Winners Announced

Dear Ursuline,

I have been privileged with the task of blogging for OCCS and have personally committed myself to inspiring, motivating, and encouraging others. I believe that this opportunity that I have been presented with is unlike any other; it is an unique chance to speak to all of you, week after week after week, and to let you all in on my most innermost dilemmas within my senior year. This has not been an easy thing to do because many times I am left feeling emotionally exhausted; my soul exposed and transparent to many of you, whom I do not even know your names.
Yet, I have found new friends amongst my Ursuline community; supportive and loving people with stories to tell and lessons to grow by. Therefore, this blog is dedicated to the students that have decided to take me up on my Thanksgiving Challenge; you all are FABULOUS!! You let down your guards, opened up your hearts, and voiced your values upfront and personal! Thank you! I apologize for not making my winners announcement earlier; I was sincerely trying to get more participants in something that I really believe in. I must admit that both of your stories touched a very special part of me and I am convinced that if a lot more students were aware of this site, then they too would have as well found validity in it.
So, without further adieu I would like to announce the winners:
Grand Prize: Hillary B.
First Prize: Hannah
Second Prize: None
Your prizes can all be picked up anytime beginning, Monday, December 3rd, 2007 in Mullen/Room 130 from Meegan Cox and once again thank you for participating in my Thanksgiving Challenge. Be sure to continue patronage to this blog. Your voices need to be and want to be heard. And, in keeping to our tradition, I want to share a quote from John Fitzgerald Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Have a great week!

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

Thanksgiving challenge update!!

GREAT NEWS URSULINE:

Your student blogger, Kimberley H., has decided to extend the deadline for the contest! Now, here is an opportune moment to reflect on how you can inspire and motivate others with your story of Thanksgiving; we are already off to a beautiful start.

Winners will be announced on this blog site November 30th, 2007 at 1:00 PM

So, take time out and read the previous comments, share your thoughts on what or who you are thankful for, and blog on!

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

Thanksgiving challenge

Are you thankful for the things that you have?
Can you inspire and motivate others?

Then, here is your challenge…From November 12th - November 19th you can
Go to
http://ursulinestudentjobsearch.blogspot.com/
and Post your comments!
The student that encourages readership and gets a positive conversation going can win great prizes; which will be announced by Kimberley H. on the blog page November 19th:

Grand Prize $25 Gas Card
First Prize $25 Pizza gift certificate
Second Prize a holiday basket

So, blog on Ursuline!
Blog on!

Kimberley H.

Thanksgiving Challenge

Dear Ursuline,

Turning 40 has been a pivotal time for me; I have been able to look back on my life and clearly see. I am not the person that I have always dreamed of being; I am more. My experiences, rich and diverse, because of the family that I have been blessed with and the friendships I have developed. And, for all of this I give thanks.
Thanksgiving is November 22 and what better time to reflect on the many things we all have to be grateful for? There are endless opportunities to say, “Thank you,” simply for another day to try to get this whole thing right again. Yet, too often we find ourselves, I know that I do, hurrying throughout the day, rushing to get here and there, and never stopping to recognize that there is something more important.
I am thankful for this forum, to blog to the Ursuline community and beyond, the things I value most, the vision I hold for a harmonious world, and all with a voice of compassion for human kind. This has been a chance for me to speak up and be heard. What a fantastic gift I have been given! How would you all like to do the same? Well…now is your chance. In the month of November I bring a new challenge for everyone to blog what they are thankful for. I hope that you will accept this gift from me and use it for good. And, in keeping with our blog tradition I leave you the words of W.T. Purkiser, prolific writer, scholar and preacher, “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true meaning of our thanksgiving;” blog on and inspire and motivate others.

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

K.I.S.S.

