Getting over the Hump

Today has been nothing less than unpredictable and in a way that’s just the way I like it! Earlier this morning, the Volt representative called to inform me that the accounting firm wants to schedule an interview! Cool. Initially I sat in shock because those interviews were supposed to take place on November 14th and 21st, but I will take it. The most impressive thing throughout this process has been the advocacy and cheerleading that this Volt representative has had for me since the beginning. She has been extremely supportive and tomorrow will help me prepare for it.

This push and positive energy are necessary to endure the next collision: CVS pharmacy told me that 1000 pills will cost me $135! Yikes! Last time at the Bedford Heights CVS the same prescription cost $20 max. Immediately I called my doctor’s office and relayed the message to the secretary who also told me that this very pharmacy tried to report my doctor to the medical board for writing a 1000-pill subscription. Oh my goodness. This cannot be happening to me. After calling the secretary again, we both agreed to cancel the prescription and called the hospital’s pharmacy which provided the quote of $45.87. That’s more like it! I will pay the prescription with my own money which will hopefully arrive today. If not I will ask my mother for assistance. Thursday I will ask the secretary to have my doctor write another prescription for me because that episode was downright ridiculous!

More good news! The National Hook-Up for Black Women, Incorporated has notified me via email that it will send me a scholarship application to be eligible for its Chicago regional scholarship! This has made my day! In addition, to the two other scholarships offered by this organization, I qualify for all three! I will place my best foot forward to ensure that I run the table because I possess the credentials to successfully garner this money and really do want to attend graduate school debt-free!

Turnaround Tuesday

Earlier this morning, our electricity went out (luckily, it was warm, and, thus didn’t need the heat.); however, this was a precursor of what was to come. This incident interrupted my sleep disallowing me to catch any REM thereby making me late for my volunteer assignment. Upon arriving fifteen minutes late, I discussed the Holiday Spirit article highlighting our organization’s alcohol recovery programs. Then I later discovered that I had received an Internet account complete with Raiser’s Edge password and systems access. Also, I have my own computer and desk. Great! Finally, I am a member of the team. No more sharing computers. Then immediately a scare overcame me. Having been let go for breaking “Internet policy” I thought that this could be my Achilles heel. No matter I signed the contract and continued doing my work. Throughout the three-hour period, thoughts raced through my mind: “ What if I checked my email? “ Yet, I regained my focus and devoted my time and effort towards reviewing the files. At the end of my volunteering stint, I spoke with my supervisor to iron out any future details. She asked about my job hunt and I replied that I was interested in research while secretly thinking that I would like to have the Database Analyst job here if only I learned some more software. She said that she would keep a look out for me!

Upon exiting the building, I called my current employer regarding why he didn’t mail my paycheck. He remarked that he would do it right now; and, when I inquired about the other two jobs, he said that he didn’t need me for those tow and that he would call; thereby, ending my current working relationship with him which is okay because of how deviant and aloof he was regarding steady compensation. Yes, I know that I will be broke this upcoming December; however, I do feel that I will be accepted into Cleveland State University thereby qualifying me for all kinds of student employment, cooperative education and internships! Afterward, I called some more temporary agencies and asked that since this was late November/early December should I call next year? Most replied “yes”; therefore, letting me wash my hands of them; however one did not and said that she would call me back later (It is 2:40pm and that has yet to materialize!) These exchanges took me back to the conversation I had with my father yesterday about how employers don’t hire after Thanksgiving. For the last six years I don’t why I am a always in a rut at the end of the year; however, 2006 will be decidedly different because I will know what is in front of me!

Action!

The postal customer representative called me to apologize for the ignorance displayed by her fellow postal worker last week Wednesday. He was way out of character regarding his know-nothing attitude about the changes in postage rates. I am so happy that my compliant was takedn seriously because that entire situation was unnecessary!

