It is a rarity these days to find an individual in the entertainment industry who is influential, responsible, humble and under the age of 30. Moreover, one who neglects the trappings of life’s successes and turns their trying past experiences into a genuine positive message. This rare culmination of positivity only begins to illustrate the elemental character which is Nina Brown.

“Be creative with your hustle, committed to the grind & fearless of the world”
- Nina Brown

Images by: Allen Cooley (@AllenCooley)

Self-described as “God’s Girl 24/7,” Brown is the successful radio and television producer of Atlanta’s V-103 “Frank and Wanda” morning shows. Leaving the corporate world behind at a young age and entering the entertainment world as an underpaid broadcast intern, Brown, through her “hustle and grind” mantra and blessings from God now radiates the self-confidence and passionate drive many in their 20’s dream of.

However, like most in Generation-Y and previous quarterlifers, Brown was not immune to her own self-doubt and has turned the lessons of a rambunctious teenage rebellion into a professional and inspirational path.

So when does one go from being the epitome of a rebellious teen, to an accomplished 29-year-old with a sense of purpose?

Brown always thought she was “late and behind in her professional development,” claiming if she had only completed “x, y and z” earlier, then she would be further along in her profession at a younger age. However, she has come to realize her quarterlife maturation is just on time.

Brown says maturity is a recent event for her, occurring only in the past 5 years, and it has been a spiritual awaking…

“I didn’t find real peace within and wasn’t truly comfortable with what God created in me until now. I no longer have the feeling of needing to compete, or being insecure about my life experiences…or even feeling guilty about mistakes I’ve made. I’m not ashamed or embarrassed by my mistakes – because I now realize it has played a huge role in who I am today.”

It is ironic, because when we were “growing up” (I use the term loosely) we all probably thought “maturity” happened somewhere in between puberty and high school graduation. However for Brown and many others, we now realize “growing up” is a continuous process, including the time period of your quarterlife, which most people call it becoming “responsible.”

Brown, who has called Atlanta, Ga. home since 1994, says she loves this city because she can be the inspiration to the youngest of Generation-Y by culminating her “cool factor” with the importance of her inspirational messages. Brown says, “…there’s no place in the world where you can see so many successful people from the same background as you, and be leaders and trendsetters for success, especially in media.”

Brown, who gives more than her fair share back to the community, reiterates this point to her youth audiences, telling them mistakes made earlier in life are not the end all of life, but a beginning to show you a better path. Brown stated she was once an out of control 16-year-old who, in order to “find herself,” went against authority. Her passion for working with at-risk-youths, who are crying out for attention in high schools is close to heart, because as she stated, “it wasn’t that long ago that I went through the same things, and I can show them the light at the end of the tunnel.”

When she visits those students and listens to them detail their trials of peer pressure, sex, drugs and being lost without a stable home life, Brown is more than willing to jump in and spread her wisdom.

Brown said lightheartedly, “I tell them, ‘Yeah! I know Rick Ross!’ and ‘Yeah! I know Young-Jeezy, we hangout, we kick-it, we talk’…” but she doesn’t say this to boast or self-promote her own agenda. Brown uses it as a tool to connect with and illustrate to these kids how you can be a responsible adult and at the same time live within your passions and be successful.

Now, success and passion are things we all hear about a lot, usually as two separate entities, however Brown has her own definition of success that includes passion. She defines success as your personal drive to obtain the peace of mind of knowing who you are, and your worth and value as an individual.

Brown said, “You can have as much money as you want in the world and be very unhappy – and I don’t want to be in a position where I have the buco amounts of money and not the family or friends who I can trust, because that’s a lonely world.”

When Brown spoke about leaving her “Corporate-America Job” to become an underpaid intern in broadcast, she said “Look, I’ve always had a passion for radio and television, more along the lines of radio for the love of music…and I am a big proponent of finding your passion; this is one life you have.”

Finding your passion to obtain success sounds great, but some believe you have to do what needs to be done, no matter what. Brown said some of us have our mind set early in life that “this” is what we were meant to do, or “this” is what I have to do to make money, but “this” may not be your passion. We may have a dream or at some point in our lives realize we are really prolific at something, and that becomes your passion. However, because of fear of failure, Brown says, we give up on our passions, and ultimately our success.

“Fear is or worst enemy, it keeps us from being unable to succeed, because you allow that fear to hang over your head for the rest of your life.”

Brown states, you need to go for what you would do for free, and this is your passion, and fulfilling your passion is where you will make your money. Plainly put, she said “I mean, who wants to spend the rest of your life at a job that you hate – always watching the clock and saying ‘ugh – I have HOW many hours left‘?”

