The Front Door

End of Summer

2008-08-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

I would just like to say that this has been a really wonderful opportunity writing for Experience. Now that summer is coming to an end, I am able to look back on how far I have come since starting the interview process and essentially documenting my progress through blogging. I would encourage anyone looking for a job to use www.experience.com as a resource. The website is going through some exciting changes and I think it would benefit anyone looking for a job or an internship immensely to look it over.

That being said, I did not find my job via Experience, although much of the advice given on the website helped me in landing it. For anyone who is struggling with the lack of work experience read "The New Grad Catch-22." Much of what is outlined are things I wish I had known earlier. I realize this may not be completely time appropriate since May graduates have been job searching... since May, but I don't think it hurts to reinforce the tools needed in finding a job.

I thought that networking wasn't that important. I didn't like the idea of depending on another person professionally to find me work if I didn't honestly like them on a personal level. After getting the job as a Project Coordinator for NYPIRG I realized they go hand in hand. I respected and liked my boss, I did good work because of that, he encouraged me to apply, and he was a strong reference for me. It all made sense. Working for NYPIRG this summer was the hardest I've ever worked for an organization or company and it was because of how much I believed in what I was doing and now I feel rewarded because of it.

Training in New York was a lot of fun. I had only been to New York City once before and even though there wasn't a lot of time to take it all in, I think I got my fill this time. I also felt completely energized and ready to start working when training finished. It was inspiring to be around so many people like myself and also new people to the organization who were excited about the work, too.

One more thing I'd like to add about how what I'm doing and experience relate is how the website is environmentally aware and promotes green living. I feel very strongly about personal responsibility towards the environment and Experience has a lot of great tips on how to do that. I feel proud to be working with both organizations which facilitate change and environmentally sound policies. Once I start working I will have much more to say about the job but for now...

I start on Monday. Auugh!

Back to the Future

2008-08-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

School is starting all across the country. The air smells of freshly sharpened pencils, crisp notebook paper, text books, and coffee...to keep the students awake for those lovely A.M. classes...How many of you readers are adjusting to the school schedule all over again?

Personally, I'm done with college. Well, at least for now. I've earned my BFA and am on the job market. But plenty of my friends are trucking back to university, including one of my besties, Lawrell. Yesterday the two of us packed up the rest of her belongings and loaded up her car. As I write, she's probably on the highway headed to UNI. Her immediate future? Classes and grades; decisions and preparations for what she will "do" in life. My immediate future? Go to the mall to work my part-time job and sit on pins and needles while I wait to hear back from my latest career interview.

photo courtesy of kippefinger via flickr

Gotta admit; I'm a little jealous of Lawrell and the rest of you college kids. School is tough, no doubt, but it's fun, too. Your schedule is your choice, to a certain extent anyway. Your home is surrounded by friends. You might have anxiety about life after school, but really you know that for now, it's no big deal. Enjoy life!

After my buddy and I said our "see ya's!" and parted ways yesterday, I was very aware of the differences in our upcoming months. But I was also aware of the similarities; no matter where we are at in life, it always comes back to the future--we don't know where we are going tomorrow, but we all are going that way!

The Hills

2008-08-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

The Hills is back and better than ever!!! I couldn't believe how Audrina talked to Lo last night!! I didn't even know that she had a mean side!! Not that Lo didn't deserve it. ....

And Spidey?!?! Well....as always they are the couple I (and I'm sure many others) love to hate. I mean honestly....Heidi, you give up your great job opportunity for loser Spencer who basically just comes back to your apartment and continues to treat you like your nothing?!?! And then he's rude to your sister?!?!? Oh no, that would not fly with me.

It looks like Lauren has a new love in her life...will he last or will she go back to Brody?!?!? And will things get better for Lauren and Heidi?

OOh the possibilities!!

I don't know about all of you but I am way excited to see what's in store for this season of the hills!!

Back to Ithaca

2008-08-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ithaca was wonderful. Seeing Darren and Alison was great. Darren had some friends from home visiting and we grilled and went fishing at the waterfall near his apartment on Saturday night. Alison and I are bringing back the band and had our first band practice in Darrens lofted bedroom around 1 a.m. I'm not exactly sure how we sounded but we're both going to practice more and since we'll be in the same area we think we can make it work this time.

We went to look at an apartment for me in Cortland Sunday afternoon and three on Monday. I cried. Cortland is not Ithaca. I had no idea. I'm also feeling very overwhelmed and have been crying at the drop of a hat whenever something doesn't end up how I expect. Anyway, long story short, Darren is looking to get out of his apartment and we decided to move in together closer to downtown in Ithaca. I think this is going to work out the best.

