Staying true to Yourself
11:01 AM | 
Posted by
lkmiller1014
So now the real beginning… I cannot say with complete certainty when the idea came to me, I can assure you I was in the midst of procrastinating or going to bed. With another chapter of my life soon coming to a close, I am no longer able to put off and avoid the future that is readily approaching. Although I have had decent work experience through my college years, I along with many other students, are finding ourselves in a seemingly sinking ship of opportunities. As I have written before however, I will not give up hope. Persistence and perseverance is the key to success.
Another key to success is keeping true to who you really are. For me, this process involves a lot of reflection and digging to uncover any part of my identity that has gotten lost or buried in these four years of college. I remember my last graduation which marked the begging of my current journey about to end. It was a time when all that mattered was getting out of my house and finally being able to declare independence. Something strange occurred that I was not exactly prepared for however. Those parents and life I was trying to leave have continued to stay a big part of my life, and although I don’t like to admit it, they do influence the decisions I make. Finding the right balance between your own self identity and the life your parents want you to have is a struggle that many students have to deal with, especially in our economy where the options of finding a dream job are limited.
Having already gone through the process themselves, I understand why they want to make sure their two cents get heard. Although your parents may be the source you trust the most, they may not be the most objective, and or realistic. Remember that you are not your parents, and you know yourself better than anyone else. While in the process of obtaining information about possible career options, try to reference a source that allows YOU to decide what is best. I am not saying to ignore what your parents have to say, just take it with a grain of salt and always, remember to breathe.
Students Travel for a Higher Purpose
Hello my name is Allison Commentz, and I'm new to The Rainmaker Network staff. My new position for the Rainmaker Network is the Special Events Coordinator. I have a background in Recreation and Leisure Studies and I am excited to put my studies to work. I will be bringing you frequent updates on travel, leisure, and all the good things in life...and how to do it as green as possible!
Students travel all over the world while working on their education for a variety of different reasons; some students travel to experience a new culture, some to build their resumes, some to fulfill course requirements, some to build relationships and expand their network. But students usually have one common element when they are traveling; they are traveling for a higher purpose.
Today when students travel they want more then what meets the eye. The student population desires a bigger personal fulfillment beyond just seeing a new place in the world. As a student traveler myself, I would say that students over all like doing things to help others while they are traveling. When students reach out during their travels it enriches and develops their experience. Not only do the cultures and people benefiting from the students helping hands but the students benefit by making deeper connections to the cities they travel to. When students Go Philanthropic (change the way they see the world), they are leaving a positive footprint for the rest of the world to discover. Students can look back on their travels and know that they made a difference in that cultural community whether it was by bringing school supplies for deprived children, purchasing souvenirs from the local people, or staying with a local family in their home over a hotel chain who’s money leaks back to the original outside corporations.
One way to expand philanthropic travel even more is by educating students before they travel anywhere. Educate them on the different things they can do for that specific country they are traveling to and tell the students the benefits of philanthropic travel and what a huge difference they can make today. Students are more aware of their impact on the environment than most other dimensions of travel therefore, they are willing to take the time while they travel and give to others and make that positive footprint.
So when you plan on traveling, travel in a philanthropic way!
Special Thanks to Val Vanderpool at Sustainable Travel International read more about them at http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/
For more information about Go Philanthropic visit http://www.gophilanthropic.com/
Which job would you take?
Once you get an offer... is it ok to say NO?
You said NO to a full time job with benefits?!?! It seems like that should be a sin in our downward economy. But, even in this market that is a problem I have faced…
When should I say yes (or no) to a job?
I have stayed in touch with my friends since college and we are all dealing with the same issues. Sending out what seems like a million resumes and hearing back from only a few places, trying to find a paid position that will support us, deciding where and, basically, how to live. . . . surviving. Now, after a few months of job searching one of my friends is successfully talking to 2 companies!
Here's the deal:
Company 1: Contemporary Classic American Clothing Company
Full time position with benefits as a manager in charge of an entire store’s sales, visual displays and daily operations, BUT they have not officially offered it. It is TENTATIVE. Which means she could wait from a day, to a month, or even up to 5 months until it becomes an official offer.
Company 2: Luxury Accessory Company
Part-time position in retail where she would be working with the visual display co-ordinator for the next couple of months, at which point 2 jobs are opening in the management position she is working towards. The company always hires from within and has a lot of room for growth. Even better yet, there are opportunities for international experience in the future.
Facing those options, my friend looked to her friends and family for advice / opinions on the decision. What it came down to was: Which choice would be more in line with her interests? Where would she be more passionate? (She‘s leaning toward the Luxury Accessory Company due to her French background and love for the company and the opportunities it holds for future growth.)
Now, I find that one of the hardest decisions is actually saying YES to a job…any job. It feels like once you say yes you have committed to a serious relationship and have locked yourself into a situation in which there is no backing out. Well, what I’ve discovered is that people say yes everyday and then change their minds within months of accepting. So don't feel like you’re making a 10 year commitment to stay on when you go to work for your first “career” company. Instead, explore your options and go for the place that can give you the best experience. And be sure to ask yourself – How hard will I work for a job that I’m not really that psyched about?
Don't be afraid to shop around and ask friends and family what they think. But remain objective while taking all opinions into consideration. Ultimately it is YOUR career and YOUR commitment.
In the mean time, work at boutique, restaurant, bar, camp, computer store, bookstore, coffee shop, pizza place or anywhere else you like the atmosphere until you figure out where you fit in best….enjoy your career search!
The Rainmaker Network Supports Up ‘til Dawn!
We recently attended and supported an amazing cause at California State University of Long Beach called Up ‘til Dawn. This is a student organization that raises money for the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This organization works hard all year to put on one large and exciting event for the student population. This year the event was hosted at CSULB on March 12, 2009. Up ‘til Dawn made history on their campus by hosting the first all night event in the Student Union. The entertaining night consisted of DJs, local bands, balloon artists, a bounce house, food vendors, fashion vendors and most importantly letter writing. There were over 300 students that came to address prewritten donation request letters to their family and friends. Up ‘til Dawn raised about $1,500 just at the door on registration fees. The donations being brought in by the student’s letters is still rolling in day by day, and as of today the total is $10,254.
We have been involved with Up ‘til Dawn since September of 2008. We had a booth at the overnight event where students were able to ask questions and find out more about our service. We also donated 5 free memberships to the raffle that students could enter at the event. Lance also helped create an awesome film that was shown at the event highlighting students true life connections to St. Jude and educating the campus about St. Jude and their mission!