This Week Monday

I have resting all last week from Thanksgiving onward enjoying my rest, family and catching all college football I could handle! Today has been a wonderful day. It’s sixty degrees, balmy and a welcomed respite from the artic air and snow that dominated last week. Also I have located and applied for another federal economist position. Hopefully, this week will be way better than last week especially regarding my employer. He didn’t mail my paycheck because he thought the bill was duplicate! I couldn’t believe this. However, his ignorance served as a reminder of whay I am returning to school: to achieve some kind of financial stability through cooperative education, internships, and assistantships. Remember, I only have to complete four graduate economic courses to qualify for the GS-7 Economist positions! This goal will be accomplished by August 2006! :) Also, I have just faxed my transcripts to complete the Economic Analyst and BLS Economist applications! I believe that I will have a full-time job that I love by late December/early January because of my commitment and effort.

Ask and You Shall Receive

Right after my first computer session, I called the community college technology recruiter regarding the proximity between online and offline course offerings. The lady kindly explained them to me then concluded the conversation by asserting to “call her in the event that I wanted to enroll in December 2005 courses just in case.” Wow! The power of positive communication! I will translate this towards my other job prospects because I believe that I have a lot to offer.

Take the Good with the Bad

This week, of course, is Thanksgiving and the one thing that I am extremely thankful for is for having a job. Even though it is part-time, this income allows me to plan my return to school. While watching today's Tyra Show, she discussed how she and her mother were in France and immediately after a couple ordered everything off of the menu at a Chinese restaurant, they stole some of the food from their table. Granted, I never had to beg like that, but her plight and success made me appreciative of the fact that I don't have it that bad; and, how I must capitalize upon everything I have.

Today the County Administrative Officer left a voicemail informing me that I passed all three sections of the Information Processor 1 battery with flying colors! However, I cannot locate my house key (I will find it eventually). This forces me to buy more trash bags, but also to become more organized (I am a little piggy at times. I admit! ) Now I must confront my pack-rattiness and discard anything that doesn't assist in moving me forward. I really do need to get rid of a lot of things, and what better way than now. If I am accepted to Cleveland State, I cannot bring all of this junk with me to the dorm; therefore, today I will throw out as many bags of trash as possible. This is will power and determination to clearly focus on my objectives of owning my own place and becoming an Economist and songwriter (I see these two ventures as part of my uniqueness.)

And more good news: I have checked my phone and saw a voicemail from another company which is interested in me from the Cleveland State University Career Fair. I am so happy that immediately after completing this session, I will return the recruiter’s phone call. That is remarkable especially since yesterday, I planned to apply to all of the employers in the Career Fair handout. I will still complete these plans to position myself to interview and land a job for the new year. It is all about planning and execution!

All is Right with the World

Ohio State beat Michigan 25-21 and all is right with the world! :) I can now watch WEWS 5 Sports Saturday tonight at 11:30pm. Viewing it wire-to-wire, I though during the third quarter that OSU might let this one get away; however, with one minute remaining, the team pulled out a victory! Now I have bragging rights on certain fellow YPers would rooted for Michigan (one even dared to wear her Michigan sweater in the middle of Buckeye Country. The nerve of her!)

Urban League Equal Opportunity Luncheon

The organization’s luncheon was magnificent replete with all of the movers and shakers of the black business community in attendance. As a Young Professional, our table was reserved (though it was in the back :(. However, all of my fellow YPers brought their camaraderie thereby providing a festive environment. The marketing co-chair and I discussed her graduate examination prep courses and data mining classes at CSU. Good, I responded that I received both CSU and Tri-C’s books within a two day period. Mentally I hoped that the online classess offered the same instruction and the offline ones since there were big price differentials. During the event, the keynote speaker noted that blacks comprised of only 6% of Greater Cleveland bachelor’s degree recipient. His remark floored me because I obtained both a bachelor’s and a master’s; so, did that statistic make me 1% of the population? Kind of scary! The event was pretty good (it always is when you do not pay yet still receive a ticket!) :)

Rebound

Today I have successfully rebounded from the travesties of earlier this week; and, will build upon this momentum throughout the remainder of this week. The Data Analyst phone interview wasn’t what I expected because the conversation left me a little insecure as to whether or not I would be receive an interview. However, the highlight of my day was calling the Rockwell Automation human resources representative and she’d actually remembered me from the CSU Career Fair three weeks ago! :) Also she told me to call her on November 28th regarding the position!

