It's unbelievable how quickly the end of this year is approaching. One huge hint was today in my philosophy of art class, when I looked around and took note of how many seniors in the graphic design major either looked like zombies or were out cold. That's because senior thesis is approaching. Now, I couldn't quite tell you what exactly senior thesis is, because I haven't reached a full definition myself. All I know is it is a big project that is due/presented at the end of senior year for Graphic Design majors. I also know that if I say the words "senior thesis" around anyone planning to graduate this year, I usually get groans and pain noises similar to those of a woman in labor. So, until it's my turn....I simply will not ask 

I have been searching endlessly for a summer job, since I will be relocating to an apartment in Delhi rather than going back home to live with my parents (sorry Mom & Dad). I applied to a few places...Target, Biggs, Donatos...however there are not many options around here. I applied through the MSJ Summer Employment Initiative (I think that's what it is called...), which sounds pretty cool too. Basically, we were given a grant that helps MSJ to place students in summer jobs at various local (mostly) non-profit organizations. The pay is pretty excellent and the jobs that were listed are all things that are going to be helping other people in one way or another, so it is rewarding in that way as well. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get an offer for one of those opportunities because they sound really cool. 

Happy Easter, everyone! 

In the last few months I've learned a lot about ups and downs but have gained something from each and every situation. Within the last week alone, I discovered that I earned a 95% on my stats mid-term and was turned down just 2 days later for a Resident Assistant position for the coming school year. In addition, from the past month, I also had applied for an orientation leader position and received an alternate position, meaning I may be contacted at a later time to fill a position. Along the way, I have also been applying for other positions around the MSJ campus, including a lab-tech position in the CLC and a summer employment opportunity anywhere in the MSJ campus or across the street at Bayley Place, as well as a Peer Leader position. I also spoke with the director of the career center and learned of the opportunity this summer to take a co-op class! Now I need to consider my service learning options! It is within each interview process, both group and individual (for both RA and OL), and meetings that I am able to learn more about what employers look for in their applicants.

What is the best way to present myself within an interview without appearing as fake? How is the best way to incorporate all I have to offer within the interview without over-doing it? How can I be sure to answer all questions carefully and back up my answers with facts and references? Preparation! Think about every question that could be asked and consider all ways that it could be answered. Remember to answer questions with your personal answers and what you feel is right, not just what the employer wants because you need to be able to back up your answers with what you feel is right. Within a group interview - remember to listen intently to each individual and provide insight to each statement made. Within preperation - research the position and the company that holds the position. Become familiar with the mission statement and make reference to it within the interview so that the employer can see your eagerness to be a part of the team. Show your determination within the interview - make sure that the employer knows what your intentions are and provide details for your reasons. I, myself, am very organized and love to plan so in the lines of determination and I always be sure to make it clear that organization is essential to all aspects of my life.

Within each and every experience amongst applying for positions and any interviews along the way, there is something to learn. Whether it be obvious or, something that needs the meaning to be searched for, it is critical to learn from, otherwise it will take much longer and will be much harder to progress within the work field - and in life.

Everything is a learning experience - and everyone learns something slightly different from the other, you just have to teach the lesson to yourself.