whose aim was to see me graduate with a degree, in whatever course it may be. I told him that there must be another way around this roadblock.

I could sense my dad’s concern, whose aim was to see me graduate with a degree, in whatever course it may be. I told him that there must be another way around this roadblock.

Over the next few days, I looked for other options in newspapers, seeking a solution. That was when an ad caught my eye. It was for a folio preparation course at the Brighton Bay Art, Design & Photography Program. It was a course that specifically allowed students to explore different creative disciplines to help them choose the creative path they would like to pursue. I showed it to my dad.

‘How much is it?’ he asked (a typical first question most Asian parents would ask about almost anything).

‘$990… including materials for the year,’ I replied.

‘How long?’ he continued.

‘Just one year, and then I’ll have a folio to get into uni!’ I said.

‘Then this is your chance. Let’s check it out. I’ll drive you.’

Dad took me to the interview. It was on Cochrane Street in Brighton. The building was old and looked like it needed more than a facelift.

‘This doesn’t look like a design college,’ my dad commented.

‘No, it doesn’t... but it is where we can be arty and make a mess!’ I said in excitement.

It was the messiest year I ever had. My interview was successful, and the college offered me a place right away. All I needed to get in was the passion and determination to be a creative professional. I did painting, illustration, printmaking, ceramics, life drawing, general drawing, 2D design, 3D design and photography. I had the time of my life, and I got the folio I needed at the end of the year.

It’s been 28 years since I graduated from the Brighton Bay Art, Design and Photography Program, and I still draw from the creative methods I had learned all those years ago.

It’s been 28 years since I graduated from the Brighton Bay Art, Design and Photography Program, and I still draw from the creative methods I had learned all those years ago. I’d do it for fun now if it still existed. I am so grateful that I listened to my heart and experienced a delightful detour in my career path.

Sometimes, circumstances can lead us down a different path. It could be in the form of missing out on an entrance to uni, breaking up with someone or losing our job. However, if we stay true to our hearts and refuse to give up, we will eventually reach our goal.

Sometimes, circumstances can lead us down a different path. It could be in the form of missing out on an entrance to uni, breaking up with someone or losing our job. However, if we stay true to our hearts and refuse to give up, we will eventually reach our goal. Detours may take us more time, but we grow stronger because of it. Detour or destiny? Embrace it either way, as it could prepare you to become your purpose.