K.I.S.S. your Graduation Day HELLO!
Keep it simple students: Important things to know about your Big Day

The Commencement Countdown is March 10th & 11th in Pilla from 12 – 6 PM
1. Be sure to meet all of your financial obligations by April 15th. If not, you won’t be able to participate in the upcoming commencement ceremonies. This means - - pay your fees and tuition in full, handle deferred tuitions (UCAP and Main campus students) and handle loans (including Schell Loans), financial aid forms, aid, and library fines.
2. *There will be seminars scheduled, between November 28th through November 30th for exit interviews; if you have not received your notification regarding this, please stop by the Student Service Center, in Mullen 203, prior to November 19th to turn in your date.
3. Did you know that there is a $100 graduation processing fee? Yes! And it is not built into your tuition. So, if it is not paid you can not participate in the ceremonies; this is regardless if you walk across the stage or not.
4. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility, as a student, to make sure all of your financial aid forms are completed and returned, so that Financial Aid can post the information properly to your account in a timely fashion.
5. Look out for upcoming information on Jostens and the Campus Bookstore regarding rings and cap/gowns. Jostens will be here on October 31, 2007 from 11 AM – 2 PM in Wasmer. May grads are welcome to order rings, as well. Jostens will be back in the early spring and our bookstore will gladly accommodate sizing if anyone misses the date. Caps/Gowns are approximately priced at $60-$75.
6. *Be sure to stay in contact with your advisor. They will be able to let you know if you have met your audit course and GPA requirements for graduation.
7. Sue Kramer will let graduates know if anything appears to be missing on transcripts if anyone was transferred in or have taken courses off campus.
8. Critical information for May graduates: *There is a deadline of December 1st to complete the graduation audit with advisors and to turn in the graduation application. The forms are online.

If you have any questions regarding your responsibility as a student graduating, please be sure to stop in Mullen 203/One Stop, your advisor’s office, financial aid, and the library.
In keeping with our tradition and in the motivational words of noted scientist, journalist and author, Roger Lewin, “Too often students are given answers to remember, rather than problems to solve.” This is your Big Day! And, your best resource is YOU! I can give you limited information and the rest is up to YOU. Good Luck and Congratulations!!

Kimberley H.

Priceless

Dear Ursuline,

I truly hope that your week has been as productive as mine and that you were able to take advantage of the many opportunities that were available on our campus. The fashion exhibits, SNUC fundraiser, and Busy Student Retreat are just a few of the spectacular events that were on hand for our community.
I had the unique pleasure of being involved in the Busy Student Retreat and found it to be enlightening. I was able to spend some time with a spiritual companion, reflect on finding peace in every moment of my life, and discovered that there was a definite need for me to stop running in circles. I believe that this past week was spent getting to know Kimberley a little better.
I am not going to make this blog very long because I need to work on something special for all of you for our next week blog. However, keeping up with our tradition, I would like to leave you with a very special thought: “We are made up of little pieces that must be brought together with love.” So, as you complete homework assignments, attend volleyball games (Go Arrows!) and, spend time with your friends and loved ones this weekend, try to remember that those little pieces are like seeds that need water, sunshine, and nourishment to grow into a healthy human being. Love yourself first and blog on!

Kimberley H.

Masquerade

Welcome back Ursuline!

I hope that the mid-term break was relaxing and that you found time to catch-up on studying, friends, family, and Y-O-U! Now that we are back on campus, we can enjoy Lake Elissa, spend time in class together, and await our next break during Thanksgiving. I personally, am looking forward to finishing up this semester with a fresh perspective on my life as a ministry student and my pending graduation in May, 2008.
There is so much to do before that day. Keep my GPA up, find an experiential experience in my major, and petition for graduation. I had not really thought much about it all until I received an E-mail from my advisor letting me know that I had to petition for graduation. I quickly became nervous and then the realization hit me that I was actually going to finally obtain my BA and move on to a lifelong dream. I have waited so long for this day to come and when I filled out that paperwork I was shaking. Has anyone out there ever felt this way? If so, please let me know because not only am I nervous about the petition for graduation, but I am having a difficult time filling out my graduate applications. I get them in the mail, fill out the basic stuff: name, address, date of birth, and then I freeze. I begin to question myself, “Am I ready to go on to an even higher education?” “Will I be successful in graduate school?” “Will I walk around feeling like an imposter, inadequate and unprepared for this next step in my life?”
These are genuine concerns that I think a lot of us are feeling. Speak up Ursuline and blog! Other students, just like you and me are in need of your hearing your voice. This is an important time in our lives where we are moving on and we should lean on one another for support. I am encouraging you to be there and listen to one another.
This moment of reflection led me to talk to professors, friends and family and has brought me to where I am right now. I will be okay! I can move onto graduate school because I know that Ursuline has prepared me with the foundation for success. And, in keeping with our new tradition with one another, some inspirational words from Judy Garland, “Always be a first-rate version of your self, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.” Blog on!