The Wilco concert was exactly as I had hoped it would be. Laurie, Matt and his three friends met Alison and I there. We had lawn seats and people were pick-nicking. Matt and Laurie brought wine and we had chips and blankets. When the concert started we were all able to get a little closer. I ended up being pretty close and stayed there. I hadn't been to a big concert in such a long time, it was so great. The next morning I was sad to say goodbye to everyone again. And the car ride home was very quiet. I thought about happiness and how fleeting it is and about what my new life is going to feel like. (At that point I still thought I was going to live alone in Cortland.)

I'm finishing up canvassing this week. I'm driving to Binghamton to meet up with another Project Coordinator who will then drive to NYC for training on Sunday. Training is for a week, and then I start the job at Cortland very soon after that. I hope Darren finds an apartment quickly. I'm going to be homeless for a little bit. I am still shocked at the way things worked out this year. At the very least, five years from now, I will look back at my first year out of college knowing I did everything backwards, and laugh about it.

Interested in a career in entertainment??? Check out this great article from Experience to learn more about the industry.

Interesting

2008-08-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

Do you think its okay for teacher-student relationships outside of school? Should a student and a teacher have contact with each other when they are outside the classroom?!?!

One teacher thought that student-teacher relationships outside of school may be an interesting experiment.

Randy Turner, a 52-year-old english teacher at South Middle School in Joplin, Missouri set up a MySpace page and his students began asking to add him as a friend and sending him questions about assignments. When this started happening he realized he may be onto something. He realized that having a MySpace and allowing his students to talk to him through it may let them think he is open to communication and may make them feel more comfortable in his classroom.

Many teachers feel that sites like MySpace or Facebook give their students open doors to let them connect with their students about homework, tutoring and other school matters. Many others feel that it will breed inappropriate relationships with students.

There have been 11 teachers from Misouri in the last 2 years arrested and convicted of inappropriate behavior with students. Because of this, state legislature Jane Cunningham is sponsoring a bill in the Missouri House of Representatives that would ban elementary school teachers from having social-networking friendships with their students.

Do you feel like its a bad idea for students to be able to have open communication with their teachers outside of the classroom in ways like a social-networking website or e-mail?!?!

Rich and Buttery

2008-08-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of if you dream it... via flickr

Beijing 2008. The Olympics. They are kind of a big deal, right? Whether you actually take time to watch the games or not, chances are you recognize the names of some of the key U.S. athletes. Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, etc. Which means that these athletes are celebrities. Which makes them fair fodder for this entertainment blog!

Shawn Johnson is particularly a big name in my area; Des Moines, IA. Yep, Johnson is a local girl, which makes her every move newsworthy around here. Now clearly I don't know the kid personally, but even if I did, the news coverage is a little much. The Olympics are the Olympics after all; they get enough publicity of their own accord. Add a hometown hero into the mix and all chaos breaks loose. Girl is everywhere.

Earlier I mentioned that celebs are "fair fodder," and Johnson makes that doubly true. Not only are the '08 Games underway, but so is the ginormously important Iowa State Fair! Trust me, people, this is like one of the hugest state fairs around. Literally. One of the annual highlights of the fair is seeing the butter sculptures. The butter cow makes an appearance every year, along with special highlights. Take a wild guess what V.I.P. was recreated out of milk's fatty portion this year...Shawn Johnson! Will wonders never cease?

photo courtesy of myershse on flickr

Over-exposure aside, Olympic athletes really are incredible and inspiring individuals. If you have some time, cheer them on from your living rooms and appreciate being American. If you have a lot of time, come to the Iowa State Fair. The best array of foods-on-a-stick, free concerts, and endless attractions await you! :)

Finally I can breathe

2008-08-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, I got the job. I am moving to Cortland, NY very soon after training in NYC. These past six months have been some of the most confusing times of my life and now that I finally have a job I think things will calm down. I am excited to lead and teach students about activism and the environment and to be close to Ithaca again.

I knew that the interview went well and my best advice to anyone looking for work is to stay true to yourself and things will work out. Make strong contacts and references. Josh (my boss) was probably my strongest asset in getting the job as a project coordinator. I also feel very lucky that I was interviewed by the executive director of NYPIRG, she had an extremely magnetic personality and I felt comfortable with her right away. Not in the way that I was comfortable working as a financial advisor for three weeks, but real authentic comfort with having a conversation with this person and knowing I was pursuing something that I really wanted. I didn't want to get to excited but I had a very good feeling after the interview.

I got the phone call the other morning and am waiting to hear more plans for being trained. I'm on my way to visit Ithaca today to see Alison and Darren and Alison's new house and see some apartments in Cortland. I cannot wait to have an apartment again, whether it be with a new roommate or my own space I am very excited. I am bringing my guitar and my dads record player. I just finished the biography of Woody Guthrie.

