In less than an hour I will be interviewing for a job in Columbia. As I am getting ready to go, I thought I would mentally review interview skills and protocol, via my blog...
-I already have my thank you note written and ready to drop in the mail as I leave the interview (to make sure I don't forget)
-My suit is ready to go and I have clean, self-manicured hands
-I looked over my resume and what I wrote in my cover letter and I mentally practiced potential questions
-I am relaxed and confident (for now...)
The big trick with this interview is that the job entails overseeing current college students and considering that I am practically still a college student myself, I will have to establish that I can handle the closeness in age.
Wish me luck! I will let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Dream Job vs Settling? Rd. 1
Apparently, Stafford’s column about unemployed college grads was picked up by a few news wire services, and you can find it on multiple sites across the World Wide Web. Now, it appears I am becoming the national poster child for unemployed grads. At any rate, Janese Heavin, from the Columbia Daily Tribune contacted me today to discuss my current “situation.”
As I was talking to Heavin I realized something about the evolution of my current job search:
I have now come to terms with the fact that right out of college, no matter how hard I worked in undergrad, I am not going to land my dream job. At the same time though, I am also not going to settle for a job in which I have no interest. I know that if I don’t care about what I am doing, I will hate my life. I also think that in a cover letter and subsequent interview, no matter how much you sweet talk a future employer, if you don’t care, it will come across.
Although I get the impression that some of my peers share a similar viewpoint on their job search, I do recognize that I am idealistic and many people don’t have the ability to wait a few months to find a job they are interested in. Perhaps though, the current job search is just one more indicator of generational differences. For my parents, not having a job by graduation was not an option. Moving home with mom and dad was out of the question. For my peers (not necessarily me) moving home and continuing the job search after graduation is not only acceptable, but often suggested.
Regardless of how I got here I know that for now (or at least the next few months), I don’t want to settle. Even if I don’t find a job I am initially enthused about, I know that with time I will be able to develop and harness a passion for my job, no matter what it is.
As I was talking to Heavin I realized something about the evolution of my current job search:
I have now come to terms with the fact that right out of college, no matter how hard I worked in undergrad, I am not going to land my dream job. At the same time though, I am also not going to settle for a job in which I have no interest. I know that if I don’t care about what I am doing, I will hate my life. I also think that in a cover letter and subsequent interview, no matter how much you sweet talk a future employer, if you don’t care, it will come across.
Although I get the impression that some of my peers share a similar viewpoint on their job search, I do recognize that I am idealistic and many people don’t have the ability to wait a few months to find a job they are interested in. Perhaps though, the current job search is just one more indicator of generational differences. For my parents, not having a job by graduation was not an option. Moving home with mom and dad was out of the question. For my peers (not necessarily me) moving home and continuing the job search after graduation is not only acceptable, but often suggested.
Regardless of how I got here I know that for now (or at least the next few months), I don’t want to settle. Even if I don’t find a job I am initially enthused about, I know that with time I will be able to develop and harness a passion for my job, no matter what it is.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Is all press good press?
In yesterday’s Kansas City Star, I officially became the poster child for unemployed graduates in Kansas City. Diane Stafford’s At Work business column "College graduates face a tough road ahead" was about the challenges facing the class of 2009. Sound familiar? Stafford referenced my blog and more or less explained that even though I worked hard for the past four years, I am unemployed.
It was great of Stafford to include me in her column, but I had to ask myself, “Is all press really good press?”
My Thursday morning trip to the local gym was quickly interrupted by a family friend wanting to discuss the column and when a parent dropped something by my house later in the day, I once again had the pleasure of discussing my current unemployment. How enjoyable! As my prideful ego suffered throughout the day, I began to question whether agreeing to the column was a good idea or not.