Your friend,
Kimberley H.

Busy Bee

Hello Ursuline,

I hope that everyone is relaxing and enjoying the mid-term break. I actually miss the hustle and bustle of our classes. Being surrounded by my fellow students allows me to learn and develop a lifetime of valuable, interpersonal relationships. And, although we are a part from one another I have come to realize that I need to reflect on who I am becoming this semester. My classes are challenging, there are a lot of responsibilities weighing heavy upon me, and time is of the essence to accomplish each and every task with careful consideration, because each one deserves my full and undivided attention. This can turn out to be quite overwhelming.
This break was like no other for me. I spent time taking care of everyone else and somewhere in the tunnel, on my way to wisdom, I came to realize that I may be doing too much. This is a first for me because I have always thought that I function better when under pressure. I keep busy and things get done. However, being too busy can confuse things and cause the important people, and things, to suffer from lack of my attention.
Let me show you just a small glimpse of my mid-term break world:
1. My daughter’s first sleepover, on my 40th birthday during our break.
2. My birthday spent entertaining 4, high energy, little girls whose only mission was to stay up all night and giggle.
3. Attending to my hospice patients throughout the next day with only 2 hours of sleep after my daughter’s party.
4. Organizing my newly developed Girl Scout troop.
5. And, finally attempting to catch up to all of my homework.
Wow!! What a break, huh? Well not really, because I never made time for me.

I have learned something different about myself during this break. I now know that there is more to life then keeping busy; I have to take time to reflect on the important things and not make everything so critical and urgent. Things do not need to be done right now. I have to find a 3rd alternative to the bumps on my road to success. Not a compromise, yet a solution to making things work for everyone’s happiness; mine, my children’s, and my studies. I believe that there is one out there that will not necessarily be my choice, but the right choice.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great philosopher, poet, and author once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” I can not be so busy with my past or my future that it takes away from who I really am and who I am growing up to be. Blog on!

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

It is all about Y-O-U!

Hello…is there anyone there? Students, former or current, who can offer any input into what I may possibly be feeling? Values, voice, and vision, right? The opportunity to speak up about the things we are all experiencing and to hopefully help one another. If so, where is the passion for what you believe in or an opinion into what I have said thus far? I want to hear from Y-O-U!
I walk this campus practically everyday and look out into a garden of beautiful minds; women from different walks of life who continuously bloom their individual callings. I sit in classes, amongst our future nurses, politicians, and religious leaders searching for answers to the issues of our time; attempting to resolve them so that our children and their children will have a fighting chance. Yet, when I show-up here on Monday morning and check out my blog for comments, I am disappointed to find none. To be quite honest with you, I find this all too hard to believe because as I sit in Pilla eating breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner, walking the labyrinth, and praying with you, I have come to expect more.
Please, open up your eyes and see that we have been given this unique and amazing space to talk about whatever we may be going through? Having a difficult time balancing family and school? Challenging moments in your last few semesters? Or, care to share your plans as you draw closer to graduation? WE want to hear from Y-O-U because there is more than one voice at Ursuline that deserves to be heard, there is value in your thoughts, and this blog encourages your story to be heard.
In the words of journalist, Joseph Pulitzer, “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, pitcturesquely so they will remember it, and above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.” Reach out and blog…your Ursuline community wants to hear from Y-O-U!

