"You never know how far your impact will go."

Kelsey Schmidt is one of the most inspiring women you will ever meet. This recent UGA grad embraces all parts of life, seeks adventure, and has a bucket list called "25 by 25" that may encourage you to do the things you've always dreamed of doing. If you want a feel good read, be sure to check out our interview with our #WCW.

1. What's your story? What makes you unique?

Goodness. As far as my story goes, I would definitely have to begin with my parents. With an actor for a mom and a doctor for a dad, I’ve grown up with a huge heart for the arts and a curiosity about the world. When I was younger, I was determined to be a Rockette and dance on Broadway. While this plan clearly never came to fruition, I still happy cry every time I see the Rockettes perform. No shame whatsoever. My heart for the arts is still an important piece of who I am today. As far as my curiosity about the world, my family’s focus on travel and pushing our comfort zones certainly gave me a huge appreciation for passport stamps, new people, unusual food and adventure.

After an incredible high school experience, I went on to attend the University of Georgia. My college experience became the combination of:

• Some pretty incredible people (see the hero question below!)

• Organizations and jobs that shaped me and still hold my heart

• A life-changing study abroad with Global LEAD

• Classes in public relations, international affairs and personal/organizational leadership

Right now? I work for the same study abroad that rocked my world a few years ago. I get to travel, teach leadership programming, serve different communities and love on some of the most intelligent, sincere, goofy and wonderful college students in the world. I’m still wondering which stars aligned for me to be so lucky.

I also want to add how much I love that you ask this question, Meredith. People’s stories are one of my favorite things to bring up. I believe so strongly in the quote, “You can’t but help love someone once you know their story.” Intently listening and learning from others’ stories is something I’ve tried to do more often. (It’s still a work in progress. Anyone reading this, please shoot me a phone call/text/email/voice memo/carrier pigeon to help me on this progress. Let’s talk stories over mint-chocolate chip ice cream or coffee sometime.)

2. What motivates you?

I’m motivated to make a positive impact on the lives of others in any way I can as often as

I can. Simply put, just being kind.

I think motivation can also come from inspiration. I thrive off of (in no particular order): puns, lame jokes, joyrides, mood-changing music, morning coffee with friends, my faith, snail mail, Emerson quotes, impromptu dance parties, cheese dip (without jalapeños), photography, airports and long voicemails.

3. Who is a hero of yours?

I think my hero would be a group of people, rather than any one person. Looking back on my story, there are countless individuals who have played an influential role in my life. Those who took me to coffee and poured into me. Those who inspired me to look at my life, our world and others differently. These wise and sincere people have walked with me through life and served on what I call my “Advisory Board.” (Whether they know it or not!) These people are my heroes. They went out of their way support and challenge me. They listened patiently as I questioned and dreamed. Their intersections in my life have shaped who I am today. Whether they are a friend, parent, coworker, professor or boss, these people are my heroes, and man am I thankful for their investment in my life.

4. What's your personal future plan? Your goals?

I just started with Global LEAD in May, and I could not be more thrilled to have them be my foreseeable future. While I cannot say where I will be in 10 or 15 years, I aim to pursue my goals whole-heartedly. I hope to grow personally and professionally in many ways and become an even more authentic version of myself. I want to learn, question and develop a stronger skill set professionally while developing and growing my personal relationships.

In a more short-term sense, I am in the process of making my “25 by 25,” a list of 25 things I must complete by the time I am 25. While the complete list is still in the works, here are a few of the simpler goals I have so far:

• Host a dinner party. Make the food, decorations, invites and all.

• Learn calligraphy.

• Travel to a foreign country by yourself.

• Read a book a month.

• Find a local charity. Give ‘em all you got.

• Call Bob Goff and just chat.

• Ask 25 people you look up on a coffee date. (You buy.)

• Start a dance party in a very public place.