On Tuesday we're going to meet up with Matt and Laurie to see Wilco in Massachusetts. So this is my little vacation before starting work. I'll finish up next Saturday with canvassing and then head off to New York City that Monday. I'm nervous for New York City, but good nervous. Auuugh, it's all coming together :)

Commercialism?

2008-08-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

So I applied for a job, and part of the application process was filling out a template for a TV commercial on why this place should hire me. Now, I watch A LOT of television, which means I am quite familiar with commercials. (Aren't we all?) I know which ones are funny, which are touching, which are annoying--that would be most of them. Especially local commercials. Seriously, I don't care what part of the country you live in, local commercials are dreadful things.

However, now that I've spent the better part of today writing a commercial, I'm beginning to feel some sympathy for the local guy. It is not easy coming up with audio and video content for 30 seconds worth of air-time. Particularly if you have no clue what the proper terminology is! Thanks to google and plenty of surf-time, I finally found a site that is really helpful for TV and film lingo: The Grammar of TV and Film. Check it out. It's gravy.

video courtesy of x2v2

My only question now is whether I will get the job or not. Either way, designing a commercial was actually a really enjoyable experience. I definitely recommend it.

2008-08-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have been ridiculously busy lately getting ready to go back to school. I just recently got an apartment for school and I feel like all my money from work is gone and I'm just working for free!!!

Does anyone know of any good places for me to go that will save me money so I can save SOME money?!?!?

Ramble On

2008-08-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

So I've been getting pretty overwhelmed lately with the prospects of the future. I'll admit I'm really easily influenced by people I meet and books that I read. I tend to read a book and imagine myself living the lives of the characters.

I made a friend at work who had told me upon our introduction that he'd be leaving for Alaska soon. He's a twitchy nervous guy who previously had been traveling across the U.S. following music and hanging around. I didn't really know anything about him other than he was telling me, his boss, that he was quitting. I got a little mad, but also thought it would never happen, and let it go. People come and go pretty quickly with canvassing, I wasn't going to become jealous of this guy who I assumed was just a weird liar. The thought of Alaska has been in and out of my life since graduating. I had far too much time to read and was reading Into The Wild and living in Ithaca. I started to plan how I could get out of paying back my student loans and following my new found dream of hiking through Alaska. Later my two best friends were in a student film entitled What's In Alaska. Steve left for his trip on Saturday.

Now I'm reading Woody Guthrie: A Life by Joe Klein. I'm getting restless and stir crazy. I spent the entire day today finishing the book and learning about life in that time. I know I'm going to be life long learner. In all honesty, I miss college and structured learning. I want to get on the road. I may get this job back at Ithaca which would be nice but still would feel like a step backward. At the same time I cannot stay in Buffalo much longer. At least work is ending. I've been feeling trapped by the people I work with.

I went out to see a bluegrass band on Friday called the Erie Lackawanna Railroad band with Josh, Rob and Steve. Matt and some guys from last summer met us out later. The show was fun, but they were no Baby Seal Clubbers. I miss those guys. I've also started thinking about going to Nashville. My mom has been pressing me to look for jobs in D.C. I can't really see myself there.

Websites I've been into lately:
www.jango.com --- I just found this website today, it's a lot like pandora, but I like it more
www.ultimate-guitar.com --- for guitar tabs
www.coolworks.com --- non-traditional jobs in nature
www.allmusic.com --- resource for everything you would want to know about artists
www.careerbuilder.com --- I've been posting my resume more lately and getting phone calls, it's a relief
www.idealist.org --- job site for non-profits

I can't believe it's August already. I was supposed to have a band meeting for Supernova on Thursday which required me to rearrange my schedule within NYPIRG. No bands showed. This job, although I love it, is becoming more trouble than it's worth. It's music for the sake of music.

Career Student

2008-07-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

Four and a half years of my life. Hours spent in libraries, labs, study groups...blood, sweat, and tears shed in abundance. (Also some crazy good times, too, but still.) Earning my Bachelor's of English was tough stuff. And besides a shiny '08 tassel and a crisp diploma, I feel I don't have much to show for it. No job. Sad.

After analyzing my goals and dreams, after consulting the wisest people in my life, after prayer and frustration and rejection letter after rejection letter, I think I might go to grad school. Personally I'm interested in pursuing the Master's of Information and Library Science; that's right, I (think I) want to be a librarian!

photo courtesy of (Erik) on holidays... via flickr.com
Since I am still in the beginning stages of graduate school contemplation, the rest of this entry is devoted to the general. A quick question shot out to wikianswers informed me that only 9.4% of the population has earned a Master's Degree. That's really not very many, which makes me think, is graduate school that fearsome?

Fortunately, our very own Experience.com has some fantastic resources for those of us contemplating higher education. Seriously, if you have ever thought about continuing on with your academic pursuits, check out this page. It has answers to questions you didn't even know you were asking! From whether grad school is for you to how to get in to financial aid opportunities, this place has it all.