It seems simple enough, “do what you love, to make you happy,” but many still do not know when their passions have led to “success” or if it ever will. Brown said she has been able to gauge her level of success, not through paychecks, cars, houses or fame but through the e-mails, tweets, Facebook messages and face-to-face interaction she receives from her listeners.

Brown said, “I have people tell me I made them want to do better in life, and through them, I know people are watching and listening, and if I know I can improve one person’s life ,then I have succeeded at what I’ve set out to accomplish.”

Brown’s mantra to completing her success is, “Be creative with your hustle, committed to the grind and fearless of the world.” As she further explains to her teen audiences, this means you essentially have to be quick on your feet and never give up – and that when people tell you “no” or you face rejection and adversity, that those obstacles are not the end of the line – they are just a part of life. In summary, Brown believes you have to believe in yourself and your path, because no one else will, and if you believe in you, you can have everything you want.

Though Brown said she had the “American Dream” of the suburban house, the SUV, revolving credit and cash in the bank – she states personal success is not achieved through these monetary and material keepings – but by finding your inner passion and God given path in life.

“When I die, do I want to be known for this nice house I own, or to I want to be known for this legacy I am creating, because I was able to change people’s lives by setting the example?”

“City girls are just country girls but with cuter outfits.”
– Sex and the City

This quote may be the case in some situations; however I do not feel many of the sleek-and-chic city dwellers consider the origins of their ultra-urbane outfits. Many of today’s popular fashion trends are from rural roots, and not from many cities we associate with high-fashion. Tweed, cowboy boots, even Uggs are just some influential rural items many hail as mainstream attire.

The most obvious rural inspired items are the infamous cowboy boots. Made for the rough terrain of the American-Midwest and certain Mexican states – this ultra rural footwear has seen its highs and lows in urban fashion for some time.

Designers like Ralph Lauren have intertwined the country theme throughout their brands giving them the staple feel of “classic Americana” – inspiring some to top off their designer threads with a pair of exotic red-dyed cowboy boots.

As influxes of young quarterlifers come in from the outskirts, to the hustle-and-bustle of cities, we are more than likely going to see these boots in droves moving from the cattle ranch to the catwalk, more and more.

(For tips on how to wear cowboy boots, check out CollegeFashion.net)

Next is another footwear favorite…the Ugg Boot; seen (unfortunately) from city streets to college campuses. This trend hails not from some an eccentric-urban designer, but from a practical background – surprise, surprise!

The Ugg Boot or “Ug,” Australian slang for ugly, (which suits it perfectly) was used practically by WWI & WII pilots, sheep herders and competitive surfers to keep their tootsies warm – yes, the fuzz is meant to keep your feet warm!

So if you live in Miami, please, donate your Uggs to someone in Greenland…thanks.

The Ugg Boot was worn out of the public eye until the Americans and Hollywood got a hold of them…then it was all over. Now we have to accept these once “no-nonsense” shoes as “fashion.”

Lastly, but certainly not least, is the Scottish Traditional “tartan,” that somehow became bastardized in America to be known by the pidgin of “plaid.”

Associated with lumberjacks and all things rustically-American, we saw an influx of flannel-plaid in the 1990s during the Grunge movement…thanks Seattle, Wa.

However, we all breathed a HUGE sigh of relief, as we thought this was said and done by the end of the 1990s; however plaid is back with a chic and haute-couture vengeance.

As CollegeFashion.net puts it “I think every year, after churning out too many flowery, summery dresses for spring, they become overwhelmingly nostalgic for the comfort of flannel.” This has to be case!

How a traditional Scottish Clan garb ends up on Lauren Conrad’s back is beyond me – but it is a fact that we all have to accept as truth.

(A List of Plaid Fashions from About.com)

Overall, these are just a few pieces of anti-urban garb that are being turned for a profit from Los Angeles to Dubai…and I have a feeling the list will continue to grow.

So I suggest, if you want to be ahead of the curve, skip the disco this weekend and head to the bull-rodeo for the inspiration for your next ensemble!

Being the Florida boy I am, I am been accustomed to a  way of thinking about life and how I want to live it. I love the beach, open air, sunshine and peace and quite that sometime gets lost in the major metropolitan areas. As a chef, I feel far more creative and inspired by a simple life without the stresses of what I like to call “The Fast-Forward Effect.”

That’s why people are in the city anyway, right? To achieve, to succeed, to “rise” to the top, to go, go, go… it’s as if the Fast-Forward button gets pressed. These major metro areas are truly awesome (using the true definition of the word), they have so much to offer, from food to history, education to architecture, opportunity to saturation…I think all of you actors out there know what I mean on that one!

