Transform: 1) to change the form or appearance of 2) to change the condition, character, or function. 5) in physics, to change (one form of energy) into another.
During these past two weeks I have witnessed my own personal and professional transformations right before my eyes. I have gone from a woman with a dream to being on the precipice of actually living it. Throughout this process I have transformed negativity into positivity. This has been hard because it forces me to confront some of my issues such as pride, insecurity and impatience (well, I am still working on this!) The BEA interviews help me realize the benefits of not just acknowledging but proactively changing my behavior. If I hadn’t swallowed my pride and resided in the dorm that I would had never discovered my own personal strength. It took a lot because perception used to be everything to me. More importantly I had to confront my math fears head on because I came to the point where the unknown would not suck the life of my economist dreams. Thus far I scored 85, 92 and 80 on the first three exams; and, even though I entered today’s classroom a little unsure about my performance on the fourth test, I exited feeling confident in a weird way. Somehow it all connected: variation, logarithms and exponential functions. Outlining every section in chapters 9 and 10 paid dividends because I wanted to score over 100 badly. This was my opportunity and even though I was unable to attend one class session because of the interview, I refused to squander it!
My current job has aided in my transformation because it has allowed me to become more diligent, to develop and execute a financial empowerment plan and provide the transfer payment knowledge to secure the economist position. This job has also taught me patience and how to rebound from making mistakes. My financial empowerment plan has provided an economic cushion that afforded me the interview, hotel accommodations, and airfare to live out my dream.
Presently my graduate financial aid has been approved and I have received my room assignment. Monday I will call my financial aid counselor to apply my aid to my tuition and room and board to ensure that everything is down pat by this Friday. In addition, I have worked overtime to supplement my income regarding any travel expenses such as storage and shipping. Honestly, I cannot see taking anything but clothes in my suitcase.
Transcend: 1) to go beyond the limits of; exceed 2) to be superior to; surpass; excel.
My good nature and positive energy transcend boundaries and have opened many doors which I had thought to be closed. Early last week upon learning of my ineligibility for CSU summer housing, I received a pleasant surprise that my room and board have been assigned to me. And, it is the hall with a separate bathroom! :)
As a person I want to transcend the landscape and become more positive during the process. My educational advocacy and voting rights are deeply rooted in transcension and transformation. One of my professional goals is to save the $10,000 needed to endow a scholarship; and, this provides a generous salary to accomplish this feat. In addition, I am happy to start in May because after one year, I will receive a pay increase allowing me to contribute more to this endowment.
Advance: 1) to bring or move forward. 2) to suggest. 3) to further; promote 4) to cause to happen earlier. 5) to raise the rate of (v.i) 1) to go forward. 2) to improve, progress, develop. (n) moving forward.
Continuing my MA Economics in Washington, DC is a surefire way to advance my career because my employer partnership with this university to offer an econometrics program. Earning my degree here allows me to expand my network. Today I have contacted numerous organizations where I possess membership here in Cleveland and have located upcoming events and have requested information regarding their chapters. My advancement goals are the following: 1) to excel as an Economist by completing my one-year probationary period; 2) graduate May 2007 with honors and an MA in Economics degree; 3) to expand my professional network and to publish at least two papers by graduation to boost my professional profile and command a higher salary. I believe that I possess the character traits to not just survive but thrive and succeed in Washington, DC.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The Inside Track II
Fretting over the answer won't make the other person give it to you any faster -- in fact, just the opposite might be the case. Believe it or not, their high degree of interest is what's causing the delay.
Today the federal agency’s hr enthusiastically responded about my May start date and the graduate economics department has registered me for the summer session. Okay. Then a monkey wrench was thrown in my plan: I emailed the math professor about enrolling in pre-calculus. I included that I currently resided in Cleveland; and his reply was that I must notify him on or two days in advance to take the placement exam. Hello! Cleveland to DC is 300 miles. Like I could come up with this kind of money at the drop of hat! Luckily I found another graduate economics class to obtain the requisite six hours to qualify for summer aid. However, the lack of math still presented a problem, but it would probably be resolved by enrolling in the local community college. Anything is cheaper than paying $989 per credit hour!