So, let me hear it. Anyone else interested in everlasting education?

photo courtesy of Tristan1 on flickr.com

How do we stop this...???

2008-07-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

This isn't very entertaining but its something that I feel is a huge problem.

So, I'm sure all of you have heard or at least will within the next 24-hours that there was, yet another, college shooting.

This shooting took place in Phoenix, at South Mountain Community College. A former student shot three people in a computer room at the community college. Authorities say two are in critical condition. They also say that this was not a random shooting.

The police arrested the man responsible for this shooting near the college shortly after he fled. He has been identified as 22-year-old Rodney Smith. The ages of the two in critical condition were a 25-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman. There was no information given on the injuries the two had or if there conditions had changed.

A 17-year-old boy was also injured, but in stable condition. Robert Pryce, the spokesperson for SMCC said that the school was on lock down for about an hour, however there were about 30 people in the computer lab at the time of the shooting as well as 300+ on campus. The computer lab is open to the public.

Do these shooters feel that its the "cool" thing to do this? Is it for the publicity? Because they know their names will be in the paper, their faces on television and their names never forgotten? What reason could they possibly have?

I'm not sure what your opinions on situations such as this one are, but quite frankly I'm tired of this happening. Isn't there a way that we can prevent innocent people from being hurt?!

As cheesy as that sounds, I can't even say that I always feel 100% safe when I attend my classes. I won't even dare take a night class as a woman because I'm terrified of all these shootings. How can our campus/university make us feel more safe and secure? Students should be able to go to there classes everyday and not fear anything.

But how is that possible today? Is it possible to make security so tight that everyone has to show some sort of proof that they attend the university and/or be searched before entering campus? And would people really be willing to do that?

We shouldn't have problems such as these. We should be able to go to classes each day and have nothing to worry about, need no security and routine searches and lock downs should be completely unnecessary.

Goodbye College

2008-07-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

One thing no one prepares you for when you graduate is leaving the college culture.

Things I miss about college:

Walking into people's dorms/apartments uninvited but welcomed.
Going out to eat and being able to walk.
Walking, in general.
Hiking and waterfalls in Ithaca.
Study groups.
A big quiet library and computer lab and the convenience of having both - right there.
Something to do every Friday and Saturday without fail.
My friends love and passion for music.

With work being as time consuming as it is, I know I haven't been taking the time to appreciate where I am. Some of my friends from high school recently moved to Arizona and were visiting last weekend. My friend Tara and I talked about finding a job. It made me realize that I am very lucky to be working and happy to be in a management position. I like doing something that matters.

Today, I have to take off early from work to go to my other part-time job working for a promotions company called Supernova. I coordinate and organize one concert a month for this company. I really love it. I wish that it could be more of a full time position because it's what I want to do. Sometimes I worry that I won't get to where I want to be, and I'm losing sight of what I want. I don't know if this is a problem for all graduates. But working for Supernova allows me to remember that music is my passion and I want to be as close to it as possible. I love the smell of concert venues and the idea of music bringing people together. When I start to think about working in music and working side by side with people who create music I get excited and even nervous. It's crazy the emotional impact that music has on me.

Unfortunately my boss called me and reminded me that tonight is Warped Tour in Buffalo. It made me sad that I had forgotten. I haven't been to Warped Tour in years but every year I sort of plan to go. I have no idea what it would be like now. Even as an 18 year old going, I remember feeling like the oldest person there. I can feel that my time has passed for just going to shows as a kid, and the experiences I've had in my life are leading me to having a job with music.

My friend Joyce told me the other night, as she's uncertain about her future as well, "We will all get what we want eventually, it just takes longer for some of us to get there." I think she's right.

Movie Madness!!

2008-07-17T09:58:00.001-07:00

I don't know about the rest of the country, but my chunk of land is HOT these days. Step outside and you feel like you're swimming in sticky, sweaty air. Gross. All I can say is, thank goodness for the Summer Blockbusters; the larger-than-life movies that offer a 1-3 hour oasis of air conditioned, mind-blowing bliss...

I've already experienced some fabulous films this season. This weekend I am absolutely stoked for The Dark Knight. I believe it's not an overstatement to say 2/3rds of the world agrees with me. (The rest surely would if they paid attention to such matters). Another one I'm eager for? Step Brothers. Yep; I'm a Ferrell fan.

photo courtesy of eddie on flickr.

So, since I've been hitting the theatres up hard-core and suggesting you do the same, here are some mini-reviews of flicks I've seen so far this season:

Get Smart. Hilarious--especially for those of us who enjoyed the old TV show! Anne Hathaway's "99" is pitch-perfect. Die-hard Don Adams devotees beware: Steve Carell offers more stock-Carell comedy than Maxwell Smart. Still, this film is FUN.

