First, I want thank to everyone who has reached out to me regarding the new commercial! University of Maryland University College produced a new commercial that began airing this week to promote their MBA program featuring me (check out my Home Page to view it)! It is now airing in the Philadelphia area, primarily because of their concentrated efforts in expanding the distance-learning student base in this area right now, but it is also airing in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. Since I am from Maryland, and I am happy to see that it is being viewed down there as well (#shoutout to my peeps in the DMV ;) ). The most special part about this to me right now is the endearing support from friends and family. I've received messages from people that I have not heard from in awhile, so it is very nice to reconnect. Your kind words and encouragement means the world to me, and I appreciate it all. Who would have thought that something like this would bring connections back around. Again, I thank you!
This commercial has been the works for some time. I graduated with my MBA from UMUC in 2015. About two years ago, UMUC had reached out to me with an interest in learning more about my life as a UMUC alum and shooting some footage. I filmed an interview portion (not the one in the shown in the current commercial) at the campus in Maryland, but we weren't able to coordinate with having the crew come to Philly to shoot the rest. This year, because of their very active marketing plan to conquer advertising and promotion in Philly, the efforts came together most recently and a new production crew was sent out to film here in Philly at the beginning of June. UMUC's connection with Fiona Media Company, under the direction of the ever-so-brilliant Theresa Wingert, brought it all to life! I had a great experience shooting for this, as the crew had me doing EVERYTHING from sitting in Bodhi Coffee shop listening to my headphones, to dancing up and down the busy streets of Center City Philly, to "zenning out" during my actual yoga class at Lumos Yoga & Barre on their opening day, to creating a fabulous dance scene with 5 other dancer friends at Sound Space, and filming in my home --all in one day of filming! They had a particular interest in the fact that I am a working professional, but that I also have a "part-time hustle" with dancing and yoga instruction. It makes for a story that is relative to any person who wishes to go back to school, but has a busy lifestyle juggling work, family, and a passion. The version of the commercial that is airing now does not have any of that other footage, and I am told another version may release that intertwines it all. So stay tuned!
Lastly, reflecting on this, I just simply want to encourage everyone to go for what you want in life. Earning my master's was a big deal to me. It was something I wanted to do, and at first I didnt think I would ever have the time or mental space for it. UMUC did make this more attainable with the flexibility of the online coursework. I appreciate the opportunity to represent UMUC alumni, it is a great school! So I ask you, what would be a big deal to you? I am here to say; if there is something you want, go for it! Whether its going to school, changing your career path, pursuing a passion, whatever it is, do it! Align yourself with it. Make the space for it, and set small measurable goals to get there. There is never going to be a perfect timing. Things won't always go as planned. That's just life! But, what you do have control of is your effort and the attention that you put into the things you find to be a big deal in your life. Any little bit toward your goal is better than nothing at all. The worst that comes of it is that you will learn more about yourself and it becomes a journey onto the next thing. So go for it! ;)
With Gratitude,
Lee-Ann