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

The waters are not always steady

When I made the decision to go back to school I was in my late 30’s. This has been an eye-opening experience for me. I’ve discovered new ways to study and how late Starbuck’s stays open. And, although many nights I’ve fallen asleep with books surrounding my head, this has been the most challenging experience of my life so far because I’ve worked hard for every A and B earned.
I’m not the average student, straight out of high school, with big dreams in the palms of my hands. Instead, I’m the 40 year-old, single-mom who starts off her day at 5 AM, get her children ready and drops them off at school, go to the grocery store, prepare dinner in the crock pot, and arrive at class by 10 AM. It took some time for me to realize that my big dreams were still possible and now here I am at Ursuline. I make it a priority to pick-up my children at least 4 times out of the week, take them to all of their extra-curricular activities, and start my studying when they’re finally asleep by 10 PM. And, in the meantime, some where in-between time, I have to find extra time and money to pay my mortgage each month; although I’m continuously searching for a job, the reality is that I’m over qualified as I change careers. But, I’ve taken a moral stance that I must be available to my children. My options are clear. Let’s remember, I’m a single-mom and there isn’t always someone available to help me out when the kids catch a bad cold and now I’ve been without sleep for 3 days, and I have a final the next.
Going back to school in my late 30’s may not have been easy, but I’ve enjoyed every part of it. I have met some great people, joined organizations with a purpose to help others, and have grown into a more productive part of our humanity. I’ve learned to persevere and come out stronger. And, in keeping with our new blog tradition, I offer you these words from the author, Louisa May Alcott, “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship.” Be sure to hold on and enjoy the ride!

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

Plan B

Hello Ursuline,

My anticipated date of graduation is not far away. Before I know it, May 2008 will be here and the next chapter of my story will begin; real life and paying off student loans:) Wow...higher education can be refreshing!
I find it hard to believe that I left corporate America in 2005, matriculated into Ursuline, and discovered that a counseling career in Hospice was my mission. This was not “Plan A.” Actually, I began this journey with Nursing or Education in mind, but then came enlightenment. We have to recognize our gifts and not give into peer pressure. The Ursuline community has truly helped me to figure out who I am, what is important, and where I belong. I realize that I brag a lot about this college, yet I encourage you to open your eyes and truly see what this campus has to offer. The faculty will challenge, motivate, inspire, and open the door to the many gifts which lie in each one of us.
So, rather than going on holiday, I decided it would be more productive to complete my Ursuline Studies, expose myself to the graduate ministry program, and learn about the hospice culture. I opened my eyes and found not only a treasure in the summer classes offered here at Ursuline, but also my voice. Although, some have commented that I missed out on a few things this past summer, I realize that making the sacrifice was the best decision for me. The end result was that my summer was well spent, I learned a lot about my values, social issues, and what drives me. I would personally urge everyone with a conscience to volunteer somewhere. If you are a nursing student, then volunteer at a free clinic, if you are a political science major, volunteer at a legal aid or homeless shelter, but come to understand that we are all connected, one way or another in this great universe. So, not only are you helping others, but you are also getting a valuable perspective on the field you are going into.
When I started this venture, I took the time to look up my ideal bereavement job description on various hospice websites and became proactive in acquiring the noted skills. As a result I became a hospice volunteer who now works in many different capacities. I am involved in vigils where I am sitting by the bedside of someone actively dying, direct patient care where I take care of patient’s activities of daily living, and the speaker’s bureau which allows me to educate people on the hospice movement. This summer has introduced me to the valuable experiences that are a part of my career choice.
I would like to end today’s blog with the words of internationally acclaimed author and lecturer, Marianne Williamson: “In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” Volunteerism is not about me, but about planting seeds, cultivating hope, and growing love.

In time

Dear Fellow Students,

I like to think of myself as having great time management skills. I thrive off of being an organized and disciplined person. I believe that things work out better when there are lists and calendars to keep things going smooth and efficient. But, sometimes things do not always go the way I may have planned and I end up having to alter the lens, which I am looking out of, and accept change with open arms.
I use lists and calendars for everything, from reminding me to meet my new protégé, vote for SGA elections, or meet friends and study groups in Pilla. I can write down my grocery list, take my children to the store with a good intention of getting in and out, and discover that extra items have ended up in my cart and out of my budget; I can make out my homework list, sit down to study, and realize that there are no Dove ice cream bars in my freezer, and the study moment has suddenly come to a screeching halt! The point to all of this is that we can "plan" to be well-prepared and something will challenge us to alter our path into uncharted waters.
This weekend was no different. I had prepared to tackle my seven graduate school applications and then remembered that homework had to come first. So, out came my pen and paper to make my list. My list got longer and longer, and before I knew it, I had incorporated at least two weeks of class assignments into my plan. Yet, this was okay because this method has been a very successful means of managing my schoolwork with everything else. But, it works for me and this has been my secret to surviving college. I do not think it matters what your age is, we all need a plan and I encourage each one of you to be willing to review and sometimes change your plan or you will be sure to become overwhelmed and disappointed.
I want to also take this opportunity to put a plug in for a great workshop that I noticed in our student E-mail this morning. It is a workshop in time management that will offer some good tips and ideas. We all need to take advantage of our valuable resources here on campus. Please, take the time to check out one of the meetings in Mullen 313 on either September 13 at 3 PM or September 19 at Noon, I am positive that the experience will be rewarding.
So, in conclusion and keeping with my new found blog tradition I offer you this quote from the famous humanistic theorist, Carl Rogers, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn…and change.”
Reach out and blog!