In the end, it was a great idea. For the next few months I will have to push my ego to the side and make sure as many people as possible know that I am unemployed. You never know who can help you, so it is important to keep your options open. So here is a thought, from now on, when I see people in the supermarket or at the gym, I will make sure that I mention I am unemployed and looking for a job within the first minute of conversation. Is this a good idea? Who knows? But, I’ll let you know where it gets me.
It was great of Stafford to include me in her column, but I had to ask myself, “Is all press really good press?”
My Thursday morning trip to the local gym was quickly interrupted by a family friend wanting to discuss the column and when a parent dropped something by my house later in the day, I once again had the pleasure of discussing my current unemployment. How enjoyable! As my prideful ego suffered throughout the day, I began to question whether agreeing to the column was a good idea or not.
In the end, it was a great idea. For the next few months I will have to push my ego to the side and make sure as many people as possible know that I am unemployed. You never know who can help you, so it is important to keep your options open. So here is a thought, from now on, when I see people in the supermarket or at the gym, I will make sure that I mention I am unemployed and looking for a job within the first minute of conversation. Is this a good idea? Who knows? But, I’ll let you know where it gets me.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Location, Location, Location
I have known for a long time that I didn't want to move back to Kansas City after graduation. Even though I have only been back at my parents’ home for 2 ½ days, I am even more sure this is true. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and loved growing up in Kansas City, but I know that I need to try something on my own. If I don’t take a risk now, it’s possible I never will.
I am quickly discovering though, that relocation during a recession is not that easy. It seems like employers just aren’t looking outside their companies or cities. Through discussions with many of my friends, we have come to the conclusion that many employers don’t have the resources to fly in applicants or relocate them if hired.
I recently applied for a job with an organization in another city. I felt I was a great fit for the job because I had been involved with the organization as chair of the student executive board and also had extensive experience relevant to the position on my college campus. But, the organization conducted an internal search and ultimately hired someone internally. While I don’t know all the details of their search, it seems that when resources are tight and a company has two comparable applicants, it doesn’t make sense to spend the money to fly in one of the applicants.
So the obvious conclusion here is that you put yourself in the city you want be hired in. My problem is I don’t know what city that is. My next step to is research cities I am interested in and research their job markets. Then, once I narrow it down I will set up shop for a few days, visiting potential employers. Any tips on great cities with (any) job opportunities? I am thinking east of Missouri.
I am quickly discovering though, that relocation during a recession is not that easy. It seems like employers just aren’t looking outside their companies or cities. Through discussions with many of my friends, we have come to the conclusion that many employers don’t have the resources to fly in applicants or relocate them if hired.
I recently applied for a job with an organization in another city. I felt I was a great fit for the job because I had been involved with the organization as chair of the student executive board and also had extensive experience relevant to the position on my college campus. But, the organization conducted an internal search and ultimately hired someone internally. While I don’t know all the details of their search, it seems that when resources are tight and a company has two comparable applicants, it doesn’t make sense to spend the money to fly in one of the applicants.
So the obvious conclusion here is that you put yourself in the city you want be hired in. My problem is I don’t know what city that is. My next step to is research cities I am interested in and research their job markets. Then, once I narrow it down I will set up shop for a few days, visiting potential employers. Any tips on great cities with (any) job opportunities? I am thinking east of Missouri.
It's Official
Well, I am officially a graduate of the University of Missouri and I am officially unemployed. What's next?
This summer, I, like many of my friends, will be doing everything in my power to find a job. Despite the risk of rejection, I will also stay positive during the search. I will keep you all updated on the hunt.
Fortunately, I will also be able to continue working my on campus job at Mizzou with the Office of Visitor Relations. I-70 between Kansas City and Columbia will be my home away from home this summer while I spend time working in Columbia and spend time with family in Kansas City. So to prospective students visiting college campuses across the country this summer, if your tour guide is an unemployed recent grad, I promise he or she isn’t a loser. We are just "exploring our options."
This summer, I, like many of my friends, will be doing everything in my power to find a job. Despite the risk of rejection, I will also stay positive during the search. I will keep you all updated on the hunt.