Also I have located the AU pre-calculus book at the Cleveland Public Library and Saturday I will withdraw it and begin preparing for the math placement exam. Trigonometry is my weak spot so I will work on it to ensure that I am successful in scoring high enough to be accepted into pre-calculus.
On a happier note, the economics professor mailed my add-on class sheet that I slipped underneath his door last Friday so today wasn’t totally wacky. A little pressure never hurts nothin’.
Today the federal agency’s hr enthusiastically responded about my May start date and the graduate economics department has registered me for the summer session. Okay. Then a monkey wrench was thrown in my plan: I emailed the math professor about enrolling in pre-calculus. I included that I currently resided in Cleveland; and his reply was that I must notify him on or two days in advance to take the placement exam. Hello! Cleveland to DC is 300 miles. Like I could come up with this kind of money at the drop of hat! Luckily I found another graduate economics class to obtain the requisite six hours to qualify for summer aid. However, the lack of math still presented a problem, but it would probably be resolved by enrolling in the local community college. Anything is cheaper than paying $989 per credit hour!
Also I have located the AU pre-calculus book at the Cleveland Public Library and Saturday I will withdraw it and begin preparing for the math placement exam. Trigonometry is my weak spot so I will work on it to ensure that I am successful in scoring high enough to be accepted into pre-calculus.
On a happier note, the economics professor mailed my add-on class sheet that I slipped underneath his door last Friday so today wasn’t totally wacky. A little pressure never hurts nothin’.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Arrival
No matter how much you may want to tie this loose end up into a fancy bow, it just won't do it. Write this one off and move onto the next project. The lessons you learned here will bring you success later.-Horoscope
I have decided not to go to microeconomics tonight because my energy is zapped and that course requires my full attention and nerves; and, since I have neither the nerves nor the stamina, I refuse to sit through two hours’ worth of rants! This decision is mutual exclusive of receiving good news of the Economist job offer. Besides I have family to notify and I can devote myself to resting and relaxing since Saturday’s jetlag has yet to wear off completely.
Right now I am implementing an exit strategy which is to exude professionalism at both work and school because my exit is just as important as my entrance. My academic goal is still to achieve a 4.0 grade point average in all classes. Professionally, I will still clear all cases.
Later tonight I will begin discarding what I do not want to take with me. My goal is to get rid of everything from the winter since DC is a warmer climate and I will be building my wardrobe (and emergency fund, too!)
I have decided not to go to microeconomics tonight because my energy is zapped and that course requires my full attention and nerves; and, since I have neither the nerves nor the stamina, I refuse to sit through two hours’ worth of rants! This decision is mutual exclusive of receiving good news of the Economist job offer. Besides I have family to notify and I can devote myself to resting and relaxing since Saturday’s jetlag has yet to wear off completely.
Right now I am implementing an exit strategy which is to exude professionalism at both work and school because my exit is just as important as my entrance. My academic goal is still to achieve a 4.0 grade point average in all classes. Professionally, I will still clear all cases.
Later tonight I will begin discarding what I do not want to take with me. My goal is to get rid of everything from the winter since DC is a warmer climate and I will be building my wardrobe (and emergency fund, too!)
Monday, April 17, 2006
Sticky Situations
I am go glad to share the ups and downs of my Easter weekend today on this Easter Monday!
My economist went well. It afforded me the opportunity to seriously advance my career. Leaving the office last Thursday at 3:00pm allowed me to catch the earlier 5:15pm flight instead of the scheduled 6:45pm one which was great for me because by 8:02pm, my original arrival time it was pitch black. My hotel room was magnificent but extremely small. My dorm room was twice its size and more than half its cost (however, I mustn’t be picky because it was located in downtown Washington, DC, one block from the interviewing site so that was an added bonus.) As I settled in and ordered room service for the first and last time because it cost $23.00 (I mean I have money but dang!), I watched as my Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks! And prepared for Friday’s interview.