The Love Guru. This movie inevitably suffers from what I call "The J Factor." Translation: it has a Jessica in it. Sorry, people, but face it: Jessicas Alba, Biel, and Simpson are not good actors. That aside, this movie had some cute parts, but ultimately was just a mess. Watch Get Smart twice instead.

Hancock. This was a pleasant surprise. It definitely has it's comedic moments, and of course awesome action, but there's a deeper tale that unfolds that, to me, was unexpected and well-played. Touching, even. Plus Jason Bateman is just plain great.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army. I am completely on the fence for this film. The plot is just bizarre...but it's supposed to be. The lines are quite cheesy, which, again, they are intended to be; but they just didn't do it for me. However, the special effects are fantastic. The mythical creatures and directing are both dazzling, and I'd say see it for that reason alone, especially if you dug Pan's Labyrinth. Frankly, though, if you're hungry for a comic flick, watch Iron Man again (GREAT MOVIE!) and then The Dark Knight this weekend!

photo courtesy of tipacali on flickr

Well, there's some of my humble opinions. What do you guys think about this summer's crop of films?

New Beginnings

2008-07-16T06:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my boss, Josh, called me into his office. It had not been the best day out in the fields. I cringed. Put on my best I'm-really-sorry-I'll-do-better-tomorrow- face and walked into his office.

"The Summer is almost over, Leash."
"Yeah, I know," I said, thinking I was prepared for what was coming next.
"So, I know you applied for the project coordinator position, I know how hard you've been working this year and I wanted to tell you I'm personally going to do what I can for you to get it. Our executive is going to make a trip down here to interview with you."

I smiled. That was not what I expected. Especially before our weekly field managing meeting at the pub down the street. I was thinking I was just about to be reamed out for losing that major donor.

I'm trying not to get as excited as I want to. I've been here before. Promised jobs by people. Told I had a good chance of getting a job and not even getting a phone call. It's been frustrating. The best thing about working this summer has been being too busy to think about what I am going to do next. I had been putting it off. But now maybe things are going to turn around. I will finally have a salary and health insurance, and will still be doing something I care about. I won't be compromising what I believe in for a job, and I won't be bored. I can move out of my parents house and have a small space and lots of potted plants and a bike. Actually, I'm pretty excited.

Luck.

2008-07-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

I just read in newspaper that my old high school friend went to the Emmy's this past June because she won the contest that they had. The contest was to write in 25 words or less why you believe you should win the trip to the Emmy's.

My friend, Anna, has always wanted to go into acting and move to LA so this was a huge privilege for her. She was able to bring a friend and shot a commercial in which she was allowed to keep 3 evening gowns, shoes and a purse! She also got to walk the red carpet in style like a star and sit backstage at the Emmys!

When she returned, I gave her a call because I read it in the newspaper and of course, good trustworthy Facebook showed me pictures of the trip! I found out that she will be moving to LA in the fall and attending a school there.

I found this interesting because my luck lately has been horrible and things have just not been going my way. But out of 3,000 contestants, my one friend from smalltown Fraser was able to attend the Emmy's and meet all her favorite stars AND shoot a commercial!! This just made me realize that you have to just be patient. Things do get better and it may take a while but its normally worth the wait.

Get by with a little help from your friends...

2008-07-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sure ya'll are familiar with the term "support system." You know, the people you surround yourself with to cheer you up, cheer you on, etc. The notion is probably a little cliche, but it really is a good idea to take a moment and make sure you've got one in place. School = stress, after all. Or, maybe you're like me--graduated yet no job landed. Not fun. Maybe you've graduated and do have a career in place. Regardless of your specific situation, they haven't coined the term "quarter life crisis" for nothing, right?

Here's a glimpse at my support system. It's only fair that I share mine, because I really want you readers to share yours!

Numero uno: Faith. It's amazing how connecting with something/one bigger than yourself can make you feel secure. Especially if your future is unsure; Faith can really give you a purpose in life, beyond sitting on your parent's couch watching Project Runway marathons. Not that there's anything wrong with that...;)

video courtesy of jimvwmoss...because it's adorable.

Family. Whatever your particular family situation, I hope that there is at least one relation who you can relate to. Get it? Take my mom and step-dad for instance. Last night, I literally (accidentally) burned a giant hole through our front porch. That's fire damage, people. But they still love me, and I still live there. It's pretty nice to know that clearly no matter how much I screw up, they've got my back.

Take a guess on number 3..........yep, you got it---friends. It's hard leaving school and losing your dorm buddies and classmates. Thanks to Facebook and Myspace, you don't have to lose touch permanently. But there's other options, too. Recently, I've started hanging out with one of my best friends from high school again. I also spend a lot of time with my cousins--now that we're older we get a long surprisingly well!

