Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Smashey
Hi Hope, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always been passionate about telling stories. Stories captivate our imagination and can help us view life from a different perspective. My dream has always been to tell stories through writing, singing, and acting. Growing up, I enjoyed writing short stories and was active in music. In 2017, I graduated from Regent University with a Bachelor’s degree in English, a concentration in Creative and Professional Writing, and a minor in History. As happens, life gets busy. After graduating, I focused more on what is commonly referred to as “the day job”–which is important. However, about two years ago, I decided it was time to get serious about developing my skills in the writing, singing, and acting mediums. For writing, I devoted time to reading about the writing craft, setting time aside to write daily, and taking online writing courses to get feedback from professional writers. Then, for music, I joined a community choir and started taking vocal lessons which also helped my acting because I mainly sing Broadway songs. In regards to acting, I also took a weekend acting intensive and have practiced becoming various characters on a regular basis. For me, telling stories gives me joy, and it is my hope to share my love of stories with others to bring them joy as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Anytime we pursue a dream, there will be challenges and obstacles along the way. The important thing is to enjoy the journey– embrace the beginning of the journey because the beginning is where the foundation of who we are and why we are doing what we are doing is established. We form habits in the beginning of our journey that can either set us up for success or not. For example, setting time aside to practice and setting a high priority on my practice time has completely changed the way I study and view my dream. Dreams are wonderful, but dreams must be anchored in reality by hard work and devotion. I love practicing my skills. Are there days when I wonder what the future holds? Yes. My dream is to make a living by telling stories. Sometimes, I’m discouraged, and I wonder if my dream will come true. However, those moments are when I remind myself of what I can control and what I can’t. I can practice my skills and get better at my craft. I can’t control the opportunities that may or may not come, but I can prepare myself so I am ready when those opportunities do come along. At the end of the day, by practicing my skills, I’m doing what I love, and that gives me courage to keep believing in what the future holds.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While pursuing my dreams, I have tried a lot of different jobs since graduating. After college, the truth is I was trying to “find my place in this world” as Michael W. Smith says. I think the hardest thing for me has been realizing my day job probably won’t give me the same joy my artistic/creative passions do– learning to separate the two (dream versus job that provides) has been helpful. I have very strong communication and customer service skills which have served me well in my different positions. Also, my attention to detail and talent for research as helped me in my career. The beautiful thing about life is that everything we learn, experience, and do can help us. My grandpa used to say, “No one can take away what you have learned.” As a storyteller, more experiences equal deeper stories.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Wow, what a deep question. I’ve heard it said at the end of our lives we aren’t going to care about what we did or didn’t accomplish as much as we will care about who we spent time with and who we helped. For me, my faith is the most important thing in my life because my faith gives me hope, peace, and joy that no matter what is happening in my life or in the world around me, there is someone greater in control. To make it more special, that someone loves me. He protects and encourages me. When someone that wonderful is walking with you each day of your life’s journey, it becomes the most precious gift, and you value that relationship above everything else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://traveldestinationswithhope.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveldestinationswithhopeblog/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc7fiWbVih1-AaDZXrs1lDg
- Other: https://drive-inclassics.com/