For me, spending the majority of my time in the quite outskirts of these cities is where I find my place. It’s where I find my tempo. It’s where I find… well… myself.

Don’t get me wrong, there is no better place for a weekend of loud unabated partying than NYC or L.A., but as far as Nate Lippy goes, I need the calm ocean by my side and sunshine on my face and of good food in my tummy, of course.

City
Stewart Panton

No, I don’t want to spend my quarterlife in a big metropolitan city. I would rather live right outside the city but not inside the city. The city itself is too crowded and noisy and I would quickly grow annoyed I am sure. However, if I am outside the city (10-15 mins away) I would be able to enjoy the quiet and relaxed environment I believe a home should have.

When I need to go to some parties, dining, or work or whatever other city activities you can think of, I only have to make a short trip into the city, enjoy myself and leave.

City
Russell Michael

I would rather spend my quarterlife in a big metropolitan city; mainly because there is a better chance for me to meet the love of my life…that is if i ever get time off work.

City
David Borron

I’d love to live in a big metropolitan city. It all comes down to weather, money, and the amount of single people living in that city. The only drawback for me would be traffic.  I have a feeling I’d be spending an hour or more a day yelling at how dumb other drivers are. Once I find a place that it suitable to my likings, it will be a grand time. Our quarterlife is generally one of the few times in our lives where we live care free. Metropolitan cities bring culture, independence, and a sense of adventure of discovering a new and big city. Personally, it is the adventure that draws me in more than anything. I think the key to every city though is finding a core of friends to be with. Find people you love that won’t drive you up the wall.  Then you can build around that core as you expand your realm of friendships.

Rural
Paul Eulette

As much as I love living in metro-Atlanta and visiting my friends downtown – I am made to be away from all those people. My pseudo-ADD and over-social self would never get anything done if I lived within the confines of a city. I feel my productivity increases the further away I am from people – and I am more able to appreciate my interactions with the people I choose to be around when I choose to see them.

City
Shannon Mullings

The bright lights, the honking of car horns, the smell of bums on the sidewalk asking you for change as you stroll to club in your heels, these are a few of my favorite things. I’m a city girl, through and through, and the idea of living anywhere else in the world, especially in the country makes me gag with repulsion. One weekend however, my mother had the bright idea to test my limits and suggest a trip to visit my grandfather at his home in Ocala, Florida. We did – and after 48 agonizing hours of listening to crickets chirp and staring at one of the few traffic lights to turn green, we were back on our way to civilization. While my mother rambled on about how sad she was to leave the clean-smelling air and the fresh-from-the-tap milk,  I stared at her and wondered if I was adopted and when I could be reunited with my real fashionista mother in Manhattan. As we drove into our neighbourhood past overfilled dumpsters, flashing blue and red lights of cop cars speeding past us and skateboarders hanging out at the corner store, I let out a long-held sigh of relief, I was home…

Ah, sports – the home of the multi-million dollar paid athletes who live the lives we – most of us Generation-Yers in our quarterlife – all wished we could live. If only we had approached gym class with about as much enthusiasm as we do for happy hour, as opposed to spending every week coming up with excuses (I’m allergic to grass!).

Many sporting events and leagues, however, are actually quite affected by this recession. Athletes are now giving thought to how they are spending their recently acquired fortune, unlike before when athletes simply found the most efficient ways to go broke.

Yet, the problem doesn’t start at the athletes.

Let’s look at the organizations – companies like the NFL (National Football League for non-Americans) have had to scale back their staffing in order to survive despite the fact that it makes so much money off of advertising, TV rights and tickets.

The NFL is not the only one though; the NBA (National Basketball Association) has also fallen under the staff cutting group cutting 9% of its staff. Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Hockey League (NHL) seem to be exempt from these measures. However, with both organizations not making any noticeable staff cuts, they do have teams which are heavily in debt. 

For us football (American soccer) fans, FIFA has, for the most part, escaped the recession. Many pundits, however, say that this is only because of the 2006 World Cup and the money it made from this. Don’t forget – the World Cup & football on a whole is the second most watched event in the world – beaten only by the Olympics.

Which leads to my next point – heavily indebted teams. Do a Google search for “sports teams in debt,” and you will find that the NFL and its teams carry roughly $9 billion worth of debt; while the MLB comes in at $3.1 billion.

The NBA – who has not disclosed actual debt numbers –limits borrowings for each of its 30 teams to $175 million each, or $5.25 billion at most. This comes in stark contrast to the recently held drafts where millions of dollars were spent to recruit college players for the upcoming season.

Even soccer (football) teams have been experiencing monetary issues. As a result of global financial crises, large companies such as AIG can no longer afford to sponsor these soccer team. These corporation have found themselves heavily indebted or in receivership (as is the case with AIG), and more or less.