5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

My advice would go off of your previous question of what motivates me. I’m a huge believer in the ripple effect an act of kindness can make. It’s easy to let a car pass you, send a pick-me-up text message, buy a friend flowers or praise someone for their efforts. This little act of recognizing the presence of others can transform their view on the day. Every single human should feel valued and validated, and we have the power to do just that. Even simply listening to hear how someone’s day actually is can add a level of humanity I think we miss out on. A random act of kindness can encourage someone to pass on this sincerity to others. Who knows how long this chain reaction will last. One person? Three people? 300 people? If you have the power to transform someone’s day, why not at least try? You never know how far your impact will go. I cannot guarantee your acts will be recognized, but I can guarantee it will allow you to view yourself, others and the actions of those around you differently.

6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?

Growing up, I always spent my summers supporting my mom’s summer arts camp. In the course of a week, we bring hundreds of elementary school students together and perform a full musical by Friday. The camp brings students from all walks of life and provides scholarships to many children from a local domestic violence shelter. I was consistently amazed to watch these children come to life through the arts, discover their voices on the stage, break out of their comfort zones and meet future classmates. The week not only introduced them to new friends and new crafts, but it empowered these students to be strong in who they are. As mentioned, I have always held a special place in my heart for the arts, and I fully believe all children should have the opportunity to experience creativity, challenge and growth through whatever art form they desire. Providing opportunities for all children to explore their creative side is an important part of being young, and I will always advocate for programs and experiences aimed at introducing and developing art for kids.

7. What is the coolest thing you've ever done?

Last summer, I went back to the world’s tallest bungee jump bridge in the world. The second time you jump, they let you go backwards. Well, I went for it. Talk about a leap of faith…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrBOBMISaFM

8. How did you get to where you are now?

As cliché as it sounds, I’m a believer of the quote, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” In my case, preparation meant staying curious, asking questions, developing my interests, maintaining relationships and working hard. There’s no doubt I’m here due to the support of those in my “Advisory Board” and their interest in pushing me to relentlessly chase my dreams. I think the best way I can describe my path is through two quotes given to me by a friend and former boss, Eric Johnson.

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ­— Howard Thurman

"You must cultivate activities that you love. You must discover work that you do, not for its utility, but for itself. Think of something that you love to do for itself, whether it succeeds or not, whether you are praised for it or not, whether you are loved and rewarded for it or not, whether people know about it and are grateful to you for it or not. How many activities can you count in your life that you engage in simply because they delight you and grip your soul? Find them out, cultivate them, for they are your passport to freedom and to love." — Anthony De Mello

9. What was a challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

I think we live in a world where we put our highlight reel on display, it is easy to fall in the comparison trap. I recently had a close friend tell me she feels as if she can no longer post on social media, for she doesn’t do anything “fun” with all of her work. It made me sad to think how many of us compare our day-to-day lives with the highlight reels of others. I have fallen into this jealous frustration before, even though I know “comparison is the thief of joy.” While social media is ideal for keeping us connected to friends and family all over the world, it should never be used as a playing field for us to compare our daily lives to others.

I challenge myself and my friends to never forget the value of enjoying both the little and big things. We should never lose appreciation for the little things that make us happy each day. In my personal effort to combat this negativity, I “collect little joys.” What does this cheesy phrase mean? I’ll tell you (once you stop laughing at me). I make an effort each day to find something that makes me happy. Take a minute or two longer to enjoy the latte. Eat breakfast outside instead of the car. Treat yourself to a handful of Dunkin’ Donuts munchkins. I fully believe appreciating both the big and little things in our life is the best way avoid the comparison trap. It has definitely worked for me these past few years!

If you ever have a moment where you fall in it again, remember how lucky you are to experience the life you have at this very moment. You’re unique, special and bring such a special joy to those around you. (Eating chocolate helps too!)

If you'd like to have Kelsey as a resource or mentor, you can email her at kmschmidt10@gmail.com, or connect on Instagram (@kelseymschmidt) & Twitter (@kelseyschmidt).