Today, I'm Ending My Extended Hiatus From Blogging...

Nearly two years ago, I posted the news that I had secured my first post-graduation "big girl" job. The timing and content of this final blog post might have seemed fairly natural at the time, considering the vision behind this blog; however, ending the blog at "you're hired" utterly undermined my goal of discovering my future one day at a time. Discovering the future daily doesn't stop in the real world.

A few days ago, I was sorting through saved documents on my trusty Mac, cleaning out the organic chemistry notes and old UPC documents, when I ran across my folder from Creative Writing, an upper level English course I took on a whim senior year. I've come to believe that personal growth stems from uncomfortable, challenging situations and Creative Writing class was completely outside my comfort zone. It was also one of the best courses I've ever taken. It allowed me to flex my imaginative muscles, and it taught me that writing has some intense therapeutic power. I was inspired, after re-reading my work, to return to "writers therapy" by logging back onto my blog.

There's something funny about revisiting a piece of writing after a period of time and from a new lens, something not unlike revisiting a life decision after a period of time from a new lens. The new lens is always clearer, and what had seemed so arduous, or baffling, or just plain crappy at the time tends to make perfect sense in hindsight. The new lens causes one to think: okay, that did happen for a reason. When I reread this poem, I didn't even recognize it as my own writing. I actually liked it. And it was exactly what I needed to hear. So thank you, "me, two years ago", for writing it.

I thought I'd share.


In the Eyes of the Beholder

She’s beautiful, isn’t she?
Hair blonde and flowing, pinned and molded to perfection.
A masterpiece
Made flammable with hairspray.
Long locks,
Gorgeous.
Unless, of course, they’re split at the ends,
Grey,
Or Greasy.

I’d rather have wild hair.
Hair with spirit,
Rushing like a country creek in springtime.
Unmanageable.
Free.

She’s beautiful, isn’t she?
Full-chested goddess.
With hills seeming perfectly placed in the South Dakota plains.
34-D,
Magazine worthy.
Unless, of course, they droop with age,
Are unmatched,
Or desperate for support.

I’d rather have a flat chest
And full confidence.
Wear a pink ribbon like a trophy.
Fighter.
Survivor.

She’s beautiful, isn’t she?
Delicate and petite as lace,
She’s scared away the cellulite with sacrifice.
No extra junk in the trunk.
Size 0.
I wish.
Unless, of course, it’s unintentional,
Caused by hunger
Or poverty.

I’d rather have curves,
The organic kind.
Not afraid to wear a size 8.
Embrace it,
And think:

I’m beautiful, aren’t I?

Today I accepted my first job...

This afternoon I accepted my first job, a Research Coordinator Position with the National Children's Study through the Brookings, Yellow Medicine, Pipestone, and Lincoln Study Location at South Dakota State University. I was hired as a Spanish-speaking team member who will have the capability to work with Hispanic participants in the study.

To learn more about the study, check out this link: National Children's Study Informational Video

My Response to Being Employed


Whoa! A College Education Actually Works?
When I graduated a little over a month ago, I really didn't think I'd be doing anything that utilized either of my majors. I had applied to the position at the National Children's Study thinking it would be a long shot. Contrary to my original belief, I will be using both my Spanish and Biology backgrounds and doing research that will be incredibly important to the health of future generations of children. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the study.

No Way! I'm Working in Brookings?
During the Spring of my senior year of high school, I would have told you that I had full intentions to attend any university other than SDSU. I thought college was for getting away, experiencing new things, and meeting new people. None of these things, I falsely assumed, would be possible by attending a university near home. It didn't take me four years (in fact it didn't even take me one) to realize that I was utterly wrong. I have never regretted attending SDSU. I feel that I got a solid education and irreplaceable experiences as a Jackrabbit; however, a month ago I would have told you I was nearly as certain as I was during my final months of high school that I would soon be leaving this town I have grown to love so much. In other words, I would not have hesitated to leave should a job opportunity in another city or area of the country have come about. I should have learned by now to never say never.
The fact is, I am excited about entering the workforce in Brookings. I am blessed with great network of family, friends, and professionals in this area who support me and who will be extremely beneficial in helping me make the transition to a new career successfully. Secondly, Brookings is one of the least affected counties in the nation by the recent economic struggles. Don't believe me? Check out this article: 20 Most Stressed, 20 Least Stressed Counties I'm not going to complain about this awesome statistic! Lastly, I have the amazing opportunity to be part of a study that will be conducted simultaneously in about 100 other locations nationwide. I believe the results from the National Children's Study will have a global impact. Jackrabbits and Brookings residents alike should feel proud to have a study center in our community, a community which I am personally proud to be a part of!

God is Good!
It's no secret that our country and many families worldwide are experiencing tough times in the face of economic adversity. I feel blessed to be employed, and thank God for giving me great opportunities.

Today, I'm Speaking with Dr. Tim Nichols, Dean of the SDSU Honors College

As part of the process of figuring out what's next for me, I'm starting an interview series with professionals who enjoy their careers. I'll be questioning them on how their undergraduate experience has impacted their professional life, and how they made the transition from student to professional. Part 3 is an interview with the Dean of the SDSU Honors College, Tim Nichols.