Fortunately, I will also be able to continue working my on campus job at Mizzou with the Office of Visitor Relations. I-70 between Kansas City and Columbia will be my home away from home this summer while I spend time working in Columbia and spend time with family in Kansas City. So to prospective students visiting college campuses across the country this summer, if your tour guide is an unemployed recent grad, I promise he or she isn’t a loser. We are just "exploring our options."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Curse of the Class of 2009
Yesterday afternoon, while chatting with my neighbor, our conversation eventually landed on a familiar topic: what we were going to be doing in just one week. For both Tim and I the answer is the same: not really sure, try to find a job. I think we are all starting to get a bit nervous, uneasy, scared, etc. Graduation is becoming so real.
So while we were enjoying each other's company, the conversation wasn't exactly uplifting. Then, Tim told me about an article from the Wall Street Journal: The Curse of the Class of 2009. Basically, our bad luck (graduating in the middle of a recession) will continue to affect us for years to come.
Great news...and a great way to motivate me to finish my final college paper. Even though the article put a damper on my weekend, I think there are some positives the class of '09 can take away from it. First, with this curse, we are united as the class of 2009. With this challenge, we have formed a bond that will last forever. Years from now, when the class of '09 is established in our careers, we will remember this year and possibly help each other out. Also, like the article said, sometimes a challenge leads you to a different career path. Who knows what exciting changes this will lead to for our class!
So while we were enjoying each other's company, the conversation wasn't exactly uplifting. Then, Tim told me about an article from the Wall Street Journal: The Curse of the Class of 2009. Basically, our bad luck (graduating in the middle of a recession) will continue to affect us for years to come.
Great news...and a great way to motivate me to finish my final college paper. Even though the article put a damper on my weekend, I think there are some positives the class of '09 can take away from it. First, with this curse, we are united as the class of 2009. With this challenge, we have formed a bond that will last forever. Years from now, when the class of '09 is established in our careers, we will remember this year and possibly help each other out. Also, like the article said, sometimes a challenge leads you to a different career path. Who knows what exciting changes this will lead to for our class!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A surreal moment
Last year I spent hours planning Senior Sendoff...a farewell program for Mizzou seniors. In just a few short hours, I will be attending as a graduating senior. Weird. Time has flown by, and I can't believe it is actually here.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Capstone "experience"
At 3:30 Monday afternoon I presented my final convergence capstone campaign to a room full of media and advertising professionals. By 4:30, as we wrapped up our presentation, I realized I am actually prepared for graduation. For those of you who don't know, a capstone is a class every Mizzou senior has to take before graduation, and is supposed to be the culmination of your college experience, combining all the skills you have learned. My spanish capstone's final project was a 100+ slide powerpoint about the specific linguistic traits Dominican Republic. Totally reasonable and doable.
My convergence capstone, on the other hand, was a different story. My team of five convergence journalism majors prepared two complete advertising campaigns and pitches for two social media websites: www.likeme.net and www.backstagegallery.com. I can't think of a school project I worked harder on and spent more time on while here at Mizzou.
Working on the project throughout the semester, there were times I hated my life. Especially the last week before our presentation, as we scrambled to finalize our campaign and perfect the presentation. But, in the end, the project absolutely served its purpose. As my group taught ourselves how to develop and present a campaign, I realized that I really loved doing it. Presenting in front of our judges and clients was thrilling and the positive feedback we got afterwards could not have been more rewarding. I found myself relying on skills that I had developed both in and out of the classroom: persuasion, working with a group, presenting effectively, passion for a cause and public speaking.
With one week left, I can finally say that I believe in the Capstone experience and it helped me realize I actually am ready for graduation and am excited about the "real world"
My convergence capstone, on the other hand, was a different story. My team of five convergence journalism majors prepared two complete advertising campaigns and pitches for two social media websites: www.likeme.net and www.backstagegallery.com. I can't think of a school project I worked harder on and spent more time on while here at Mizzou.
