Overcoming Adversity

Being a college student is challenging. Running a business is challenging. Doing both at the same time? That’s a whole different level of adversity. When I started my journey as a student entrepreneur, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t fully grasp the weight of the obstacles I’d face. Between classes, exams, financial struggles, and the ever-present self-doubt, the road has been anything but smooth. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience is the key to pushing forward.

Time Management: The Never-Ending Balancing Act

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is time management. Running a business demands attention, and so does maintaining good grades. There have been times when I’ve had to edit photos at 2 AM after finishing an assignment or answer client inquiries in between classes. I quickly realized that success in both areas meant mastering efficiency.

I began using planners, setting strict schedules, and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Some days still feel overwhelming, but having a structured plan makes the workload manageable. If you’re in a similar situation, my advice is to set realistic expectations and learn to say no to things that don’t align with your goals.

Financial Struggles and Smart Budgeting

Starting and maintaining a business requires money — something most college students don’t have in abundance. From purchasing photography equipment to covering business expenses, financial stress was a major hurdle. I had to be strategic about where I invested my money and ensure my business could sustain itself without draining my personal finances. I found creative ways to cut costs, such as renting gear instead of buying upfront, leveraging free marketing strategies like social media, and reinvesting profits back into my business instead of spending recklessly. I also learned the importance of keeping personal and business finances separate, a lesson that will serve me well in the long run.

Self-Doubt and External Pressure

Being a young entrepreneur, especially in college, means constantly feeling like you have something to prove. There were and still are moments when I questioned whether I was capable of running a business while keeping up with my academic responsibilities. On top of that, there were people who doubted me — some subtly, others outright saying that I was stretching myself too thin. What kept me going was remembering my ‘why.’ I started this business because I love storytelling through photography and videography. I reminded myself that growth takes time, and failure is just part of the process. Over time, I learned to embrace the setbacks and use them as motivation to push forward.

The Reward of Persistence

Despite all the challenges, being both a student and an entrepreneur has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills that I wouldn’t have learned in a classroom alone. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing my hard work pay off — whether it’s booking a big client, delivering a project I’m proud of, or simply knowing I’m building something meaningful.

For any student entrepreneur out there struggling, my advice is simple: Stay the course. It won’t be easy, but every challenge you overcome will shape you into a stronger, wiser, and more capable individual. Embrace the adversity, because on the other side of it lies growth and success.

Your Story, Cinematically Captured.

Left (Shawn Peterson - Current UC student) Right (Noah Bell - UC Alumni)