During my lunch break, a recruiter returned my voicemail and immediately discussed her concerns regarding my spotty work history and below-average grade point average. Well, though I provided her with straightforward explanations, they did little to totally convince her about selecting. Honestly, during this exchange I almost felt compelled to withdraw my application. Well, at least she was honest.

At least I have my BEA Economist applications!

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Omg! When I awoke this morning, little did I know what would be in store for me today! Of course, I knew that I would attend this social luncheon at a tony restaurant however the majority of my day was unscripted. I traveled downtown to deposit my check only for the teller to inform me that my employer didn’t sign the check! This is amazing and all the more reason why I need a full-time job. I am praying to God to deliver me from this situation. First he didn’t mail last week’s pay until Thursday and because Veterans Day was last Friday, I couldn’t deposit it until Saturday; therefore, the funds weren’t available until this past Tuesday! And, now this! I do not know about this one! I am going to conveniently make my exit because this is ridiculous! Immediately after being embarrassed at the bank, I headed over to my social function and of course, was the first one there. :) The eatery is one of three restaurants in the area serving Mediterranean cuisine, has a great reputation for food and service. All of the waiters speak both English and Spanish. However, when I asked to be seated in the reserved area, the waiter replied, “Excuse me, but I didn’t understand your English?!” Also unbeknownst to me the organization didn’t reserve my meal selection so I was forced to wait 15 minutes while everyone else ate. Plus I had to deal with this dude who was a first-rate jerk broadcasting all of his business around the room (He exclaimed that he only remembered this event ten minutes ago.”) Honestly, I didn’t think that I would return again.

After walking to the library, I logged onto the computer to reply to the bank email about relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina. The HR person tersely responded “ We aren’t considering you because we found a local candidate.” Bitch! I responded “ Thank you.” Nothing today has been going well for me and because I Can make my own hours, I will buy dinner and retire early.

And the Truth Shall Set You Free

As you can see, I have been blogging a lot today!

I have just told my mother that I have applied to Cleveland State University's Graduate Economics program; and, for some reason, I know that I have some explaining to do (given her awkward response.) Oh well, at least she has a heads-up about my situation. I do need to return to school to obtain my graduate economics degree to be more competitive.

Submission Complete

I have just mailed my Cleveland State University application to be considered for the Spring 2006 class. Immediately afterward, I returned to the library only to be cut in front of by some rogue teenager. But that's okay because I will still complete all of my tasks from searching for scholarships to planning the remainder of my day and tomorrow! :)

The majority of my day has been good and what more can I ask for?

More Economist Jobs!

Yippee! Today I have located and applied to more than six economist positions bringing November's total to over ten! And, this is only the 15th:) In addition, I have finished my Cleveland State University application and will copy it on bond paper and mail it today! As nervous as I am now, I believe that I will be accepted into Cleveland State because I have received my MBA from this institution!

I wish myself success, because luck runs out!

Speaking Truth Into Existence

Happy Birthday goes out ot my father, Ricardo Chavez Jenkins, who is 56 today! :)

Today I took a county battery test to be considered for the Information Officer position. These tests served as a barometer of our proficiency. Prior to taking this exam, a lady was proclaiming how she would not pass the test because she couldn’t type and that she’d hoped that I didn’t out-type her. I laughed her remark off because I was determined to excel on this test. Mentally I prepared myself to succeed; and, after the typing test, her words came to fruition. She was excused from continuing with the remaining test-takers because her error rate was too high. I truly believed the reason from her failure was that she spoke her own truth, albeit bad, into existence.