As I awoke nervous but overcome with anticipation I continued to summarize the information the interviewers sent me via email. I asked the front desk attendant for directions to my interview then proceeded one block down that street where I signed in received a visitor badge and the primary interviewer met and escorted me to his office where he outlined my schedule: five interviews with five different divisions within the agency. Initially I thought that this agency was different but not diverse; however, by the second round my opinion changed dramatically (who knew that this federal agency had a public information office and talked to the press!). The third interviewer mentioned in the beginning our email exchange which boost my confidence level and increased my comfort level. The added bonus occurred when I asked questions related to the material, she was surprised that I actually paid attention (The fifth interviewer repeated this sentiment much to my delight! :) After which she walked me to my fourth interview which was my personal favorite because the program manager was so energetic (especially about George Mason’s Final Four run!) that if hired, his division would be one of my top choices. I could really envision myself working under him.
After a nasty lunch at Thomas Circle, though the service was good so I did tip the servant, I returned for what I though would be my interview; however, after my fifth interview with the regional division (with the economist would supplied an abundance of hr information as well as information about the agency and American University. I am extremely grateful!), I met with his boss, the chief who discussed national income accounting. Immediately the flood damage reduction paper that I had written for the cancelled Regional Economist interview popped into my head, and I affirmed that I not only knew about the 1993 Systems of National Accounts but my graduate economic program taught it (I received major brownie points for this response!) He later discussed area graduate economic programs that would enhance my understanding of econometric and statistics. Lucky me some of those programs are at American University! Then out of the blue, my primary interviewer came and informed me that because of my interviewing performance and transfer payment knowledge on my job (I did not compute entering welfare and public assistance data with Cuyahoga County as a transferable skill to be used with this agency; but, then I realized that Medicare is a transfer payment and thereby, qualified me for this economist position) with him, he thought that another interview with a member of his staff would be a great fit for me (I nearly fell out because his assertion sounded as if I had the job. Though I heard this statement made to me either directly or indirectly during past interviewers, when the chief economist proclaimed it, by golly, you had the job! :). Of course I discussed with him my qualifications and the possibility of working in that division. As this interview concluded I headed back to my hotel room with a spring in my step! All of the sacrifices, trials and tribulations had been washed away, because I felt with the fullest conviction that I scored the Economist job!
Realizing that it was late afternoon and that American University was still open while in my room, I immediately called the graduate economics department to complete some additional paperwork because this will be the only time that I could meet with people face to face. This is an opportunity which must be seized. Taking the blue line to Metro Center then transferring to the Red Line going to Shady Grove, I made my way to AU-Tenleytown where I caught the shuttle to the university and made my way to Roper Hall. Yes, I got lost but hey I still made it only to be met with a lowly student worker who snapped at me because there wasn’t any air condition (not my problem!). Still I made my way up to Professor Park’s door to write him a letter about signing my add-on slip and attached my stamp (I apologized for not envelope, my decision was so spur of the moment. At least I paid postage.) and letter then slid them underneath the door. Returning on the AU campus shuttle to the red line stop, I traveled to Dupont Circle to Chipotle (my favorite DC eatery from my Washington Center internship days. Eating the burritos made me feel nostalgic) and returned home where I showered, relaxed, wrote thank you letters and repacked for Saturday’s flight.
Saturday I slept in a little then proceeded to Kinko’s to type the letters. But, the room service bill, arrived first with a $15 charge attached to my original charge. Immediately I went to the front desk where I contested the charge. The attendant opened the room charges and upon seeing the error corrected it. Later I walked to the Kinko’s. In two hours, my $15 budget hemorrhaged to $37 (without stamps). At least the customer service representative provided real customer service as she helped me pry my disk from the A drive. Afterward, I walked to the Martin Luther King, Jr. post office which had plexi-glass everywhere (as a Cleveland resident I was not used to this. Even the ghetto post office did not have plexi-glass!). I bought ten stamps and one envelope to my add-on interview and dropped them off into the bin. After this I wrote a letter to myself on the hotel stationery and mailed it to myself then walked to McPherson Square where I caught the blue line to Reagan National Airport to board my Washington DC-Cleveland flight.