As for motorsports, more sponsors are going broke and breaking their sponsorships. Formula1, who has already lost a major manufacturer in Honda, is seemingly about to lose BMW as well. Despite the setback, F1 has begun implementing cost-cutting measures to ensure the continued support of the sport.

Now, most keen readers will realise that I have left out track and field athletics as a category of debt-ridden sports. This is simply because the sport is currently not experiencing any form of noticeable debt. Is it because track and field is better managed or makes a larger income than all other sports? Perhaps it is because the recently held Olympics and World Championships have made so much money that the organisation hasn’t had to worry about monetary problems?

Or is it because a combination of Usain Bolt, Yelena Isinbayeva, and Heille Gebreselassie have come together and are secretly using their inhuman abilities to rob banks and privately fund the IAAF? Most people would go for the latter, but that hasn’t been proven so I can’t comment any further on that. Although my first guess would be a combination of the 1st and 2nd options…until I get proof.

I have come to a conclusion that most readers may disagree with, but allow me to explain. What is the difference between the MLB, NBA, NFL, and the NHL, IAAF, the World Motosport Council, and FIFA?

In case you haven’t realised, the latter four organisations are all non-U.S. organizations (minus the NHL which is joint U.S. and Canadian) and these four are all quite fine monetarily.

Does this mean that U.S.-based companies simply are managed by incompetent buffoons? Not necessarily. Under these conditions these sports could not have become some of the most popular and most watched sports in the world. Yet, it leads me to question the managerial skills and level of competency of those responsible.

For as long as I can remember, I have been conscious of a “fear-influenced duality” of the mind between the desire and fear of success. This fear is partially responsible for the sense of paralysis some experience when attempting to move forward with their goals.

It causes one to think so much about the next step that, in my own personal experiences, you may develop mild headaches and desire nothing more than to lie down in hopes that the fear will move on.

The fear can seem so intense, so acute in instances, we seemingly devolve from the determined, confident people we know we are, into apprehensive and insecure versions of ourselves that we have worked hard not to be.

Keep in mind, however, this is more than a fear of failure – it is a fear of success.

What happens if I do get the job? Am I going to be partly, even on the smallest of scales, responsible for the success of an entire brand? If I do well, will I have to take on more responsibility? Will I be able to continue producing good work?

No one wants to be a one-hit wonder in their own life, do they?

For most, happiness is directly linked to success – it is a causal loop that has been set to iterate ad infinitum.

I have to succeed and yet, I’m scared. If perfection and success cannot be guaranteed from every attempt, why try?

I am sure we have all struggled with this; finding a purpose for life which we know is there, yet invisible to us. We undoubtedly know there is error in avoiding success to avoid the fear, but arguably yields less expectation in doing so.

Less expectation equals less pressure to do well. As the pressure decreases, so do the tension and headaches, thus resulting in happiness, right?

Wrong.

It leads to mediocrity – and happiness does not mediocrity make. So where do you look for a solution that will steer you in the right direction?

Some people say their “haters” – their opposition – is an inspiration for success. The negativity of those people whose life goal is to bring you down is transformed into feeding that hunger. Others, meanwhile, are motivated by the reward of success.

I would like to meet this latter group of individuals and ask them, “Why aren’t you afraid that once you do well, you’ll have to keep doing well?”

How do they find the happiness in becoming genuine success stories while removing the fear from the potential of success?

In my opinion, the answer is simply found in imitation.

Each generation in their quarterlife, including us Generation-Yers, needs an example; an illustration of what has worked in the past. Like those before us, we must continue to carry yesterday’s messages and inspirations as a means to shed light on the issues of tomorrow.

This should be our cure – our solution to overcoming our fear of success.

Take for example, Michael Jackson. He was not only an international superstar, but the inspiration and model for many Generation-Y entertainers who have replicated his style. And yet, Jackson was inspired by and imitated the work of entertainers before him.

Had he said to himself, “Jackie Wilson is the best. Why should I try to contribute anything to the music industry – the pressure to succeed would be too great,” Generation Y would not have had this unique muse; a motivator to follow our dreams.

Perhaps it is necessary to think of success not as a hinderance, but as the embodiment and continuation of the movers and shakers of years past; our own success as a foundation for future generations.

Like the Michael Jackson we hoped he would be – don’t be paralyzed and left to wonder what you could have been, listen to your music and dance.

