Monday, January 29, 2007

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Although this is officially the third week of classes, I am still trying to get into the swing of things. I practically hate cracking open my calculus book (which is probably attributed to the fact that the professor taught all the way until 9pm making me miss my bus!), however, this is a necessary evil because I need this class to graduate with my M.A. in Economics. Afterward, I take calculus II and online statistics then rest for the remainder of the summer to avoid burnout.

During my hour plus ride on the yellow line (which was due to construction), I reevaluated attending doctoral school. I weighed the options of enrolling the economics program or receiving my DBA (though it would be easier since I already had an MBA and wouldn't taking prerequisite courses or require as much math). Even though it is January, already I need a vacation!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Extraordinary

Extraordinary (adj.)-1) not ordinary; out of the usual order. 2) going far beyond the ordinary degree, measure, limit, etc.; very unusual; remarkable. 3) outside of the regular staff; sent on a special errand.

I possess extraordinary talent and coupled with numerous opportunities yields innumerable prospects for me to soar higher beyond the stratosphere. After eight months as an economist, I am looking for a new challenge which is to earn SAS base certification. My next class is this Monday and I know that I have what it takes to pass the test. Furthermore, after one year here, I will seek SAS advanced certification to bolster my professional position. As this section’s residential programmer and data maintenance specialist (a new distinction that I won by aggressively seeking out the most challenging opportunities!), it is important to equip myself with the knowledge to better serve my constituents.

However, I want to venture even further by learning how to program in a foreign language. The remarks made by Bill Taggart from last year’s NBMBAA annual conference left an indelible imprint upon my psyche. He advocated that instead of traveling to Miami with my friends to spend some money going to emerging markets to build professional relationships. Since my birthday is in August, I chose Brazil because its population is nearly 300 million people and has a lot of foreign direct investment pouring into the county. The software company has a country-specific Portuguese site and come spring quarter I will take beginning Portuguese to prepare for this trip. This endeavor conjured up memories about wanting to learn the four major Western Hemisphere languages. I already know English and Spanish. Preparing for Brazil will have me learning Portuguese. Leaving French which I will learn after achieving state residency. Dare to be extraordinary!

Emblematic

Emblematic (adj.)- of containing or serving as an emblem; symbolic.

I am emblematic of diligence, foresight, hard work, faith and perseverance and everyday I commit myself towards building my Fortune 500 empire with good credit and a diverse portfolio.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

From Bummer to Blessing

Yesterday's clobbering of my Ohio State Buckeyes at the hands (and feet) of the Florida Gators for the 2007 BCS Championship threw me in a funk! It was surreal. I knew that they had a 51 day layoff and Ted Ginn, Jr. sprang his ankle, but still OSU looked lethargic. However, the succeeding events throughout today have more than compensated for it.

Financial empowerment: Four months after getting out of ChexSystems, I opened an online savings account which gives me a 5.25% APY. My goal is to save $1000 to convert into the bank's 6-9 month CD which requires a $1000 minimum deposit. By this December, I will have saved the $3,000 to open my Vanguard account.

Tavis Smiley's commentary has struck a positive chord with me: We’re all gifted. And when Gods gives you a gift, He gives us a corresponding need to use our gift. This year discover your purpose. Walk in your vocation.

This year I will make a concerted effort to live out my purpose and zone out the noise, negativity and the clutter. Since education is important to me, I will become an advocate to ensure that everyone receive an affordable, high quality education. By age 40, I will saved the money to found my own book scholarship to benefit poor people. Lifting as I climb by helping others is an important character trait and I wish to work hard at it every day.

Furthermore, I have read many higher educational articles from NACAC to MSN Encarta about adult learners returning to college. Reading their testmonies has made me feel blessed that I have earned my graduate and undergraduate degrees by age twenty-five. However, I have learned a thing or two about exhibiting a positive mental attitude. One lady asserts that instead of thinking that when she completes her degree that she will be 52 years old the she will envision herself as a 52 year old with a degree. Even though sometimes graduate stuides can be tedious when I finish my graduate degree, it will all be worth it!

Monday, January 08, 2007

2007 New Year Revolution: Overcoming Fear

Since last year’s resolution proclaiming that there are no quick fixes has come true, this year’s revolution is overcoming fear to become smart and wealthy. I fear losing money and risk, therefore, it is my responsibility to become better educated to eliminate that feeling. By December 31st, I will be debt free, maximized my 401 (k) contributions, opened a mutual fund account, achieved SAS base and advanced certifications, earned ZP-III Economist position, be accepted into the Aspiring Leaders program, and expanded my professional network.

Academically, I will overcome my fear of failure and proceed into the spring semester with an open mind and optimism. Also I have the public economics book and study guide so by classtime, I will be prepared. By December 31st, I will have retained my honor society membership, magna cum laude status, have written my master thesis, taught as an online instructor, and have completed one year of calculus and mathematics for economists. I can accomplish my academic and financial objectives by eradicating the fear that gets in my way of becoming success!