And the last source I've found is a little less intimate, but definitely encouraging. It's the people who work at the places I haunt. Specifically, the local librarian and crew. I spend a lot of time here (I'm typing from the library now), and just by being friendly I've got some people interested in who I am and what I do, which is nice. Also, I've established "my" coffee house of choice, and it's the same deal there. A bit of the Cheers theme song is SO true, sometimes you really DO have to go where everybody knows your name.

Tell me: who supports you??

Summer Canvassing

2008-07-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have been working for a non for profit organization called NYPIRG. (The New York Public Interest Research Group ---> www.nypirg.org.) I have declined to write about it since it was definitely not part of the graduation/life plan. I have worked for NYPIRG for the past three summers. I always considered it a great summer job and part of what was so great about it was that it ended at the end of the summer. There were no awkward goodbyes when I left because come the end of August, everyone left. In the Buffalo office, there is a small staff of about 20 people, mostly being college aged kids, some in school, and some not. All of them good people wanting to fit in somewhere and all wanting to do their part in helping their community and bettering themselves. I always loved the respect and appreciation everyone gave to each other in this organization. Going door-to-door touting the evils of mercury and green-house gas emissions is not an easy thing. We all understand that, and we're all in it together, day in and day out.

This summer we're campaigning to decrease pollution that is adding to global warming. NYPIRG effects state policy and we plan to win. I'm excited to see what happens when the New York Senate meets again.

It was funny that I fell into working for NYPIRG. I had never been particularly into politics. I always felt personally responsible in reducing, reusing and recycling. Honestly, living at school I didn't have very many "things" at all that I could throw out. (I'm kind of a minimalist.) That was something I had to readjust to at home. Three non-working computers in the basement and buying a new one. (What???) Anyway, I liked the idea of working for the environment being myself, dressing how I wanted to, and having this immediate group of friends who had the same ideologies as I did. Now I was raising money making a quantitative impact on environmental policy through communities that supported my work. I was happy. And again, after every door slam, I would remember, this ends in August.

This summer is not exactly the same case. I was promoted to field manager after three weeks of working as a canvasser. My best friends at work left. I am in a management role for the first time in my life where I am working above people, and realizing relationships aren't quite the same when you're someone's boss. And what about the end of the summer? No going back to school. Am I going to be out of a job?

I have applied to be a project coordinator for NYPIRG which is year round, salary, a real job. Again, it's funny the path that I've been on this far. I never thought I would be a person who would work in politics but I want this job. I care about it, and the organization. I can't really let go of my desire to travel and work as closely to music as possible but I feel like this is a time in my life where I need to figure out where my priorities lie. Maybe this is the answer I've been looking for.

A little bit goes a long way....

2008-07-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

I've been reading the news a lot online lately which is something I used to do a lot before I was thrown into two jobs that consume every second of my life.

This past weekend I read an article that I found very interseting about college students. Being that I, like many of you, am a college student, I figured that I would share this interesting article with you!

It was an article on the top ten best jobs for two-year degrees. Many high school students beat themselves up over the decision on whether they should attend college or not. Do I go to a four year university to obtain a degree or should I just opt for a two year degree...should I not go at all? Is it even for me?

College of any kind is always a good decision and although it will be beneficial to you in the long run, four years of your life can consume an awful lot of time and money that you may not have. The point that CNN made was that very few majors can offer financial return that is going to offset the financial debt that most students (myself included) obtain over 4 years.

A two year degree, or an Associate's degree can be obtained in half the time for half the cost because in order to get an Associate's you don't need to attend a four year university. The other point that CNN made was that in having an associate's it puts you at the "halfway point" of a four year degree, should you opt to further your education later in life.

Workers with associate degrees on average earn more money than their counterparts with high school degrees. Anthony Balderrama of Careerbuilder said, "according to the U.S. Census Bureau, over a 40-year period, high school graduates will earn a total of $1.2 million, while workers with associate degrees will earn $1.6 million."

According to Anthony Balderrama and Careerbuilder, the top ten best jobs for two-year degrees are:

1. Computer specialists Median annual wage: $71,510

Current Employment: 136,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 15 percent

2. Dental hygienists Median annual wage: $64,740

Current Employment: 167,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 30 percent

3. Fashion designers Median annual wage: $62,810

Current Employment: 20,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 5 percent

4. Registered nursesMedian annual wage: $60,010

Current Employment: 2,505,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 23 percent

5. Environmental engineering technicians Median annual wage: $ 40,560

Current Employment: 21,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 25 percent

6. Radiologic technologists and techniciansMedian annual wage: $50,260

Current Employment: 196,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 15 percent

7. Industrial engineering techniciansMedian annual wage: $47,490

Current Employment: 75,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 10 percent

8. Paralegals and legal assistants Median annual wage: $44,990

Current Employment: 238,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 22 percent

9. Occupational therapist assistantsMedian annual wage: $45,050

Current Employment: 25,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 25 percent

10. Computer support specialists Median annual wage: $42,400

Current Employment: 552,000 Projected 2016 employment increase: 13 percent

College may not be for everyone, but if you can find a great job that pays well and only have to put in half the time you would at a university, don't you think that makes it worth something? I love being at my university and I know that I have barely any money and I'm an extremely broke college student (like the majority of us) but its a decision I'm happy I made! Don't look at college as a continuation of high school, look at it as a great start to a successful future!