Though the three remaining tests were harder and I did not complete all of them, I felt that I would be considered for an interview because the test proctor mentioned that the group had to have 13 correct checking answers, 9 correct mathematic answers and 6 reading comprehension. Done! Upon the completion of those tests, I discussed my results with other participants and they mentioned how they initially had problems with the math section; however, their remarks weren’t as discouraging nor disparaging as the first lady’s; therefore, I believed that I would be victorious come Wednesday when I contact the administrator for my results. In the meantime, I would prepare for my next step.

Economic Research Paper Drama II

I have decided to write about my economic condition and research my purchasing power as a black woman college graduate rather than gas prices because the topic is something that I have more interested and can research more effectively. Plus because of all of my new commitments have extended my personal deadline to Friday, November 18, 2005. Also, writing this research will serve as a springboard to the ASA/BLS Fellowship paper due in December. Hah! Ingenious! I will get on this Monday.

Weekend Errands

Today I rose at 7am traveled to the bank , post office and now the library all before 10:30am. Whew! At least I have gotten everything out of the way from balancing my books to typing my graduate school candidacy letter, and now can enjoy the Ohio State game, writing my book and Cosmic Bowling!

For some reason I am feeling writing a book that encapsulates my life. I am so fullof ideas and with all of the good things that has happened to me, I believe that it is high time to share it with people! Hopefully, I can add graduate economic student to this list!

Next week will be big for me because I have a phone interview for the Data Analyst position, a administrative battery test, and three social events! I will keep my audience posted!

Wake Up Call

Right after returning from the Hostess Bakery, I took a shower then temporarily lost my eyeglasses by mistakenly placing them behind the toilet paper. I searched everywhere in my room to locate them because a temporary agency called me to submit my resume to be considered for placement, but I couldn’t find them! Prior to her call, I lazily watched television and planned to go to the library at 1pm; however, her phone call made me jump up and leave an hour earlier; or, at least so I thought. The appointment I made with the librarian I was forced to reschedule because I could had found them on time to catch my bus.

Though I am now embarrassed to admit such a thing, I am actually content with knowing that I was still on schedule. What would the circumstances be if I decided to leave on time and the same thing happened: I would had been screwed. The recruiter gave me a literal “wake up call” reminding me that I must be organized to realize every opportunity coming my way.

Economic Research Paper Drama

Okay. I have just received an email informing me to be considered for this Economic position that I must submit a 5-7 page economic paper. The problem is that I cannot locate any one of my disks that would have this information. Rats! So here I am conducting research from scratch. My personal deadline is Monday, November 14th. This should give me enough time to collect data and write three drafts. Wish me success because luck runs out!

Thank You Letters

Today rather run out of the house at the crack of dawn, I instead remained at home to call recruiters about the status of my job applications. Most were nice, a few weren’t but overall I did obtain a lot of information about the status of my apps. The majority of my economist applications were still in the decision making process and even though I didn’t receive consideration for the Idaho economist position, I could speak with the actual human resources representative regarding what my resume lacked(It turned out to be experience. Well, since I am working as a Report Writer, I am making up for this paucity of employment experience!) Also, for the Florida economist job, the recruiter mentioned that I was the number two choice however, number one had more experience. Okay, I believed that their feedback helped me reassess my employment priorities and reaffirmed why it is imperative that I submit my graduate economics application to Cleveland State University!

Update

Okay! Now it is time to bring my audience up to date. I have been extremely busy these past tow days from voting to checking the status of my job applications to chasing down my employer regarding my check (Once again, whenever he’s wrong, “I need to get a computer!”) After our exchange, I felt screwed that though I gave him my bill Saturday, he didn’t mail my check until Wednesday. The problem with this is that today is Thursday and I cannot deposit the check on Friday because it’s Veterans Day. Lucky me I have a stash but still. I am attending all of these career fairs to find a full-time or part-time job. Anything to get me away from him and this!