The best piece of advice I received was from my mother. She always reiterated, “Don’t date anyone you couldn’t see yourself marrying.”  This advice was flippantly thrown off earlier in my life. I think a lot of us go through a serial dating stage where we go out for fun. I often thought, I’m just testing the water and seeing what is out there. As I tested my own waters, I observed many friends who bounced around from one relationship to another. This makes the process of connecting with someone on a deeper level much more difficult – not to mention all the drama and heartache that goes along with it. Seriously, who wants all that drama in their life? As I got older, I soon realized the value of the word, “date.” It’s not just a simple dinner or a movie, but it is the beginning of a relationship, one that may progress into a more serious relationship. This has made me into a much pickier person in regards to who I choose to begin and continue relationships. If you can’t see a relationship being fruitful in the long run, what’s the point of having it in the first place?

How to Bait and Catch Him!
Tara James

The best advice I got from my parents that I would never admit has to be how to flirt with a guy who’s half way across the room in a club or party. What you have to do is catch his eye once – when you do, give him a teasing giggle while looking him up and down, then suddenly stop giggling and act somewhat mesmerized. This way his stare will come back to you repeatedly. When it does, smile like you want him to come closer. Most times, he will. Once he approaches you, act very cute, yet sassy, by playing with your hair and putting your hand on his shoulder and chest playfully. After a while, catch him off guard with a silvery laugh that will drive him crazy. When he asks what you’re laughing about, say that the song playing is your song and that he just has to dance with you on the dance floor – pull him onto the dance floor and wrap your arms around him. If he doesn’t pull back, then you know you’ve got him!

Men can Smell Desperation.
Meggie Hulsey

Personally, I’ve never experienced real casual dating, simply because I always had a boyfriend; (I preferred to casually date on the side.) However, I always had one girlfriend who was on the “lookout” for Mr. Right 24/7.We are all guilty of being at the bar late into the evening, and participating in the “sexy-turn-him-on-dance.”

This is where you’ve clearly had too much to drink and try to coax the hot boy over from across the bar. It starts with flipping your hair, giving him a seductive stare and a flirtatious smile. However, to the sober eye you look like you might be having a seizure. So, what is the moral of this story and best advice my parents have given me…cue dramatic music (dun dun dunnn)…men can smell desperation.

And just in case you were wondering if you are, or are not wearing the latest “Desperate Perfume” – ask yourself if you’ve done these things before:

1) Facebook them the very next day, not to mention she would write on their wall.

2) Text them an hour after she left the bar to say how nice it was to meet him.

3) Drive by their house at night and in the morning to see if there were any “suspicious” cars in the driveway.

Watch Your Parents Cook.
Alexandria Lorenzana

Growing up, my mom never took advantage to learn from her own father, a successful owner and head chef of a thriving restaurant and bar in the Philippines. As I grew up, I made the same mistake, opting out of free, hands-on cooking lessons for sessions with the Sega Genesis. From time to time, however, I would stake a place out in the kitchen, but only to either a) sneak a taste of raw ingredients (the odd behavior of a foodie in the making), or b) fulfill the first-born duties of helping in meal preparation. Now that I am on my own with no access to the joys of home-cooked meals of childhood’s past, I often find myself in the middle of the grocery aisle, calling home and asking for recipes and cooking techniques. Although hindsight is always 20/20 and I should have paid attention when I had the chance, both my mom and I cannot help but smile during these “emergency” phone calls – it is as if we are back in the kitchen, she at the stove and me at the counter. “First you need a half-pound of shrimp, then you sauté the garlic…”

Push a Stone Wall.
Jenna Wessinger

She always said it. I always rolled my eyes. And inevitably, she was always correct (I hate that). “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” she’d say. Be persistent. You never know unless you try. Don’t give up right away. These were the underlying meanings behind my mother’s favorite words of wisdom. My mother always urged me to never just take a “no” and walk away. Push, she taught me, until you’re pushing a stone wall. Sometimes, even if it was a stone wall, I needed to push. When I was younger I hated this expression. I looked at it as a nuisance. But now that I’m in my quarterlife, I realize that letting people know you’re serious about what you want, and serious about getting it, makes them more likely to work with you and/or for you.

Mom Knows Best.
Danielle Shuey

I wouldn’t exactly describe myself as the type of person always seeking to defy my parents. However, I am significantly different from my other family members in nearly every way imaginable. Let me preface this answer by explaining a little more about myself. I change my mind on a regular basis about what and who it is I want to be, particularly when it comes to my career. I changed my college major approximately seven times (ranging from music therapy to pre-med), transferred colleges, then wanted to transfer back, wanted to go to law school, dental school, nursing school, then grad school for anthropology, public administration, economics… I think you get the point.