The flight attendant was happy and resource. My trip was dream until the cab driver ripped me off by taking me to the East 9th exit instead of the East 22nd and demanded full payment. I electronically filed my complaint on the airport’s customer service website. Then Easter Sunday, the front desk attendant was reading my paper, filled out the crossword puzzle and farmed out my sports section to the cook by lying to him about whose paper it really was (Why of all days, Easter Sunday!). To make matters worse, I had to walk up ten flights of stairs because the elevators were out. Rats! (But I am proud of the fact that I didn’t curse on Easter Sunday!)
With a weekend like that I was delighted to start my Monday off to a fresh start. The elevator that did work had me stuck on the second floor forcing me to walk down a flight. Then I complained about my paper and the ghetto bitch responded with (Are you sure it was yours? Well, it ain’t yours bitch!). I almost cursed her out but I calmly gave my name to the full-time employee who said that his supervisor would be notified. While at work the team lead taught us how to do a new clearing method (That was another curve thrown at me when all I wanted to do was do my same-ole work! No drama! That made me count the days until I was out of here!) However, calling American University provided a welcomed respite from this because the financial aid and graduate economic staff helped me immeasurably by giving me my AU identification number and registering me for the summer session. Arriving back at the dorm, the elevators were still out but I refused to walk up ten flights so I waited until one came.
Macroeconomics was the only bright spot today because I had rightly calculated that he would teach us chapter 9. Then at the end of class he mentioned our take home second midterm which threw me for a loop but at least I read the material. Now all I had to do was complete the study guide material by Wednesday which could be done. With all of the drama behind me, I am looking forward to Tuesday.
My economist went well. It afforded me the opportunity to seriously advance my career. Leaving the office last Thursday at 3:00pm allowed me to catch the earlier 5:15pm flight instead of the scheduled 6:45pm one which was great for me because by 8:02pm, my original arrival time it was pitch black. My hotel room was magnificent but extremely small. My dorm room was twice its size and more than half its cost (however, I mustn’t be picky because it was located in downtown Washington, DC, one block from the interviewing site so that was an added bonus.) As I settled in and ordered room service for the first and last time because it cost $23.00 (I mean I have money but dang!), I watched as my Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks! And prepared for Friday’s interview.
As I awoke nervous but overcome with anticipation I continued to summarize the information the interviewers sent me via email. I asked the front desk attendant for directions to my interview then proceeded one block down that street where I signed in received a visitor badge and the primary interviewer met and escorted me to his office where he outlined my schedule: five interviews with five different divisions within the agency. Initially I thought that this agency was different but not diverse; however, by the second round my opinion changed dramatically (who knew that this federal agency had a public information office and talked to the press!). The third interviewer mentioned in the beginning our email exchange which boost my confidence level and increased my comfort level. The added bonus occurred when I asked questions related to the material, she was surprised that I actually paid attention (The fifth interviewer repeated this sentiment much to my delight! :) After which she walked me to my fourth interview which was my personal favorite because the program manager was so energetic (especially about George Mason’s Final Four run!) that if hired, his division would be one of my top choices. I could really envision myself working under him.
After a nasty lunch at Thomas Circle, though the service was good so I did tip the servant, I returned for what I though would be my interview; however, after my fifth interview with the regional division (with the economist would supplied an abundance of hr information as well as information about the agency and American University. I am extremely grateful!), I met with his boss, the chief who discussed national income accounting. Immediately the flood damage reduction paper that I had written for the cancelled Regional Economist interview popped into my head, and I affirmed that I not only knew about the 1993 Systems of National Accounts but my graduate economic program taught it (I received major brownie points for this response!) He later discussed area graduate economic programs that would enhance my understanding of econometric and statistics. Lucky me some of those programs are at American University! Then out of the blue, my primary interviewer came and informed me that because of my interviewing performance and transfer payment knowledge on my job (I did not compute entering welfare and public assistance data with Cuyahoga County as a transferable skill to be used with this agency; but, then I realized that Medicare is a transfer payment and thereby, qualified me for this economist position) with him, he thought that another interview with a member of his staff would be a great fit for me (I nearly fell out because his assertion sounded as if I had the job. Though I heard this statement made to me either directly or indirectly during past interviewers, when the chief economist proclaimed it, by golly, you had the job! :). Of course I discussed with him my qualifications and the possibility of working in that division. As this interview concluded I headed back to my hotel room with a spring in my step! All of the sacrifices, trials and tribulations had been washed away, because I felt with the fullest conviction that I scored the Economist job!