Update

Okay! Now it is time to bring my audience up to date. I have been extremely busy these past tow days from voting to checking the status of my job applications to chasing down my employer regarding my check (Once again, whenever he’s wrong, “I need to get a computer!”) After our exchange, I felt screwed that though I gave him my bill Saturday, he didn’t mail my check until Wednesday. The problem with this is that today is Thursday and I cannot deposit the check on Friday because it’s Veterans Day. Lucky me I have a stash but still. I am attending all of these career fairs to find a full-time or part-time job. Anything to get me away from him and this!

Real Time

After a heart-stopping play with time expiring, Brodney Pool intercepted Steve McNair's pass to defeat the Tennessee Titans 20-14. Whew! My heart almost stopped. Okay now I am ready to tell the blogger populance about my day!

Today I was applying for a federal government economist vacancy and emailed the representative that I have been experiencing problems with its QuickHire application. First another rep contacted me via email. Second, another rep called me regarding the issue. This is the same woman who called to inform me about my lack of graduate economic credit hours for a different economist position. (Coincidence, maybe.) Well, save the mishap at the Cleveland Foundation (its doors open at 12 noon on Mondays not 9:00. Oops! ) Thus far this morning, I have had a great day. Hopefully, I can keep this up!

Doing Too Much

Omg! While typing my cover letters for three federal positions, I have just realized that I do not have the mailing address to one and that I have virtually lost all of my Cleveland State University graduate economic application on a malfunctioning disk meaning that I must retype the cover letters. Well at least I have the remainder of today and the weekend to compsenate for this misadventure.

It Just Keeps Getting Better All of The Time

The Cleveland State University Career Fair was a rousing success! All of the business contacts, resumes, and new opportunities from knowing about the companies’ core competencies more than made up for an earlier spat. My best interview experience was with the Department of the Treasury Bureau of the Public Debt. The recruiter accepted both my resume and transcripts, told me that I would start the Financial Systems Analyst Career Intern position at GS-09 (which is a level above the GS-07 with Veterans Affairs). Though she would not return to her office until Monday, I am sending out my thank you letter today to ensure that she received it Monday. Furthermore, the recruiter mentioned that there was ONE position in Washington, D.C.; and, I will be the ONE individual who will land that position! The second best interview was with Goodyear Tire because even though I accidentally misplaced the Corporate Finance HR Manager’s business card (luckily, I found it), he still gave me his email address and proclaimed that as long as he had my resume I would be okay! The third best were the Deloitte and Ernst & Young whom provided me with HR Contact information plus phone numbers. Though there were some duds (two jobs closed that day) and some downright nasty representatives (an energy company shall remain nameless), overall, I had a very pleasurable experience.

Turning the Corner

Omg! What has just transpired is a bloggable because it coincides with another event that occurred two weeks to the day that a job counselor mentioned that I should employ the prisoner job search scheme towards finding gainful employment. After this conversation I have received some insider information and an opportunity to be on the receiving end of some good news!

The recruiter has called me regarding a federal vacancy that will be opening in the Cleveland area next week. The department has just received its funding for this position today and the man has contacted me to see if I want to be considered for this job. Okay a little backstory: I met this recruiter at the Cleveland Federal Executive Board career fair two weeks ago October 22, 2005. During our exchange, I told him that I applied for the agency’s Program Specialist position. Impressed he said that my insight was the reason why he is calling me. Throughout this conversation I am bewildered because this just cannot be happening! The recruiter has said that with my MBA I would start at a GS-7. However, me knowing that a Masters is at GS-9 pushed the envelope and inquired about the higher ranking to which he responded that this position starts at a GS-7 because it is a career intern/developmental post, therefore, I would initially qualify for the GS-7 level; however, after one year, I could be promote to GS-9. Of course, I have agreed and am in the process of writing him a thank you letter because I refuse to allow this opportunity to evade me!