My mom knew of my interest in sociology and tried to convince me several times to study what I loved and not what I thought I should study. Of course I didn’t listen. Needless to say, it took me a bit longer to obtain my undergraduate degree. If I had only listened to my mother my freshman year of college, I might have been a little more productive in advancing my career, wouldn’t have accrued so much debt, etc., etc.  Sociology was my minor at first, but it would not be until my first senior year that I would officially give in to the inevitable.

So while this advice is not exactly embarrassing or even applicable to anyone other than myself, I hate to admit that because I was so fickle and stubborn, I spent five years avoiding a commitment to a subject that actually is my greatest passion in life. So…I guess the moral of the story is that sometimes your parents DO know what’s best for you…and even if not, maybe it’s worth giving some actual thought to their advice before casting it aside.

Straight Forward:
Russell Michael

Get a degree first!

Nancy O’Dell Talks About Her Quarterlife

“Defining the Quarterlife” – as a generation there is no doubt we can do it on our own. In fact, being in your quarterlife in Generation Y means you are more likely to define things yourself than rely solely on one opinion. (I’m sure we have all made a decision based off of a Wikipedia/Google/intuition hybrid answer before!) This trait of self-seeking definitions is more important for today’s quarterlifers as we are living an experience that no one else can define for us.

The experience of becoming an adult today is different. High school or college degrees alone no longer mean gainful employment as recent marketing grads interview for the same positions as seasoned marketing professionals. The idea of rhythmically falling into the “norms” of progression is no longer an option for us – and “The Dream” is now an elusive target, no longer a few credit card swipes away.

We, as a generation – specifically in this stage of life – are up against an unstable world trying to reformulate itself, demanding us to maneuver within its unstructured changes at a time when we are supposed to be solidifying our understanding of who we are.

With prospects of such an epic battle weighing upon our minds, we naturally have questions…of which we seek not only the answers, but to define for ourselves the actual question.

I have consistently had people ask QuarterLife Magazine through social media:

“Am I the only one…or, is everyone struggling with this?”…“Is Gen Y the only generation to face this ‘quarterlife’?”

The best way to answer these questions is to define what exactly happens in one’s quarterlife.

Since we all unfortunately do not have access to a “Wikipedia/Google hybrid index” of people to ask, “What was your quarterlife like?” QuarterLife Magazine has taken the time to provide you with this interview (one of many upcoming sources) to help us understand the quarterlife.

Honored with three Associated Press Awards, two Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Awards, and a seven-time Emmy Award nominee, journalist Nancy O’Dell is one of America’s top and most respected entertainment journalist of our time. Serving as co-anchor of “Access Hollywood,” and the only anchor who has been a vital part of “Access Hollywood” since its inception – O’Dell has contributed reports to NBC News “Today” show and “Dateline NBC.” Beyond covering events such as the Oscars, Primetime Emmy® Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, O’Dell has been chosen by NBC for the last eight years to host two of their big annual network broadcasts, the Golden Globes Arrivals Special and the Tournament of Roses Parade.

O’Dell, a Clemson University graduate, has found herself in the throes of what most would call a “successful life,” and perhaps one which seems devoid of any appearance of quarterlife torments or crises. However as you will read, O’Dell, just like most of us, had to go through the age of changes and realize herself within a world that she may not have felt ready to face. Additionally, how the traits she developed in her quarterlife prepared her for the monumental changes that face her today.

Here’s how Nancy O’Dell defines her quarterlife…

August 2009

QLMag: Nancy – did you ever have a “Quarterlife Crisis?”

O’Dell: No question! I was definitely going through a big change in my life at my quarterlife. When I was 21, I was Miss South Carolina in the Miss America system…Now, I know pageants can be made fun of but I have to say that was definitely a huge growing experience for me. I went into that year feeling like a kid and came out feeling like an adult. Maybe it would have happened anyways because I was in my quarterlife, but at 21…I learned so much.

QLMag: What kind of experiences did you have?

O’Dell: I was traveling around the state public speaking at various functions almost every day. I even traveled to Japan and spent weeks there to represent the United States Postal System on a trade relations program. I consider that time in my life crucial to my quarterlife development, because I learned how an individual can make a difference. I was involved in so many various charity events and realize how one, with any kind of public forum, can use that to help bring about change for the better.

I carry that philosophy I learned back then into my life today. And it doesn’t have to be only via a national platform (like “Access Hollywood”). Anyone who has friends with similar interests can make a difference by just getting involved.

QLMag: So, when you were a newly 21-year-old, did you know where you wanted to be now?

O’Dell: No, I didn’t. But – I was definitely getting molded to be where I am today.

QLMag: How so?