Realizing that it was late afternoon and that American University was still open while in my room, I immediately called the graduate economics department to complete some additional paperwork because this will be the only time that I could meet with people face to face. This is an opportunity which must be seized. Taking the blue line to Metro Center then transferring to the Red Line going to Shady Grove, I made my way to AU-Tenleytown where I caught the shuttle to the university and made my way to Roper Hall. Yes, I got lost but hey I still made it only to be met with a lowly student worker who snapped at me because there wasn’t any air condition (not my problem!). Still I made my way up to Professor Park’s door to write him a letter about signing my add-on slip and attached my stamp (I apologized for not envelope, my decision was so spur of the moment. At least I paid postage.) and letter then slid them underneath the door. Returning on the AU campus shuttle to the red line stop, I traveled to Dupont Circle to Chipotle (my favorite DC eatery from my Washington Center internship days. Eating the burritos made me feel nostalgic) and returned home where I showered, relaxed, wrote thank you letters and repacked for Saturday’s flight.
Saturday I slept in a little then proceeded to Kinko’s to type the letters. But, the room service bill, arrived first with a $15 charge attached to my original charge. Immediately I went to the front desk where I contested the charge. The attendant opened the room charges and upon seeing the error corrected it. Later I walked to the Kinko’s. In two hours, my $15 budget hemorrhaged to $37 (without stamps). At least the customer service representative provided real customer service as she helped me pry my disk from the A drive. Afterward, I walked to the Martin Luther King, Jr. post office which had plexi-glass everywhere (as a Cleveland resident I was not used to this. Even the ghetto post office did not have plexi-glass!). I bought ten stamps and one envelope to my add-on interview and dropped them off into the bin. After this I wrote a letter to myself on the hotel stationery and mailed it to myself then walked to McPherson Square where I caught the blue line to Reagan National Airport to board my Washington DC-Cleveland flight.
The flight attendant was happy and resource. My trip was dream until the cab driver ripped me off by taking me to the East 9th exit instead of the East 22nd and demanded full payment. I electronically filed my complaint on the airport’s customer service website. Then Easter Sunday, the front desk attendant was reading my paper, filled out the crossword puzzle and farmed out my sports section to the cook by lying to him about whose paper it really was (Why of all days, Easter Sunday!). To make matters worse, I had to walk up ten flights of stairs because the elevators were out. Rats! (But I am proud of the fact that I didn’t curse on Easter Sunday!)
With a weekend like that I was delighted to start my Monday off to a fresh start. The elevator that did work had me stuck on the second floor forcing me to walk down a flight. Then I complained about my paper and the ghetto bitch responded with (Are you sure it was yours? Well, it ain’t yours bitch!). I almost cursed her out but I calmly gave my name to the full-time employee who said that his supervisor would be notified. While at work the team lead taught us how to do a new clearing method (That was another curve thrown at me when all I wanted to do was do my same-ole work! No drama! That made me count the days until I was out of here!) However, calling American University provided a welcomed respite from this because the financial aid and graduate economic staff helped me immeasurably by giving me my AU identification number and registering me for the summer session. Arriving back at the dorm, the elevators were still out but I refused to walk up ten flights so I waited until one came.
