“Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
This new series highlights young professionals and their stories, because no matter our path we all have a little to share and a lot to learn.
Read past posts in this series HERE.
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I am so excited to introduce you to one of my best friends from college and my favorite young mama. I met Audrianna while living at Smurthwaite Scholarship House. We lived together for two years there and for a year out on our own in a house with a few other girls. She was only a year ahead of me but Audrianna was always a bit of a big sister to me. She is one of the sweetest and most loving people I know. It has been such a lesson to me to watch her strength grow over the years with a hard college schedule and her relationship with Cam. People called us all crazy when she and Cam continued to live in our house for the first 6 months of their marriage, but honestly we have some really fun memories from that time, and a life-long friendship. And, now I am so happy to see her start her own little family with a career that she is passionate about. – Amanda
Basics
Name: Audrianna Wainscott
Age: 26
Hometown: Kansas City
College: Kansas State University
Degree(s): Interior Design
Current Location: Belton MO
Current Job: Designer/Retail Sales @ Kenny’s Tile & Floorcovering
Background Story: I am the oldest to my sister and two brothers and My parents were both youngest in their families – I am half type A and half whatever the opposite of type A is :). I was homeschooled my whole life. I fell in love with my husband in high school. And I love Jesus.
College
How did you choose your college and your major? I have always loved how our environments affect us, our attitudes and mindset. How well or poorly we work and our productivity are all affected by the spaces around us. I grew up rearranging all the furniture in my house and would be constantly analyzing spaces around me. This was my drive to pursue Interior Design. Once in school my passions shifted and morphed but I’ve always loved the relationship between human interaction and beautiful/well designed spaces.
I choose Kansas State because it is home. Both of my Grandpa’s taught at Kansas State and my parents both graduated from Kansas State. I even lived for several years in Manhattan when I was young. K-State is family.
What were you involved with outside of class? Organizations? Internships?
I sort of stumbled into this amazing place called Smurthwaite – a scholarship house full of wonderful women who helped shape who I was the first couple years at K-State. I also worked part-time.
What were your biggest challenges or obstacles in college? Anything you would change?
I am probably the only college student in history to say this… but I wish I would’ve had more fun. Between working part time, duties around the house I lived in, and going back to KC every other weekend to see this really cute boy ;), I didn’t have much time after studio and homework for much fun. I did have fun. But it was nothing to write home about. My favorite memories are going to the rec with Sarah and making smoothies at 10:30 at night. Walking to Dairy Queen or Orange Leaf with my roommates. And Football games. I wouldn’t change much about this because I married that cute boy! And I have a really good job because I worked hard in school. And I have already paid off my loans because I was diligent in working during school. But still – you don’t really get the chance in life to have fun like you can in college!
What one piece of advice would you give a student during their senior year?
Enjoy this special time – I know you are anxious to get out of town/the house/high school/childhood. But this time is so short! Enjoy dinners with your family, enjoy the simplicity of life, PLEASE be mature but don’t grow up too fast!
Post Grad
Tell us about your career so far?
I found a job right out of school, starting out I thought this would be great for my resume and experience but as time has gone on I have found that I love my job! I work with some really great people, get to meet all kinds of customers.
What apps, technology and resources do you use regularly to stay organized and do your job?
My biggest resources in my job are the people around me. Design is not a right/wrong world, there are no design police, my job is to listen to my customers and help them come up with the best design for their home, sometimes I wouldn’t choose the design for me, but if they love it then it’s perfect! I often guide homeowners towards or away from certain products and colors but ultimately I am learning them and their tastes and helping them create their own dream home.
How do you stay motivated when work gets really busy or difficult?
I focus on the customers I’m able to help make a difference in their homes. I can’t help every customer and there is something about remodeling that makes life really stressful so I try to take it in stride when some people take their frustrations out on me and my co-workers. I have so many great customers that I get to work with every day!
Work-life balance? How do you stay afloat and refreshed?
When I’m home, I focus on home. I love running and being outside with my son and husband. Keep my thoughts on the most important things in life – my family and my God – help to keep everything in perspective. On the flip side when I’m at work I focus on work, I try to stay ahead so I’m never completely overwhelmed with what needs to be done.
What in your #PostGradLife are you most proud of so far?
My family. Hands down!
What does life look like right now? Hobbies and interests? What outside of work are you passionate about?.
I am passionate about being the best wife and momma I can be right now. This means looking at way to many Pinterest boards to throw the best first birthday party that I can. And changing our diets and habits around the Wainscott household to help our little man to eat good food and for my post baby body to shrink a little bit.
Just for Fun
What is essential to your morning routine to start the day off right?
In a perfect world? I would get 9 hours of sleep, go on a 3 mile run with my sister in law, come home and cuddle with Kellan for a few minutes, shower, have a smoothie, and head to work.
Reality? The only constant is I head to work LOL. Usually stopping at McDonalds for breakfast if we’re being painfully honest.
Do you have a must-have vice like caffeine or item you can’t live without in your workspace?
Dr. Pepper. I have one almost everyday 😦
If you were to have another career, all limitations aside, what would it be?
I would be a pediatric nurse. To be able to help people in a really hands-on immediate way and to see all the beautiful lives start out!
Moment of truth, what do you really miss about college?
I miss the people and the lifestyle of always having someone to hang out with and something to do! It didn’t matter if it was 10pm at night you could go play volleyball, go get ice cream, rent a movie or go to the “Top of the World.”
I also miss the learning, I hated the stress of grades and all that but there was such much to LEARN! So many smart people all in a square mile and their passion was to help you learn about their specialties. You just don’t see that in life, at least not to the ease of accessibility and large spectrum of topics.
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Audrianna, thank you so much taking a bit of time away from your two sweet guys and participating! Miss you always!
Next week we’re getting our first guy perspective back in agriculture…
Cheers!
Linking up with these other bloggers here and here this Monday.
The Good Stuff 