My Blog’s First Anniversary: Wisdom

Wisdom:

The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight.
Common sense; good judgment: “It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things” (Henry David Thoreau).

The sum of learning through the ages; knowledge: “In those homely sayings was couched the collective wisdom of generations” (Maya Angelou).
Wise teachings of the ancient sages.
A wise outlook, plan, or course of action.

Today is my blog’s first anniversary. Throughout this year I have shared many highs and lows, aired my triumphs and dirty laundry (which I admit was at times sordid). During these past 365 days I have emerged wiser, and this wisdom bestowed upon my from this year’s experiences has taught me one thing: THAT THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES! None!

I have learned not to chase the fast bucks but to slowly build momentum that will allow me to realize my goals. This week I happily announced that I secured a full-time permanent government position; and, although it pays little, it will provide me with the requisite stability to payoff debt, finance my graduate education, build a retirement nest egg, save for homeownership and just plain have fun! Already I have decided to keep this position until May 2007 when I graduate with my Masters in Economics. This job combined with the student loan refund check will enable me to build, sustain and expand my professional network by joining and paying dues to economic organizations, present papers at conferences, use vacation pay to attend the 2006 Urban League Convention and have a real entertainment budget!

This realization has provided me with the wisdom and has empowered me to the extent that I anticipate typing my second anniversary journal entry on December 31, 2006. On that day I would be on the cusp of completing my Masters and closer towards achieving my career objective of becoming an Economist.

Though I have had some missteps, I will be the first to admit that I would NOT CHANGE anything!

I Need a Little Patience

At the new hire meeting today the human resources representative mentioned that our application must be reviewed then certified; and, upon the board’s approval my start date will be in late January 2006.

I guess that flustered me a little because yesterday I called the financial aid office to hold my loan refund check but the employee informed me that all checks were to be mailed to my permanent address. Well, I would be moving onto campus the same day and I really do need that check to purchase my books and supplies.

However, an idea popped into my mind while calling my last three employers to obtain the fax numbers for recommendations. Two of them are temporary agencies so I will call all temporary agencies and submit my new resume to them to be considered for employment from early January until my start date! Ingenious!

Immediately after the meeting, I called the graduate economics department regarding my registration. The secretary questioned why I needed to take such an advanced math class to which I responded that the professor said that I didn’t qualify for econometrics because quantitative analysis only satisfied the minimum requirements but was not a substitute for ECN 622. The conversation then turned to my taking precalculus and calculus. The secretary then responded that I should contact the mathematics office.

Afterward, I called the undergraduate office regarding taking the placement exams as a graduate student. That secretary mentioned that maybe not but I might have to enroll as a non-degree graduate student. Therefore, I should contact the graduate math department regarding this matter. She provided his email and I sent him an inquiry to ensure that this matter will be resolved prior to January 4, 2006, the date my students loans are disbursed.

All of this running-around-with-my-head-cut-off-like-a-chicken is getting to me especially during the holidays. However, I always remember that all I can control is my performance; and, with that I will focus on preparing for the comprehensive microeconomic and macroeconomic exams, type my scholarship applications and leave the rest on the altar!

Victory!

Victory: 1) final supremacy in battle of war. 2) an instance of this. 3) success in any struggle involving the defeat of an opponent, etc.

Finally, I am victorious by receiving a full-time position with benefits! No temporary agency necessary! : )

Great News!

Great News! A HR person emailed me regarding an Economist application apologizing for her tardy response to which I replied that I was happy to hear from her. Then she sent me an email stating that I would hear from her soon! Is that great or what?!

Okay today I am feeling a little cheap right now because I do have $20 remaining but I am debating whether or not I should blow all of it by seeing The Family Stone and purchase my personal items even though it is Bargain Monday? After consideration, I will just buy my personal items and save the remainder because remember I have a full-week ahead from the federal interview to tying up all of the loose ends before Christmas!

Circle of Light

Today’s phone interview was the BEST EVER! The three interviewers were affable, could laugh at themselves and were strong-minded people, just like moi! I emailed them their thank you letters because a decision would be made tomorrow and honesty, I would like to work there!

The graduate economics administrative assistant is a godsend for bestowing wonderful advice regarding the application process.

• On registering for classes: GO to financial aid first (I mentioned my decision to reside on campus). Plus, I could register online.
• If financial aid rejects the undergraduate economics classes: the office could register me as a non-degree undergraduate,
• One telling the professor about auditing the economics course: DON’T. He doesn’t need to know. And, speaking about auditing, the lady gave me the exact same book that professor used this semester to prepare for the exams. How good is that? :)
  
  In addition, she notified me that she had mailed my acceptance letter yesterday and that I should receive it either today or Thursday. Great, now I can apply for internships, cooperative education and fellowships!
  
  Upon exiting the building and boarding the bus, the driver implored about school to which I responded, “I just came from Cleveland State.” He replied, “ Good and you should finish.” During the bus ride, an idea just popped into my head: to incorporate positive reinforcement at the end of each chapter to mentally assure myself of passing the comprehensive exams! Great idea!

