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Blog started in Jan 2005: 1st entries for Write in Every Genre. Then the REAL ME begins |
| Just attended a recognition event at my college alma mater for current students being awarded scholarships. I have not been on the invitee list for all its consecutive years, really just twice, so I think the invite was extended in hope that I would be a benefactor. Still, knowing I couldn't help out financially, I did accept the invitation. I don't plan on waiting another five years to make good on what was afforded to me. I've really always wanted to be that kind of success story, capable of giving money to a cause or multiple causes without hesitation. I know in some ways, I'm wired to be that type of giver. The one that gives away all they have, and still would give to someone else, even before looking to my own family obligations. The current director is one of the only people still working in that department from the time when I both utilized its services, and was staff. She was gracious in hearing me state that I wished I could help financially. She also suggested that I might be able to come be a speaker to help students see what it's like in the work world. So, of course, on the drive home I had to think, "What could I tell them from my experiences?" First, I do know to state, "It IS who you know -- most employed people I know got referred to a job by a co-worker, family member or friend. And I would definitely encourage students to keep in touch with all work and volunteer contacts as much as possible no matter how long it's been (with out being stalker-level scary). Facebook isn't fool-proof, your Christmas card list, or a professional membership in your industry might be much much better. [Linked-In, is indeed designed for this.] I might relate my most recent job interview startle, related to getting advice after I didn't get the position. The hiring manager coached me to be specific next time describing how I've tackled a problem, rather than just saying over and over, "I'm hard working." Having relate-able examples breaking-down just how you accomplish difficult tasks, yes, I get it, GREAT advice. My "huh?" moment was realizing I hadn't communicated (much at all) apparently. It's possible I wasn't even understandable at points, and the interviewer just kept picking up on my chipper attitude? The interviewer believed I simply said, "I'm hard working," and I don't believe I said those words once. On the fun side, I might tell them to sock away money like a squirrel stores acorns (if their own parents don't bug them about that enough already). And preferably go back in time and tell your seven year-old self that too. Also, as far as travel, do it. Maybe even consider doing what my sister is about to embark upon, traveling in an RV full-time while her daughter is just turning two, and she and her husband are in their thirties; I thought it was crazy at first, but now I think it is inspired and actually fits with the development stages her daughter will go through -- accepting it -- and maybe, just maybe, only having a problem with it in about a decade. This is just a start, and I might include something about the Northridge earthquake...but that connection would take too long to explain right now. Cheers!  |
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