Working on the project throughout the semester, there were times I hated my life. Especially the last week before our presentation, as we scrambled to finalize our campaign and perfect the presentation. But, in the end, the project absolutely served its purpose. As my group taught ourselves how to develop and present a campaign, I realized that I really loved doing it. Presenting in front of our judges and clients was thrilling and the positive feedback we got afterwards could not have been more rewarding. I found myself relying on skills that I had developed both in and out of the classroom: persuasion, working with a group, presenting effectively, passion for a cause and public speaking.
With one week left, I can finally say that I believe in the Capstone experience and it helped me realize I actually am ready for graduation and am excited about the "real world"
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I never realized...
Two quick things I never realized about searching for a job...until now:
1. This is a LONG process
2. Sometimes employers are not that great at getting back to you
People always told me you have to work hard to get work, but I will openly admit that I haven't put THAT much time into applying for a job (see April 29 post). I am quickly realizing, though, a lot of time is required. For each job I have applied for I have spent hours crafting the perfect cover letter and tailoring my resume to the specific position.
But, the one thing no one told me is that potential employers aren't always great about getting back to you in a timely manner. As a member of the immediate gratification generation, that is sometimes hard to understand. We are used to having exam grades posted hours after we complete a test, and now we are waiting weeks to hear back about a job. With each application I submitted, I expected a response with days, hours, maybe even minutes. Now, I know better. While I was at first frustrated, I understand the process now and have come to accept it. I may not hear back for a few weeks, and that is ok.
So, my latest piece of advice for those just beginning the job search: Don't expect immediate response (or gratification).
1. This is a LONG process
2. Sometimes employers are not that great at getting back to you
People always told me you have to work hard to get work, but I will openly admit that I haven't put THAT much time into applying for a job (see April 29 post). I am quickly realizing, though, a lot of time is required. For each job I have applied for I have spent hours crafting the perfect cover letter and tailoring my resume to the specific position.
But, the one thing no one told me is that potential employers aren't always great about getting back to you in a timely manner. As a member of the immediate gratification generation, that is sometimes hard to understand. We are used to having exam grades posted hours after we complete a test, and now we are waiting weeks to hear back about a job. With each application I submitted, I expected a response with days, hours, maybe even minutes. Now, I know better. While I was at first frustrated, I understand the process now and have come to accept it. I may not hear back for a few weeks, and that is ok.
So, my latest piece of advice for those just beginning the job search: Don't expect immediate response (or gratification).
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Surprises in the Job Search
On a college campus in May, discussing graduation with a senior is like discussing weather with a senior citizen.Even though I feel my conversations these past few months are like a song on repeat, I can't be mad. Last year, I was asking the graduating seniors the same thing. Plus, when I see an acquaintance on campus, I fall back to these go-to conversation topics as well.
As the days until graduation quickly approach, there are two questions that I am asked repeatedly throughout a given day:
1. So...are you ready for graduation?
2. What are your plans?
The first question is usually asked expectantly, with a subtle smile sweeping across the inquisitor's face. The latter is often more hesitant, as if my questioner is somewhat nervous to ask. While my response to each question usually varies, depending on my audience, my stress level and my mood, it can be boiled down to some basic statements.
When asked if I am ready for graduation my response is simple: yes and no. Yes, I am excited about all the opportunities that lie ahead of me. There is something thrilling and at the same time nerve-wracking about not knowing where you will be in one month. Despite the economy, I know my options are limitless, and am confident that I will find a great job. It just may not be tomorrow. No, I am not excited at all about saying goodbye to my friends and college life in general. We have it great here and I will miss the unique community of a college town. Where else can you walk into a bar and know 60% of the people there?
