Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Whitehurst.
Hi Bria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The year 2016, was a monumental year for me. I experienced a quarter-life crisis. During the second year of my MSW program, my professor recommends my cohort attend therapy before becoming a therapist. I decided to attend therapy, during a therapy session I came to the conclusion that I was surviving my twenties. I was 26 years old living with my parents, working a dead job while obtaining another degree. Meanwhile getting over heartbreak from me on again off again college sweetheart. I did everything “the right way”, I had a projected timeline as to how my life should have gone but unfortunately, it did not. I knew there was another twentysomething year old that was experiencing the same confusion related to adulthood as myself. I wanted to create a space for young adults to feel seen and heard.
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?
Creating Surviving Twenties was not a smooth road at all. Initially, Surviving Twenties were video segments on Facebook with a friend. However, my friend and I had a different version of what Surviving Twenties meant causing her departure and ending our friendship. At times I felt discouraged about producing content. I was fortunate to have a great support system that inspired me to re-brand and transform the video segments into a podcast. As Surviving Twenties podcasts grew and the social media platform increased, I experience imposter syndrome. In addition, burn out related to producing content daily and keeping up with the algorithm.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Licensed Master’s Social Worker in South Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate in North Carolina. I have eight years of social work experience, working with the homeless population, at-risk youth, and individuals with mental illness. Currently, I am a Perinatal Social Worker at a hospital ensuring the safety of newborn babies and mothers. As a Social Worker, I am most proud of the lives I am able to empower. My previous clients have contacted me with updates about their lives and their success. What set me apart from others is I love what I do, it’s not a job but a lifestyle.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Feeling a sense of wholeness within myself is what makes me happy. Happiness starts within therefore, I practice honoring myself through exercise, affirmations, clean eating, and adequate rest. When my mind is clear and my body is well, I can operate to my full potential.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@survivingtwenties.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/survivingtwentiespodcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Survivin20s
Image Credits
Jeremiah Drummong