Ridding Myself of Toxic People

This past weekend has provided me with much needed positive reinforcement to carry on throughout this week. Sunday’s Astrology.com gave me substantial proclamation “No matter where you are, don’t get comfy, because the universe isn’t done with you yet. Apparently, its your turn to be jolted out of a rut, and whether you’ve ready for it or not won’t matter your best bet? Resolved to be flexible. In addition, Joel Osteen’s sermon about ridding myself of toxic people to create a positive environment spoke to me and my trials and tribulations regarding my educational pursuits and the people around. He said that family members are the main people who discourage your dreams. How true this is! Afterward, I realized that I must move into the graduate dorm to focus on improving me. I am around a lot of toxic people. Yesterday, I mailed my $20 residence application because it is a priority that I remove myself from a negative situation.

A Sign

The interviewer grilled me mercilessly during the thirty minute Economist phone screen. Obviously, I didn’t know a lot about REITs and convertible bonds but I do like to fly J Well, I will send him a thank you letter. Maybe this was a sign because I have another Economist phone interview with a County government. At least, I can prepare for two more interviews: one with Active Health Management and the other with the County Government. This time, I will be prepared!

Find a Way

Lo and behold. Look what the wind blew in! My employer finally contacted me for a job. I was amazed because honestly I didn’t think that he would contact me for the remainder of the year. Well, now I have an opportunity to get some Christmas cash (I will earmark some of it towards CSU.)

Okay back to yesterday’s job interview. The county job was a panel interview with three supervisors. It went well because the first supervisor outright proclaimed that I would be a good fit for her department because of my skill set. That remark blew me away. However, the moment immediate after the interview outshined it by far.

About two weeks ago, an television investigative reporter caught some employees using popsicle sticks messing with meters to park for free. Not only did I see one of the culprits but she had her arm in a sling (I silently wondered if her injury was a direct result of the popsicle? Ha-ha.

Patented

Today I enrolled in a Patent Searching class offered by the public library. It was extremely informative and improved my understanding about this area, because I was always fascinated with the work behind it. There is at least a 27-month process from submittal to issuing one. Interesting?!

Well, this learning course also offered free computer time, which I am taking advantage of because the library restricts each patron to two hours per day. Of course, I have located numerous economist job vacancies, which of course, I am applying; however, I will tie up loose ends by Friday!


Later today, I have an interview with for the civil service exam position. I believe that I will get the job because I scored so high plus I am friendly and possess great customer service and typing skills! If I receive this job, I will keep it for the duration of my graduate studies then upon receiving my degree will post out into another position. Maybe an Officer one! However, I know that I will achieve great things this time around.

Afterward, I will type the Administrator a thank you letter to ensure that I am considered for this position.

The Art of Winning

Today I called the graduate economics program in regards to the two emails that I sent the department. These correspondences were about my graduate coursework that I took at another college. The secretary acknowledged the oversight then confirmed that my application had been resent to the committee for approval. Great. That meant I would only have to take one economics course and calculus! Afterward this confirmation, I made a follow-up call with a potential employer regarding the civil service test and interview. The office representative scheduled me for an afternoon interview. I was so psyched because I knew that I would secure this position.

And now while at the Harvard-Lee library, another employer contacted me to schedule a phone interview for next week. Of course, I immediately responded because I need all of the leads that I can obtain! Also, I will complete my Secretary application to qualify for more federal jobs located here in Cleveland.

A Thank You Letter Goes A Long Way

I nailed the job interview! Both recruiters mentioned how much they loved my thank you letters and one even blurted out that “ when you get this position” then promptly corrected herself by stating “ if you get this position” Ha! The thank you letters gave me brownie points. At the conclusion of the interview, they asked me about my availability to which I responded: I am available to start this week!

Right now I am mailing my thank you letters for conducting my interview to ensure a lock on this position! :)

Acceptance!

Cleveland State University has accepted me into its spring 2006 class! Even though I have to iron out some of the kinks regarding transferable courses, I am nonetheless, ecstatic that I will be pursuing my M.A. in Economics! All of the my prayers have been answered. Now I am fully engaged in writing scholarships, requesting financial aid and preparing for my next step!

Remembering Rosa Parks

Today, Thursday, December 1, 2005, marks the fiftieth anniversary commemorating Rosa Parks’ simple defiance of refusing to give her bus seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus. I knew this but was still fumbling through my email to locate the event information to be there on time. Even though I do not have any work today, I wouldn’t stroll down there in jeans; therefore, I dressed appropriately in professional dress and stockings and made my way to the program.

Having just returned from the Cleveland, Ohio ceremony held at the City Hall Rotunda. Both the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, the county public transportation company, and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission were in attendance as well as a series of speakers; however, the most important person was the keynote speaker, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Chairwoman of the Foreign Service Institute’s Middle East Area Studies. Hailing from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, she served as a mother of two children and a Foreign Service Officer and her speech helped me realize that I too could ascend the ranks of power. After the ceremony, I discussed my career aspirations of seeking a foreign service position in Washington, D.C. She gave me her business card and told me to register for the foreign service exam. When I informed her that I took the exam but didn’t pass, she confided that she didn’t pass the first time and to not become discouraged. Also, email her about any additional opportunities. Of course, I will email her today to ensure that I realize all potential opportunities, but, more importantly find a mentor. It was amazing that we both come from the same place and have the same interests and with some nurturing and supervision will be able to achieve these goals of becoming a Foreign Service Officer!