Even if you don't attend for four full years, you can still have better benefits than if you were to just not attend at all. Don't short yourself just because you feel like its a waste of your time. I promise you that you'll love it!!

images by www.womenslawproject.org

Ahhhh.....America!

2008-07-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

Given that yesterday was the fourth, I feel a post celebrating this American life is appropriate. I could drone on and on about all the perks, but I think my recent visit to the ER encapsulates some of them nicely.

Preface: Tuesday night (alright, technically Wednesday morning, it was 12:30), I took a spill. Slipped on some miscellany junk on my floor, and wound up landing on my chin. Cut to me rubbing said chin, thinking all's well, only to find a handful of blood. Panic, nausea, and near-fainting ensue. The mom throws a wet wash-cloth on it to slow the gushing, the step-dad pulls up the truck, and off we go to the emergency room.

Now, I'm thinking we're over-reacting a bit. People go to the ER in the wee hours because they got shot. Not because they're clumsy fools like me. The medical professionals, however, agreed with the old folk's that my wound needed some help staying shut. Into the room I go!

Here's where the thankfulness-to-America comes in:

1. We have emergency rooms...and competent staff to boot.
2. We have treatment options; instead of black stitches resembling chin-whiskers, I was able to walk out of there with the wound glued up.
3. Tetanus shots. Sure, they cause discomfort. But compared to the alternative (lockjaw, etc.), they are definitively worth it.
4. Animal planet was on the TV. The show? About man-eating tigers in India. Literally hundreds of people get eaten alive by tigers every year. Eaten by a tiger? Cut on the chin. Perspective, people. We've got it good.
5. Related to 4; when I got home there was a tiny, sweet-as-sugar, stray cat hanging out on our front porch. One that liked to be pet and didn't bite. Much better than finding a stray tiger, no? ;)

Why do you guys love America?

Images by: www.sandiego.gov, and Mandy & Arjin

Coffee on a Sunday

2008-06-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

I've now been home from college for five months.

Top 5 things I like about being home:

5. I didn't have to buy that hot tub, nor do I pay to heat it.

4. Even when there isn't food in the pantry I know there will be tomorrow.

3. Cable television (even thought it's been only a guilty pleasure since entering college)

2. The warmth of never being alone, and catching up with old friends.

1. A big porch where I can read.

I fought with myself about coming home after school. I hated that I hadn't planned better back in November. (Professor Enrich said we should have started job searching back then... maybe he was right). I couldn't decide where I wanted to go, or how to go about going there. The place that ended up making the most sense was to come home, get my feet on the ground and then move out. I'm still here. And it's okay.

Last weekend I went out for coffee with two of my friends who I don't get to see very often, but who were friends I grew up with. None of us have changed very much. It gave me hope. Ashley is still extremely focused on school and getting ready for graduate school in the fall. Amanda, like myself, made no plans past graduation. We all talked about what that meant, why it's scary, and who has the answers. At this moment another girl we knew from high school and Ash was very close with walked up the steps and then towards us, with her girlfriend ahead of her.

"Hey, North!" she said to us. (The name of our high school)

Ash had ducked her head, saying she didn't want to say hi to Nikki, but was then forced to.

We started talking and Nikki told us that she had dropped out of college three times and the last time realized it wasn't for her. She lived with her mother for a year developing her own business. She now develops businesses from the ground up for other people. She was happy. She said she had found her passion. She was headed off to Miami this week to finalize plans for a nightclub.

That gave me hope. Find my passion. Commit to it.

Today I am making a list of all the great things about being home, and then I'm going to figure out where I want to go next. I'm excited. Anyone know any great cities that you call home? Top five things. Go.

Image by: www.lcdlove.com

Seeing Stars!

2008-06-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

We all "see stars" on magazine covers and movie screens. But nothing can quite match the thrill of meeting one face-t0-face. So, I give you, in no particular order...

...The Top 4 Ways to Rub Elbows with Celebrities...

1. Contests. For concerts, tapings of TV shows, red carpet premieres. We all know these contests are out there, and somebody has to win them, right? Might as well be you!!