O’Dell: For example, the public speaking I did when I was 21 was invaluable! It certainly comes in handy as a broadcaster and having had all that live speaking experience in front of audiences helped. I didn’t know the path I would take until my first job at WPDE a Myrtle Beach/Florence, S.C. TV station…I started out in sales, as my major was Marketing at Clemson.

I started doing the news breaks on the weekends and then got offered a job in Charleston as a reporter…then went to Miami to anchor the evening news…and then to “Access Hollywood” in Los Angeles where I am today.

QLMag: That is quite a reroute from sales and marketing!

O’Dell: I think that is what happens a lot in life – you have to feel things out and allow yourself to be led because you will know what feels right based on your past. Having just come off a year where I traveled so much, the news was enjoyable to me because the job was different every day and the stories constantly changed, which was very similar to the year off of which I had just come.

QLMag: Can you pinpoint an age or specific period in your life when you realized you were “successful?” We use the term subjectively!

O’Dell: I think there were two periods in my life where I felt successful. A big one was getting offered the job in Miami…after having been the morning news anchor in Charleston, S.C. – Miami was a huge news market (in the top 16!) I couldn’t believe I was being offered the job as the evening anchor there! Plus, I was moving away from S.C. for the first time ever, to a big city…so that made it feel so real, as far as a big career move.

QLMag: I can imagine that to be quite the change! What was the other period?

O’Dell: The other period in my life, which has made me feel successful, actually just happened. Along with MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), we have launched a foundation in honor of my dear and precious mother Betty, called Betty’s Battle. My mom passed away last year from ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It is my resounding hope that with Betty’s Battle, I can help in the fight against ALS so that no other families have to endure the loss of what my family experienced in the future.

QLMag: Can you tell us more about ALS?

O’Dell: ALS is a horrific disease destroying all your voluntary muscle movement, also including breathing – it is rapidly deteriorating and fatal, usually within 3-5 years after diagnosis. As I mentioned, it was in my quarterlife I learned that one has the ability to make a difference, and I am going to do everything in my power to try and do just that!

I have been involved with many charities throughout the years, but because this one hits home so personally, I take great pride in knowing firsthand (from the help we received from MDA) that charities can and do make a huge difference to families dealing with something as important this. That is why I think the launching of Betty’s Battle (www.bettysbattle.org) just the other day feels like success to me more than anything else I have done.

My mom was truly one of the most amazing women and the best mom for which I could have ever asked!

QLMag: With such a clear connection with your family and personal life, has your personal life shaped and furthered your professional career?

O’Dell: No question my personal past helped me with my career! As I mentioned, all the public speaking and experiences I had when I was 21, no doubt are a big help still today.

Also, a shout out to my public speaking teacher at Clemson University…that was a great class and I still draw upon some of the things I learned in there.

I also draw upon the values instilled upon me in my personal past growing up. I never lose sight of those. I believe what comes around goes around. So, always keep the highest of ethics and eventually the RIGHT things will come your way.

QLMag: So, to wrap up – from pageants, to career changes – big moves and family tragedies…where do you find your inspiration, that got you through your quarterlife and keeps you going today?

O’Dell: No question – I get my daily inspiration from my family. I had such a close family growing up that I craved that with my family now that I am married and have children. I know they are the ones who will be there when I am old, grey and retired!

I think too many people sacrifice family for career….Yes, it takes quite the juggling act to balance both, but it can be done if in the end your family is the priority, and any boss should want that, as it makes one a better employee, because you are a happier employee.

Don’t mean to sound like the all-knower because I am certainly far from that. It took me some time to learn this, but I do know it is the most satisfying feeling when you have a happy home life.

QLMag: Thank you so much, Nancy.

###

Hesitations, understandings, inspirations and changes are all beginnings of the quarterlife, a stage to give heed to another phase of life. It is apparent to us, from O’Dell’s view point, that the quarterlife is not just a 10-15 year period in your life of which you grow out of or through – it is part of the foundation to build your life to help you with struggles that lay ahead.

We have seen how one person can use the changes of their 20s to bring a voice to many – on topics and interests that touch the heart. We know that not only one person can define the quarterlife for us, so we include O’Dell’s definition and look further in October to keep growing our definition of the quarterlife in various phases, stages and places!

More Information on Nancy O’Dell and Her Valiant Fight against MDA and ALS:

Even though O’Dell maintains a busy work schedule – she regularly makes time for philanthropic endeavors.  O’Dell is a National Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and ALS Division Celebrity Ambassador, has been working with the ALS division since her mother, Betty Humphries, was diagnosed with and recently passed away from complications relating to ALS.