And as for my plans...I usually shrug my shoulders, grin slyly and explain...I have no idea. Applying for a job is a full time job, and right now I can't make that type of commitment. School is my full time job. Plus I have extracurricular commitments that I can't leave hanging. I took a vow a while ago not to be the senior that skeets out on everything her final semester. Right now, I have a few job applications out there, and once I wrap up school, I am going to hit the ground running. Watch out employers, because in two and a half weeks I will be knocking down your door.
Sure there are lots of graduating seniors that have jobs, but a lot don't. I'm gonna go out there on a limb and say that many of those without jobs feel the same way I do. Give us time. Let us wrap one thing up so we can fully dedicate ourselves to the hunt.
Now if you see me or other graduating seniors on campus, you don't need to ask us about May. Lets talk about something different, like the latest good book you read.
As the days until graduation quickly approach, there are two questions that I am asked repeatedly throughout a given day:
1. So...are you ready for graduation?
2. What are your plans?
The first question is usually asked expectantly, with a subtle smile sweeping across the inquisitor's face. The latter is often more hesitant, as if my questioner is somewhat nervous to ask. While my response to each question usually varies, depending on my audience, my stress level and my mood, it can be boiled down to some basic statements.
When asked if I am ready for graduation my response is simple: yes and no. Yes, I am excited about all the opportunities that lie ahead of me. There is something thrilling and at the same time nerve-wracking about not knowing where you will be in one month. Despite the economy, I know my options are limitless, and am confident that I will find a great job. It just may not be tomorrow. No, I am not excited at all about saying goodbye to my friends and college life in general. We have it great here and I will miss the unique community of a college town. Where else can you walk into a bar and know 60% of the people there?
And as for my plans...I usually shrug my shoulders, grin slyly and explain...I have no idea. Applying for a job is a full time job, and right now I can't make that type of commitment. School is my full time job. Plus I have extracurricular commitments that I can't leave hanging. I took a vow a while ago not to be the senior that skeets out on everything her final semester. Right now, I have a few job applications out there, and once I wrap up school, I am going to hit the ground running. Watch out employers, because in two and a half weeks I will be knocking down your door.
Sure there are lots of graduating seniors that have jobs, but a lot don't. I'm gonna go out there on a limb and say that many of those without jobs feel the same way I do. Give us time. Let us wrap one thing up so we can fully dedicate ourselves to the hunt.
Now if you see me or other graduating seniors on campus, you don't need to ask us about May. Lets talk about something different, like the latest good book you read.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wait, don't go so fast
Not to get too sappy, but I can't really think of a better song to describe this moment in my life than Chantal Kreviazuk's "Time."
A little taste of the lyrics:
Time, where did you go?
Why did you leave me here alone?
Wait, don't go so fast
I'm missing the moments as they pass
A little taste of the lyrics:
Time, where did you go?
Why did you leave me here alone?
Wait, don't go so fast
I'm missing the moments as they pass
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sprinting a Marathon
I often find myself using the phrase, "It's not a sprint, it's a marathon," to describe school work, college and life in general. But, for the next two weeks, that phrase doesn't really capture school work, college or my life in general.
I have a marathon ahead of me, but not enough time to run it the proper way: strong and steady. Basically, I have to sprint a marathon. The problem with sprinting is that it means I will hurt my body (think less than 5 hours of sleep for 2 weeks straight) and probably not run my best (think less-than-stellar work and bad grades).
Although I do admit, I only have myself to blame for this sprint. Living in the moment is great, but because I didn't plan ahead, everything is landing on my plate at once. For now, the job search has to be pushed to the back burner as I try pass my classes and make it to graduation.
I'm pretty sure everyone has sprinted a few marathons in their day. Have you?
I have a marathon ahead of me, but not enough time to run it the proper way: strong and steady. Basically, I have to sprint a marathon. The problem with sprinting is that it means I will hurt my body (think less than 5 hours of sleep for 2 weeks straight) and probably not run my best (think less-than-stellar work and bad grades).
Although I do admit, I only have myself to blame for this sprint. Living in the moment is great, but because I didn't plan ahead, everything is landing on my plate at once. For now, the job search has to be pushed to the back burner as I try pass my classes and make it to graduation.
