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!

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!)