If there's something I've learned over the past few years, it's that networking and volunteering is one of the most fundamental practices for success - especially if you're into the arts and media.
Although it's not always the case, fields that include certain positions in the spotlight are stereotypically portrayed as tense with competition, superficial friendships and hidden agendas, a zone in which compliments are exchanged as strategic transactions to form alliances and everyone is vying for the place of honour. If you somehow find yourself there, it's a temporary taste of victory. One must always assume that others are plotting to dethrone you.
Through some lucky twist of fate, I've managed to steer clear of these paranoid battlefields and popularity contests. And maybe it's thanks to the growing opportunities to selfpublish and self-market. Then again, maybe it's because I've taught myself not to care.
Don't get me wrong, I will always care about the quality of work I produce, or the things I'm passionate about. But what I'm learning to stop caring about is whether or not it's recognized. I'm learning to stop taking myself so seriously, and do things, try things just for the sake of participating, growing and developing. If my best effort is out there, it's okay not to "win." It's cool to acknowledge the competition, be grateful for the opportunity and return to drawing board.
There's a saying that goes along the lines of: "Calling others ugly won't make you more beautiful. Calling others stupid won't make you more intelligent. Bringing others down won't help you climb up."
It may be glaringly obvious, but I think it's helpful food for thought all the same. Insecure competition does not exist only in high school cliques. It's everywhere, some people never grow out of it.
Forming communities and networks with people who have similar interests and reaching out to help each other SIMPLY because you share the same passions will always be rewarding and inspiring.
It takes humility, confidence and a degree of selflessness to recognize when others outshine you. One can choose to respond with support, enthusiasm and a desire to improve one's own abilities, or one can fall back into bitterness and cynicism.
The Internet has made it so easy to build portfolios, connect with people, and have fun doing amazing things. If you're fortunate enough to avoid the business end of it - enjoy it for as long as you can.
Emerging musician Anna Toth graduated from J.N. Burnett and currently attends UBC.