I'm pretty sure everyone has sprinted a few marathons in their day. Have you?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Ay, ¡Díos Mío! ¡Mis clases españoles!
Last night, or perhaps more accurately this morning, as a stared blankly at my computer screen, I cursed the day I ever decided to double major in Journalism and Spanish. As I worked on my first of three 6+ page Spanish papers due before I graduate, I was fuming. Why did I decide to do this? It wasn't like I had to do it to graduate. I could have coasted through school, only taking 12 hours each semester starting my junior year. Then I stopped myself.
I decided to double major in Spanish because I love it! In theory, I enjoy speaking in Spanish (constantly and much to the annoyance of my friends and family) and wanted to improve my language skills. PLUS, how baller would it be to be fluent in a foreign language? After spending summer 2008 in Spain, I was ready to drop of college and live there forever. So, at the beginning, majoring in Spanish seemed like a great idea.
Now, in the middle, I hate it. Well, I don't hate Spanish, I just hate all the work. But, I have to remind myself that all that work is going to be worth it. Based on my past experiences, in the end, I am fairly certain that I will be happy I decided to do it. After thinking about this some more I realized, this has a been a constant theme throughout my life.
I look back at my high school swimming experience and see the same pattern. I was ready to be part of a team, exhausted and frustrated in the middle of it (being in the pool two times a day for almost eight hours will take it out of you), and cried when swim season was over. At the risk of sounding cliché, being a part of my high school swim team has made me a stronger, better person. To this day, no matter how exhausted I am, I remember my days in the pool and know that I can make it through anything.
I think that this is more than something that just happens to me, it is a universal pattern in life. With anything that requires extra time and effort, we are excited to start, frustrated in the middle, and exhilarated by the end. As I prepare to graduate, I wonder when I will face this pattern again. Up to this point, there has always been a definite end in sight. Now, an entire future lies ahead of me.
Have you seen this pattern in your life?
I decided to double major in Spanish because I love it! In theory, I enjoy speaking in Spanish (constantly and much to the annoyance of my friends and family) and wanted to improve my language skills. PLUS, how baller would it be to be fluent in a foreign language? After spending summer 2008 in Spain, I was ready to drop of college and live there forever. So, at the beginning, majoring in Spanish seemed like a great idea.
Now, in the middle, I hate it. Well, I don't hate Spanish, I just hate all the work. But, I have to remind myself that all that work is going to be worth it. Based on my past experiences, in the end, I am fairly certain that I will be happy I decided to do it. After thinking about this some more I realized, this has a been a constant theme throughout my life.
I look back at my high school swimming experience and see the same pattern. I was ready to be part of a team, exhausted and frustrated in the middle of it (being in the pool two times a day for almost eight hours will take it out of you), and cried when swim season was over. At the risk of sounding cliché, being a part of my high school swim team has made me a stronger, better person. To this day, no matter how exhausted I am, I remember my days in the pool and know that I can make it through anything.
I think that this is more than something that just happens to me, it is a universal pattern in life. With anything that requires extra time and effort, we are excited to start, frustrated in the middle, and exhilarated by the end. As I prepare to graduate, I wonder when I will face this pattern again. Up to this point, there has always been a definite end in sight. Now, an entire future lies ahead of me.
Have you seen this pattern in your life?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
What about Cuba?
Last Wednesday afternoon, I called my mom for our daily chat on my walk home from class. Usually, this conversation consists of updates, questions and generally friendly conversation. Today was different.
After our regular salutations, I dove straight into the purpose of my call. "Why didn't you ever tell me about Cuba?" I asked in a slightly heated tone. She, like any normal person, responded, "What are you talking about?"
Without a pause, I continued, "The Balseros, the Marielitos, all the people who died trying to get to America." With other end of the line silent, I began to explain my current distress.