Macroeconomics was the only bright spot today because I had rightly calculated that he would teach us chapter 9. Then at the end of class he mentioned our take home second midterm which threw me for a loop but at least I read the material. Now all I had to do was complete the study guide material by Wednesday which could be done. With all of the drama behind me, I am looking forward to Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Day Before
You can learn a lot by employing a strategic silence, so bite down on any urges to blurt out what it is you know. You're not being manipulative -- you're simply playing your cards very close to your chest.-Today's Horoscope
Tonight is the day before I fly to Washington, DC to interview for the BEA Economist position. I am so psyched about receiving five interviews from everyone throughout the agency and the courteousness of every individual involved in the process. I believe that this time will be the charm and I will become an Economist because I no longer fear failure. I documented my feelings in a scholarship essay. This exercise made me reexamine myself and how I have grown and matured in just four short months. Prior to enrolling the math class and working for the county, I feared the unknown; however, I come to embrace it and look forward to every opportunity that comes my way.
Tonight is the day before I fly to Washington, DC to interview for the BEA Economist position. I am so psyched about receiving five interviews from everyone throughout the agency and the courteousness of every individual involved in the process. I believe that this time will be the charm and I will become an Economist because I no longer fear failure. I documented my feelings in a scholarship essay. This exercise made me reexamine myself and how I have grown and matured in just four short months. Prior to enrolling the math class and working for the county, I feared the unknown; however, I come to embrace it and look forward to every opportunity that comes my way.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Finding My Voice
As I walked through the door of my voice lesson, the professor demanded that I sing in the key of C. Though I hesitated, I delivered (I practiced yesterday for fifteen minutes. I will practice more especially since next week I will be in Washington, DC!). His excitement that I correctly sung the note meant a lot to me. This class provided me with a much-needed release from one math and two economics classes that have been frying my brain. Finding my Voice is important to discovering who I am.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Stand for Something
Prior to my microeconomics midterm I participated in a Voting Rights symposium where I met my aunt at the local community college. Voting rights is important to me and the event mentally preoccupied me throughout the day even though I knew that the test was later this evening. During my second break, I just decided to “Let and let God!” not because of inadequate preparation but because preserving my franchise was just as important!
I was elated that I delegated some of responsibilities because the economics midterm was easier than expected. The majority of the questions derived from the study guide! Therefore, I knew that my score would be higher than 17; however, if this format indicated anything it was that I needed to devote more time and energy towards fleshing out my notes immediately after class. Doing this during my study sessions helped me immensely because it allowed me to connect the ideas. After submitting my test, I asked the professor about any upcoming material. He mentioned that chapter 13 Monopoly would be next. Great! This provided another opportunity to reach my goal of scoring 27 on the final exam.
Many of the microeconomic lectures tied in with my macroeconomics lessons especially total product curves. Right after posting this blog entry and watching Living It Up with Patti LaBelle, I will begin reading macro chapter 7 and 8 to increase my 3.99 to a 4.00 (If I correctly answered just one more question, I would had achieved a perfect score!). Speaking of macroeconomics, yesterday we discussed the Solow residual model. The technology variable in particular interested me because I wanted to manipulate the equation further; however, the professor told me that for now just focus on the basics. Well, anyway. With my newly-minted AEA Journal in my bag, I researched the residual on the Internet because understanding the information is key towards real education.
I was elated that I delegated some of responsibilities because the economics midterm was easier than expected. The majority of the questions derived from the study guide! Therefore, I knew that my score would be higher than 17; however, if this format indicated anything it was that I needed to devote more time and energy towards fleshing out my notes immediately after class. Doing this during my study sessions helped me immensely because it allowed me to connect the ideas. After submitting my test, I asked the professor about any upcoming material. He mentioned that chapter 13 Monopoly would be next. Great! This provided another opportunity to reach my goal of scoring 27 on the final exam.
Many of the microeconomic lectures tied in with my macroeconomics lessons especially total product curves. Right after posting this blog entry and watching Living It Up with Patti LaBelle, I will begin reading macro chapter 7 and 8 to increase my 3.99 to a 4.00 (If I correctly answered just one more question, I would had achieved a perfect score!). Speaking of macroeconomics, yesterday we discussed the Solow residual model. The technology variable in particular interested me because I wanted to manipulate the equation further; however, the professor told me that for now just focus on the basics. Well, anyway. With my newly-minted AEA Journal in my bag, I researched the residual on the Internet because understanding the information is key towards real education.
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