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

The journey begins

My fellow students,

The fall season will soon be upon us. The leaves will be changing colors and the next thing we know, the holidays (and, snow) will be here! You gotta love Cleveland! I am already thinking about turkey, dressing, and sweet potato pie. Then, I have to quickly get back on track and think about a couple of important things regarding my future endeavors.
This weekend, after homework and my family, I actually spent some quality time alone thinking about who I am, where I am going, and what I am going to be doing after college. Things can get really hectic at times for me and it is very important to stay focused on the prize; whatever that may be, for me it is the goal of working for a hospice organization and counseling patients and families who are grieving.
I have a lot on my plate and I have to make time to regroup. When that need arises I have to be sure to turn to my support system, and I strongly recommend that if you do not already have one then make a point of getting one. You should have positive people around that remind you of just how fabulous you are; they will listen to you and have your best interest at heart. My support system consists of my parents, children, and some special and key people here at Ursuline that I have come to respect and appreciate their opinions, and after speaking with them I feel as if I can conquer the world!
I realize that there are many challenges in my Ursuline, senior year such as, locating and interviewing companies that will value my degree, possibly and more than likely submitting myself to the GRE, and applying to graduate schools. You probably are wondering why I place emphasis on my “Ursuline”, senior year, I did so because I want you to know that being a part of this community has led me to approach things differently than I would have if I was in attendance elsewhere. This extraordinary culture has heightened my senses towards a need for social justice, encouraged me to reach out to my community and make changes, and engulfed me on a spiritual journey that embraces me. In the end, I am determined to have a career (or, create one) that embodies the woman I have become.
I invite you, my Ursuline community, to share what your challenges are and what resources are available to help you on your journey and become more successful. I share a quote from an anonymous author: “We are often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way.”
Reach out and blog!

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

August 29, 2007

Dear job seeking students:

Let me first introduce myself because I find it extremely important for you to know a little about me so that while you read the upcoming posts you will understand my position and will be encouraged to further pursue your dreams. My name is Kimberley H., I am a single-mom, a senior double-majoring in Religious Studies and Psychology, a peer mentor with MAPS, and a member of the 3.0 club, and I am pursuing my dreams at Ursuline College.

I gladly welcome back all of you, students and faculty, to our fall semester which is well under way, and hope that classes are going great! As a new or returning student I am sure that you are excited to learn and grow with Ursuline College, and will always carry our motto of, “Values, Voice, and Vision,” as you go out into the surrounding communities.

These next few months I will share my challenging moments as I search for a job, apply for graduate school, and take care of myself on this wonderful journey called life!
Please, feel free to contact me or stop by Mullen, room 106 and let me know how I can help.

Yours truly,
Kimberley H.

Commencement

Dear job seeking students,
It's commencement time here at Ursuline, and our trusty student Amanda has provided a glimpse into the up and down world of searching for what's next beyond college. I wish her a hearty congratulations on her achievements! Please bookmark this space, as we will be returning in the fall with new content and student stories.
Thank you!
Laura Neidert
Office of Counseling and Career Services.

It's not what you know, it's who you know....

Last week I received the opportunity to possibly intern at two wondeful companies. On wednsday while i sat at my boss's desk at my Orchestra internship, i received a phone call from my cousin from Florida. She informed me how her finance had offered me an internship at his advertising agency at Proton Global, I was honored that he was pleased with my samples i'd emailed him and discussed this with my boss.

