You Don’t Get What You Want, You Get What You Negotiate

Today I call the student loan agency to confirm my ninety-day forbearance which will save me over $500 in the next two months because I’m only taking four credits at UDC. This is a perfect example of you don’t get what you want, you get what you negotiate.

Opportunity Journal #16: Reading is Fundamental

During yesterday's math class I realized how dedicated and disciplined I was because in the beginning, I taught myself integration by reading and outlining chapter 5 to arrive at this point. That was remarkable because it is a testament to the importance of literacy. Reading is truly fundamental.

This three-day weekend I will apply this skill to ensure that I secure the promotion. When I inquire about why the divisional information is not the agency's Intranet, the branch chief has given me the binder holding with all of the confidential information! Now that's what I call insider information. My ability to read and comprehend this manual all but ensures my promotion.

During lunch I devised a timeline to gauge when I should receive notification of my first economist interview. Since my interview is Monday, October 22, 2007, Sharon should have an answer by Monday, November 5th. My second interview is Wednesday, October 24, 2007, and I should receive an answer by Wednesday, November 7th. During this process, I will still continue monitoring my data sources, revising my flowcharts, work on my Aspiring Leaders Development Program application because regardless of what transpires, I can control my performance.

This is mine and no one will ever claim it!

Opportunity Journal Entry #15: Taking Charge

Yippee! The division program manager emails me for my agency's ZP-III Economist interview. This is important because now I have two opportunities to remain here while securing the promotion. Initially, I was happy but afterward a little afraid about my newfound fortune because I really did not want to work for her but still wanted to remain on the eighth floor (Okay so I am picky but have just realized that since I work within the division neither my boss nor his supervisor can interview me).

Never back down from opportunities! Embrace it especially since my boss’ boss has told me that I had to become a subject expert and wait until the end of the county cycle. Already I am thinking of ways to successfully convert my skills into the ZP-III promotion. Having just revised my flowcharts, I can take all of my experience of using different data to complete my state components as a sign that I am a flexible problem-solver (Who can argue with that?). Furthermore, during my seventeen-month tenure, I have completed two state cycles and one county cycle, received pay-for-performance. Moreover, I am the youngest Data Review Tool (DRT) member who is selected because I have taken both SAS A/F classes and am responsible for maintaining the frame. Capitalizing upon all of these opportunities enable me to take charge of my career.

I Think I Have Gotten It!

Though the ladies at the local ladies chapter was nice, professional and sophisticated, I felt that I could reach the next level by becoming a Link. And for the first time, I did not feel guilty for my ambition. I am a Leo and a Type-A personality who come here to DC to conquer the world and I refuse to defer my dreams to accommodate others’ expectations! It’s my decision to fulfill all of my potential especially on the heels of interviewing for the ZP-III Economist. I already have the qualifications: an MBA, community service record and a high-profile job. Furthermore, since properly managing time, I can now devote my attention to becoming an Alpha Kappa Alpha. I’ve always loved education because that’s the reason why I am an economist and believe that I can contribute on the scholarship committee. However, I cannot foresee myself moving from this chapter to Washington, DC one because the ladies are so hospitable (I don’t know the DC ladies but I don’t want to lose that homey feeling). Also I have some Links in my other online profile but I cannot see myself telling them that I want to become a member because that’s opportunism; and, I avoid that at all costs because I possess the qualifications therefore I’ll be okay.

Lately I have been thinking about returning to Akron to see my maternal family, attend civic events and the uproar of wearing high fashion. Living in Washington, DC, wearing Armani Exchange and Stuart Weitzman shoes are seem as normal but returning to Akron would cause a stir. How many people have purchased $135 sandals (not shoes, but sandals?) and wear $250 Limited suits? However, every time I travel a learning experience ensues, therefore, I expect no less from fellow Akroners.

My dreams have been providing the road map to navigate around obstacles to become a Link. It is becoming clearer that God has been transmitted messages using my dreams as conduits informing me that I can be whomever I want, just do not lose yourself in the process! A Ha! I finally get why all of my dreams revolve around family because I hold them dear (even though they get on my nerves at times!).

Bill Cosby is an Adulterer and a Hypocrite!

My take on Bill Cosby, a serial adulterer writing family books: He is a hypocrite! Everyone in black America knows this about him. Furthermore, his ability to write books on black Americans is a testament to race because if former Reverend James Baker were to publish the same stuff, no publisher would risk his/her livelihood on releasing it.