PTSD

Two weeks ago Brian, Jill, Michael and myself ventured to SCAD for a Creative Technology talent search. SCAD had asked us (Leo Burnett) to give a presentation for film and digital media students as a way of giving back to the university that had given me and the company so much. Resistant to presenting and still jaded from my not so graceful transition into the “real world,” I accepted the challenge and followed the advice to “talk about what you know” …or in Leo speak, “the real human truth.” 

Truth is, your early 20’s is the most awkward time in your life– and no one talks about it. 

My solution– a back handed, non inspirational, unwanted pep talk in the form of a medical diagnosis, offering my personal experiences as a case study for PTSD– Post traumatic SCAD disorder. PTSD is a serious disorder effecting SCAD grad’s across all majors. Above are a handful of slides that introduce this passion sucking, emotionally draining and potentially finically traumatizing (but totally curable) “disease.”

The remaining slides (not shown here) guide students and graduates suffering or at risk for PTSD through the healing process. By identifying symptoms early, PTSD sufferers can become successful survivors by kicking ass, and not getting their asses kicked upon graduation. 

Email me to inquire more on PTSD. No one deserves to suffer alone! ..And as the first, and only self diagnosed sufferer, I may be your only resource.  

By taking a risk to speak about my not so pleasant post SCAD realities, I deprived students of a fairy-job-mother spiel, but instead gained an unexpected connection with the audience, and my coworkers. This was a nerve racking task, but well worth it based on the positive feedback from professors and developing impact on students. I hope graduates continue to share their Post Traumatic SCAD Disorder stories, and that my off-beat message ultimately inspired people to work for their passions, see opportunity in challenges and fight fear, the root of all evil.