2. Service Industry. Okay, so this one is admittedly less glamorous, but yuck factor aside, it is probably the most guaranteed way to actually come in contact with celebs. If you live near a star-struck area, score a gig with a catering company, or wait tables or valet cars for a classy restaurant. Instead of carrying dishes from your kitchen to your couch, you could be delivering delicacies to A-listers!

3. Political Campaigns. It's an election year, which the media will not let us forget. Although the two candidates have been chosen, the campaigning is far from over. No matter where you live in these United States, your vote matters and Obama and McCain know it! The fun part? A classic move on part of politicals everywhere is inviting celebrities to help spread their message. You could meet a movie star just by showing up at a rally to show your support. Better yet, volunteer for your party of choice and get active in that campaign right alongside the voting-conscious stars!

4. Hit the District. Shopping district, clubbing district, eating district. Why not take a road trip to L.A. or NYC and walk where celebutaunts walk. As the tabloids remind us, they are "just like us"; they shop, party, and eat consistently. What could be better than bumping into someone famous while buying up the latest trends or dancing the night away?

wow.

2008-06-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Have any of you seen the Denise Richards show on E!?

I watched it like...one time and I thought it was ...funny. But I'd probably never watch it again even if I was bored out of my mind, that woman is horrible! According to ex-husband Charlie Sheen, she is using him and her children to receive higher ratings for her show, and is going to continue using them. Sheen said that he is determined to stop her from doing this.

Her excuse for putting her kids on the show is that she feels they will make it more interesting to watch. Her rep denies this all but I'm anxious to see what happens!

Who uses there kids like that?!? Honestly!

Seriously Silly

2008-06-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Let's get serious...ly silly. What does that mean? It means taking what you love and what you want to do and bringing it all together. I suppose it doesn't have to be silly, per se. Let me explain.

Say you want to sing. Maybe American Idol auditions don't come anywhere near you, but that doesn't mean they never will. Sing in your shower, sing in your car, sing anywhere; the more you do it the more practice you get, and we all know what they say about practice. Keep your eyes open for local karaoke nights, make friends with the DJ at your club, network enough and you just might find yourself in a recording studio before you know it.

Maybe acting is more your thing. Get your stagy-self to the nearest theater company and get to work, son. Drum up a drama group at church. Whatever it takes. Got your heart set on Matt Lauer/Meredith Viera's gig? Well, that one requires a little more certification (diplomas and degrees), but that doesn't mean you get invited to the job. Win internships. Write freelance. Perform your best anchor-impression in front of your mirror at night. Find a news story, write it, and get a friend to tape you delivering it; that way you'll have something solid to deliver at an interview. Experience (like our favorite site) is everything in this world.

Remember that people aren't born with their job, or even knowing what they want their job to be. So have fun with your hobbies, take your silly side seriously, and you may end up finding your purpose along the way!

Financial Services

2008-06-15T07:42:00.001-07:00

I feel the need to reflect on my second interview and my first, although extremely short-lived job in the financial services industry. I had been living at home, job searching took up hours of the day in between reading, visiting old friends, snowboarding and cross-country skiing in my backyard. Things felt pretty okay for being a college graduate and unemployed. I was filling my days as best I could, but getting anxious to work and make money, and live the life I felt I was promised. I started applying to everything. It seemed Buffalo, NY was in dire need of financial advisers and I figured, why not give it a try? At the worst, I would be turned down, I didn't really want to do that, but I would see what happened.

I was one of twenty in a group interview in a house-turned-office type building that shared its workspace with a dentist office. It was down the road from my house. Sitting next to me was a boy who I knew, he was a few years older than me but didn't know who I was. I knew him to be the son of my fourth grade teacher, brother of a high school friend, and current neighbor. I had to laugh at the coincidence and resolved to introduce myself after the interview. Handing out the applications was a girl who had worked with this company for a year who I had known for years through gymnastics and had seen a few times visiting her college. That's Buffalo. All of these coincidences had to mean something.

As I became distracted and bored during the informational interview I started to picture my closest friends in the interview with me. It allowed me to be myself and took away my nerves. I was offered the job after my individual interview.

Life Lesson: Be true to yourself.

I worked for this company for two weeks. During that time I learned that one of my colleagues had the same birthday as me. My friend's brother was hired a week after I was. We talked about mutual friends, I was becoming more comfortable with the people I was surrounding myself with everyday. At the same time I was becoming conflicted about the work I was doing. The only class I came close to failing in college was financial accounting. This job was not easy for me to come to terms with. After weeks of studying to become licensed as a financial representative, I told my boss I wasn't going to take the exam. This was not for me. In retrospect I should have known myself better than to try that in the first place. But it taught me the value of being authentic. Good people and new friends won't make up for the discontent of faking interest in work I couldn't have cared less about.

On to the next adventure.