In February 2002, she was inducted into the American Red Cross’s National Celebrity Cabinet, and also serves as a national spokesperson for the March of Dimes. Additionally, she acts as an international board member for Best Buddies, a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

In June 2002, Best Buddies honored O’Dell with the organization’s Spirit of Leadership Award. O’Dell also currently serves on the HollyRod charity advisory board and is also a Celebrity Ambassador for Childhelp. O’Dell’s latest book, “Mom-to-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant,” published by Simon Spotlight Entertainment, topped motherhood lists and is currently in stores now. She resides in the Los Angeles area with her family.

For more information, please visit:

Nancy O’Dell Talks About Her Quarterlife]]> http://www.quarterlifemag.com/2009/09/nancyodell/feed/ 3 http://www.quarterlifemag.com/2009/09/rmliberalorconservative/ http://www.quarterlifemag.com/2009/09/rmliberalorconservative/#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:45:08 +0000 Russel Michael http://quarterlifemag.wordpress.com/?p=39 I am an entrepreneur, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist who grew up in South Africa around the end of Apartheid, now living in London. I am currently establishing a new music business model through my MySpace profile (www.myspace.com/russellmichael) that aims to deliver new product on an almost weekly basis, along with other non-musical (yet very creative) business ventures.

I started to contemplate the question, “Is Generation Y conservative or liberal?” and then the “Gen Y” in me suddenly had the urge to try to define what being conservative or liberal actually meant. For the briefest moment I thought I’d try and get a definition from a dictionary source – but that evaporated very quickly. As a good Gen-Yer I have to define everything for myself.

I think the reason for this is that we have had so many conflicting informational sources growing up, we no longer rely on other people’s definition of anything. I imagine that advertisers must find it really hard to advertise to us because we innately don’t trust any mass-produced message.

Back to the quandary of defining being conservative or liberal:

Per “Russell’s Dictionary,” conservatism or liberalism is defined as being more or less ‘stuffy’ than your parents. That said, if you are Ozzie Osborne’s kid and you only drink hard liquor but don’t do drugs, you’re a conservative; and if you are Bill Gate’s clean-living kid that cares nothing for business and only for the arts, you’re a liberal.

I hate to say it, but as Gen-Yers our parents have defined our reality.

While in the past there was a greater collective truth that people could associate themselves with (as a result of less personalized media), us Gen Yers now only have our mini family units (however dysfunctional they may be) to define ourselves against. We are now constantly trying to do better than our ‘ancestors,’ and want to make sure that we don’t have the gaping holes in our lives that they had.

Case in point: although seeing daddy Ozzie crippled by drug addiction garners your decision to ‘just say no’ – but you still enjoy a tray of shooters – makes you conservative in your eyes, according to society norms, you’re living on the wild side. The same principal applies to Bill Gates’ clean-living kid. While he shuns the family fortune to become an artist  – yet hangs on to that trust fund – makes him a liberal in his eyes, he is still pretty tame considering societal norms.

And so I come to this conclusion – the answer to the question of ‘Is Generation Y conservative or liberal?’ is another question – Who’s your daddy?

Raised in Tampa, Fla., I fell in love with the “Beach Life.” I grew up eating “Floribbean” Cuisine (Imagine good ole’ southern fried cooking with tons of fresh fish and fruit).  Home-schooled, I had a lot of free time. I would spend hours playing my guitar until mom would come home, and then we would spend hours playing in the kitchen. I started to understand the kitchen and the valuable purpose of a good cook when I was about 8 years old.

Tequila-Lime Roasted Chicken with a Hearts of Palm, Green Apple, and Jicama Salad
Recipe by Nathan Lippy | Time: 35 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 3 limes, sliced into wedges
• 1/2 cup silver tequila
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 2/3 cup jicama, julienne
• 2/3 cup green apple, julienne
• 2/3 cup hearts of palm, julienne
• 2/3 cup red bell pepper, julienne
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• a splash of tequila
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 4 wedges of lime for garnish

Directions:

1. Line a small roasting dish with tin foil. Squeeze the limes into a bowl and reserve on the side. Place the squeezed lime peels on the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the chicken breasts over the top. Add the tequila and 1/3 of the lime juice over the chicken, then evenly add the paprika and garlic salt, about 4-5 tablespoon of olive oil with a bit of black pepper and over each breast. Place the pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the jicama, apple, hearts of palm, bell pepper, cilantro, a splash of tequila, vinegar, garlic, the remaining lime juice and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix evenly and gently (you don’t want to break up the hearts of palm).
3. Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Place about 1 cup of the salad in the center of a large plate, then add 1 breast over the top. Add a wedge of lime and a sprig of cilantro. Using a spoon, add 1 tablespoon of the pan juices around the plate and serve.

Later,

Nater

www.NathanLippy.com

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