As I was working on a presentation for my Teatro Cubano (Cuban Theater) Spanish class, I was stunned to find that in 1994 thousands died trying to get to America. No one told me! This shock was the culmination of a semester of confusion and frustration academically. Cuba is America's closest island neighbor, but my generation knows nothing about it. We received a spotty, one-sided perspective of the revolution that was skewed by an anti-communist sentiment.
With Cuban relations back in the media spotlight, I have begun to realize I don't know know enough about the country to form any type of educated opinion. This got me to thinking, what else did I miss throughout my 16 year education?
After 12 years in the Johnson County, KS public school system and 4 years at the University of Missouri, I had never really questioned the quality of my education. In fact, I would venture to say that I have received a better education than 95% of Americans and 99.99% of the world.
BUT...I haven't learned everything I needed to. Blue Valley and Mizzou aren't to blame, though. I blame inherent flaws in our education system. We aren't taught recent history. Sure, I know that Bill Clinton ran against Bob Dole sometime in the 90s (I lived in Kansas, remember), but that is about it. My education about US history stopped at around 1980. Plus, even if I had been taught recent US History, I'm not sure I would have gotten the whole story.
After our regular salutations, I dove straight into the purpose of my call. "Why didn't you ever tell me about Cuba?" I asked in a slightly heated tone. She, like any normal person, responded, "What are you talking about?"
Without a pause, I continued, "The Balseros, the Marielitos, all the people who died trying to get to America." With other end of the line silent, I began to explain my current distress.
As I was working on a presentation for my Teatro Cubano (Cuban Theater) Spanish class, I was stunned to find that in 1994 thousands died trying to get to America. No one told me! This shock was the culmination of a semester of confusion and frustration academically. Cuba is America's closest island neighbor, but my generation knows nothing about it. We received a spotty, one-sided perspective of the revolution that was skewed by an anti-communist sentiment.
With Cuban relations back in the media spotlight, I have begun to realize I don't know know enough about the country to form any type of educated opinion. This got me to thinking, what else did I miss throughout my 16 year education?
After 12 years in the Johnson County, KS public school system and 4 years at the University of Missouri, I had never really questioned the quality of my education. In fact, I would venture to say that I have received a better education than 95% of Americans and 99.99% of the world.
BUT...I haven't learned everything I needed to. Blue Valley and Mizzou aren't to blame, though. I blame inherent flaws in our education system. We aren't taught recent history. Sure, I know that Bill Clinton ran against Bob Dole sometime in the 90s (I lived in Kansas, remember), but that is about it. My education about US history stopped at around 1980. Plus, even if I had been taught recent US History, I'm not sure I would have gotten the whole story.
Monday, April 20, 2009
What is "The Final 30 days"
In 30 days, I will officially become an alumni of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism in the Media Convergence sequence, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Minor in Business. While some people feel that college graduation means they are finally "Home Free," I fear that for me it will mean that I am "Without a Home."
Over the past four years at Mizzou, I have made lifelong friends (and quite a few future bridesmaids), developed a love for learning and grown as a leader and individual. While I am excited about the unknown that lies ahead, I am also nervous to leave the home I have made here in Columbia.
There is no doubt in my mind the next 30 days will be an emotional roller coaster. This blog is an opportunity for me to further develop my voice as a writer and shine light onto the struggles and excitement that graduating seniors face this May. Follow me as I search for a job, wrap up my college education and say goodbye to my current home.
Over the past four years at Mizzou, I have made lifelong friends (and quite a few future bridesmaids), developed a love for learning and grown as a leader and individual. While I am excited about the unknown that lies ahead, I am also nervous to leave the home I have made here in Columbia.
There is no doubt in my mind the next 30 days will be an emotional roller coaster. This blog is an opportunity for me to further develop my voice as a writer and shine light onto the struggles and excitement that graduating seniors face this May. Follow me as I search for a job, wrap up my college education and say goodbye to my current home.
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