Post-College Experience Interview Series, Part 3: Dr. Tim Nichols on YouTube

Today's Reflection: Interview Series Part #2 with Catherine Bigbee

Following each segment of my interview series, I'll be reflecting on the words of advice from my distinguished interviewees. My goal is to figure out what the future holds for me, so I'm hoping to gain some direction from these fabulous role models.

3 Highlights from Catherine's Interview


1. As the world becomes more global, understanding diverse cultures and empathizing with other people's experiences is evermore invaluable.

I love the way that Catherine summed up the importance of striving for understanding of backgrounds different from our own. Individuals need not be from another country to have had a different upbringing and set of experiences, and therefore a different way of looking at the world. There is nothing more detrimental to teamwork than failure to empathize with those one is working with. A great way to purposefully experience other cultures is traveling to new places and attempting to see the world through the lens of a native. The most significant part of my two study abroad experiences to Granada and Pamplona Spain was the opportunity to live with a host family. Right off the bat I was forced to communicate in Spanish, and I learned more about Spanish culture from experiencing it than would ever be possible to gain from a text book. I asked for travel tips from natives, ate in restaurants recommended by the locals, and minimized interaction with other students from the United States. Though communication was at times a struggle, and new surroundings were often initially uncomfortable, I will treasure my experiences more because I broke free from the tourist zone.

2. Build up areas that you are naturally talented in.

Catherine spoke about her experiences with Strengths Based Leadership using the Clifton StrengthsFinder. I was privileged to learn about this program from Miss Bigbee, and have found it to be extremely useful in developing my leadership and career skills.

For those of you who have not had the Strengthsquest experience, I would advise you to visit the website or any major book store and purchase the program. It will be the best $15-$20 you have spent this month, and will offer you endless insight and personal development. StrengthsFinder is an online questionnaire that takes about 30 minutes. Responses are evaluated, and the program determines the top 5 themes of talent the user possesses.

Before knowing my top 5 Strengthsquest themes, it was often extremely easy to agonize over areas in which I am not naturally strong instead of focusing on taking on experiences which enhance my natural talents. I will reveal my top 5 strengths and how they are applicable in my life in a future post.

3. "Cast your net" wide and seek jobs which you will have a passion for.


I developed two personal goals after hearing this piece of advice:
1. Apply for an average of 10 jobs per week (2 per weekday) until I have obtained a job.
2. Because I am in the early stages of my job search, I will set the bar high as I choose positions to apply for. Inevitably, I will have more passion for a job I am challenged and fulfilled by, so I will continue to seek jobs with those attractive qualities.

Today, I'm Speaking with Catherine Bigbee, SDSU Program Council Advisor

As part of the process of figuring out what's next for me, I'm starting an interview series with professionals who enjoy their careers. I'll be questioning them on how their undergraduate experience has impacted their professional life, and how they made the transition from student to professional. Part 2 is an interview with the Advisor of the South Dakota State University Program Council, Catherine Bigbee



Post-College Experience Interview Series, Part 2: Catherine Bigbee on YouTube

Today's Reflection: Interview Series Part #1 with Nick Wendell

Following each segment of my interview series, I'll be reflecting on the words of advice from my distinguished interviewees. My goal is to figure out what the future holds for me, so I'm hoping to gain some direction from these fabulous role models.

3 Highlights from Nick's Interview


1. Student involvement experiences can shape you and teach you the value of teamwork.
So, how have my student leadership experiences shaped me as a member of a team? Overall, I think I have learned that it takes individuals with many diverse talents for a team to function most effectively. Working in a student leadership role taught me to seek out the unique strengths of my peers and to go to them for advice in areas that I don't necessarily excel in. In future careers, I will be surrounded by co-workers who have had a vast array of experiences. It will be necessary to seek input from my co-workers. My student leadership experiences have taught me the value of team interactions.

2. Student leaders have already proven themselves.
Nick reminded me of the fact that gaining student leadership experiences is a competitive process in itself! Students who have been involved have had many experiences that other students entering the workforce with a fresh degree lack. I hope to gain the talent of reflecting on skill sets I have gained from my unique leadership experiences and highlighting how those skill sets can be applied in the workforce.

3. Network, network, network!
I'd be willing to bet you've heard the saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know." Instead of resenting the validity in these words, why not embrace them? I think the success of young professionals depends on their ability to form valuable relationships. The first step in doing this is understanding and respecting co-workers and peers, whether or not you agree with their working styles. You never know where your peers will end up in the future or how they may be able assist you professionally.

Today, I'm Starting an Interview Series

As part of the process of figuring out what's next for me, I'm starting an interview series with professionals who enjoy their careers. I'll be questioning them on how their undergraduate experience has impacted their professional life, and how they made the transition from student to professional. Part 1 is an interview with the Assistant Director of the South Dakota State University Student Union, Nick Wendell.



Post-College Experience Interview Series, Part 1: Nick Wendell on YouTube