By: MacKenzie Weadock ’21
Samantha Mahler ‘20 graduated with her Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications and journalism amid the global pandemic. She had a plan, yet things quickly changed.
Mahler started graduate school at the University of Texas in June with hopes of prolonging her career in marketing and becoming more educated in the process.
Early in her college career, Mahler thought graduate school could be beneficial but she never made a plan of action. By the time her senior year rolled around, all of her peers began enrolling in graduate programs, so she did too.
“I did all the things you were supposed to be doing, found an apartment and then got accepted,” Mahler said. “I didn’t even think I was going to get accepted.”
It did not take long for Mahler to question her decision.
“In the middle of the class, it just hit me like a wall that I hate this,” Mahler said. “There were so many times that I just broke into tears at the thought of going to grad school and I couldn’t figure out why.”
While completing her first course at UT, Mahler finally took the time to ask herself what she enjoyed in life.
“I was more excited at the thought of leaving graduate school than I was staying,” Mahler said.
Knowing her truth did not make it any easier to share.
“You brag about your good news, but I was over here leaving one of the best programs in the nation,” Mahler said. “I felt like I was going to let people down.”
Allowing herself to face the facts and feelings, she made a decision. Mahler said she gained clarity and confidence in building a business she loves. This proved leaving graduate school and building a business from the ground up fit her better.
“It has become good news now, I’m leaving grad school and I’m happy about it,” Mahler said.
Mahler started a small photography business two years ago while on a photojournalism study abroad. She used this foundation to launch her now full-time career in photography.
“I just did not have the time to manage a business then, but now that I’m out of college I’m able to put together all of the building blocks,” Mahler said.
Mahler specializes in portraits and wedding photography, and recently began dipping her toe into videography. She said her passion stems from the opportunity to capture another person’s biggest moment and celebrate with them.
“Is this something I’m going to do for the rest of my life? I can’t answer that,” Mahler said. “But, this is who I am right now and I love it”
The choices we make each day affect the trajectory of our lives. While this comes with many emotions, Mahler calls 2020 an opportune year to get started on something new.
“If there’s something that you’re passionate about, there’s not a better time to turn it into a business and chase after it,” Mahler said.
Find hope knowing success looks different for everyone and dropping out of graduate school is not always a bad thing.