Later I met with the Marketing director and asked her if she had received my email with my resume. She said she had and that she would be getting back to me sometime. I returned to my boss and we went to the main lobby where the lady from Collegia/College 360* met with us to take pictures. The photographer had me pose on the stairs with the beautiful architectual scenery behind me. It was a magical experience and they interviewed me afterwards and said that it would come out in July. I felt special and honored. Afterwards we returned to her office and spoke about the experience and jobs i had for next week. Then i left back to school.

About half an hour after I arrived at school, i received a phone call from the orchestra offering me an interview for the graphic design possition i had applied for. I was shoked and honored and set one up for the next wednsday before my internship, later i received a call to reschedule and brake down the interview into 2 different times. Either way i was happy.

Now i am forced with a tough choice between two wonderful opportunities... Either i move (maybe temporarily) and work for the 2-time Emmy winning comany, Proton Global, or (if i get offered the position) have a great job right out of college at the Cleveland Orchestra.

I want both, but can only choose one.... so for now I am praying that God leads me in the right direction. But for now, im jsut doing my work and trying to graduate.

Until next time, my decision should be made soon.

~Amanda

Days @ the orchestra...

Working at the Orchestra is such a wonderful experience. I enjoy waking up and driving down Fairmount to Severance Hall (even @ 8am.. but i'm getting used to it). In the past two weeks I've had the pleasure of stting at my boss's desk while she was on vacation working on her computer. It is so nice to hear the musicians during rehersal. It brings me a rush of excitment and happiness. I enjoy woking with different people around the office and learning the behind the scenes work that is involved with making the Orchestra events possible.

It is a blessing to have found such a wonderful internship opportunity, who's name speaks for itself. I will always cherish this opportunity and have proudly placed it into my resume. Lori is not only my boss, but a wonderful heaven sent angel who has begun opening doors for me for other opportunities.

She has given my name to Collegia, whom are the people of College 360, and I will have the wonderful opportunity of being interviewed and participating in a photoshoot for a spread featuring interns with cool internships in Cleveland. I am so excited and will be back to blog tomorow about the whole experience.

later, ~Amanda

Well, it's not what I imagined... but gotta start somewhere!

Tying pretty blue bows on Cd's is not the way I pictured my internship at the Cleveland Orchestra to be.... but hey, gotta start somewhere right??!! I have to admit, I enjoyed it, and the time went by pretty quick, seeing as how I challenged myself (in a nice empty office) to tie nice bows as quick as I could... "your time is just too precious to be tying bows" said my boss... It actually made me feel very important.

I really enjoy working for my boss. She is genuinely the one of greatest people I've ever worked for... (one of my new fave. people ;) I am not just treated as an intern doing the work that no one else wants, I am treated as an important part of the office.

The attitude I went in with is probably another huge factor of why I am enjoying my time there... I am just so grateful to have gotten in there, that i don't mind anything I do. I take the jobs as if they were as important as a press release or as if I were getting paid ;)

People in the office are very nice, and they always seem happy to see me. The next time I go in, I will be doing inventory and beginning a project of writing a proposal for the archives. I am very excited for any job I get in the office, and will proudly do it, and happily put them in my portfolio.

Another exciting project I will be working on (they asked the first day I worked there) will be designing an invitation for a Fashion Show the Orchestra and the Development office there will be hosting. I am so happy!! This is an honor for me and I am getting together with my awesome fashion diva friend, Shona to design a doll to go on the cover of the invitation (die cut, for those graphic majors ;) and I am sketching out ideas as I write this....

So far, in my two weeks, my experience has been great!! I will always remember it.... OH!! and I almost forgot!! My boss has already given my name to a Graphic Designer in Solon for when I graduate ("if nothing opens up here first") she said. So, I stand by my firm belief **It's not what you know, its who you know** I'll let you know what else happens...

Advice: Take any opportunity you are given, you never know if its your foot in the door!!

-Till next week,
~Amanda

All the searching finaly paid off!!

Interview after interview, I have finally found the right internship for me!!

On Wednesday February 21st I started my internship at the Cleveland Orchestra!! It feels nice to even say that I work there because the name itself is impressive.

Last semester, I received an application for a paid internship there, but due to finals week and my work schedule, I did not meet the deadline. I thought I missed a great opportunity and continued my search elsewhere. To my pleasant surprise, there was another posting, but it was unpaid. I applied just like any other internship and continued my search.

To my pleasant surprise, out of nowhere I receive an email from the internship coordinator saying that they were "very impressed with my resume, and would like to meet with me, and though its unpaid, to not turn them down because I may have a chance for further employment after graduation"... I thought "who cares if it isn't paid, its the Cleveland Orchestra! I'll take it" and I scheduled an interview for the 7th and on Valentines day I receive an email saying I got the internship!! I was ecstatic, and thanked God and even hopped up and down in my dorm room.

I knew this was meant for me because everything went so well. On the day of my internship, I woke up extremely early (actually I couldn't even fall asleep) and I even ate breakfast in Pilla and still had time to kill. I text'd all my friends and told them to pray, and got there 30 min early and called my internship coordinator, and even my mom. When I arrived in the parking lot, they interviewer was waiting for me. It just felt like a great environment and everyone was so nice.

On my first day I got to meet a lot of people, helped around the office and learned what I would be doing. I even got the chance to see a bit of the rehersal in the auditorium and was amazed at how beautiful it was.

This has been a great exerience already and it was only my first day... It just goes to show me how the search for an internship was not in vain, and I've learned a lot along the way and now I am ready and have found the right fit.

I will definetly blog about my days in the Orchestra each week. (I'm there on Wednsdays only)

Keep on searching interns!!
~Amanda S.

Interviews... to many!!

I have gone on so many interviews, that I feel like I can tell others what to expect. When you apply to internships and have a 3 pg. resume, it seems to impress some employers, but not all because there are some who believe you should narrow it down to 1 page!

I mean, that really confuses me!! "One page", "more experience", "overqualified", "not enough experience"... It's mind boggling really!!!

My interviews in the past couple of months have really changed my perspective on employers, and now I know what to do and what not...

Voice of experience: Be prepared, try to know the employer and company before you get there. (They may not ever ask, but its good to know just in case. When your not prepared seems to be when they ask!) Make sure it is something you are interested in and not just something you applied to because you really need the internship, or else you may just get the job and dislike it in the end.

In the past months I have traveled to Painsville for a job which I thought would be easy... It was a distance, but it was paid and Spanish is my first language, so I thought it would be a breeze, but I discovered that nothing is ever that easy. I would've had to make lesson plans (as though I don't have pleanty of things on my plate) and teach 3-6 year olds. And though I knew I could handle it, and the interview was one of the best I've experienced, of course someone with more "experience" got the job. But in this case, I was glad they did, because I'd rather had her hire someone with experience teaching than myself who just knew the language.

That interview was amazing! Here's how it went: I applied to the posting on E-recruiting (while preparing for an interview in the computer lab) and literally minutes later she calls me and says how impressed she was with my resume and wanted to set up an interview. Amazed at the quick response, I set up the interview and met with her the next week. When I arrived I met with her and immediately took a tour of the school, then we went into her office for the initial interview, and the chemistry was great. I felt very confident and we talked for what seemed hours. We set up a possible schedule and I learned a lot about the school, (which I didn't beforehand) and at the end she said " I hope to get back to you soon, it was a pleasure interviewing you, you interview very well" and that really meant a lot because I felt that all the ones I've previously been on and got turned down, it was good to hear a positive response.

All these interviews, some good, some bad... Some employers made me wait weeks before hearing from them, then received an email, some were nice enough to call and explain, and some just simply seemed to have forgotten my contact information, but its all a learning experience.

I suggest that everyone just attend as many interviews as you can. DON'T get discouraged!! just take it as a learning experience and keep a positive attitude!!

Until later,
~Amanda S.

internship search... "more experience required"!

Searching for an internship can be quite an adventure. I've applied to any and and every posting that E-recruiting sends me, and I've discovered that you can never apply too much! Recently I have received emails and phone calls from many employers. The paid internship, that look really good on your resume, are of course! the toughest one's to get into.

I attended a career fair last semester in which I has my eye on one company in particular... and to my pleasant surprise, i received a call the very next day. Seems that my resume was quite impressive to them, but when it came down to the interviewing and hiring... turns out they found someone with more experience... go figure!!!!

It makes me wonder how these employers ever want us to have "more experience" if they don't give us the opportunity to 'gain' more experience.

~Amanda S.