After finishing two term papers, I declared that I would buy a steak from a high-end restaurant in downtown DC, a swanky place where the politicos hammer out deals; however, after seeing that it cost $20, I opted for the veal that cost $14. Omg! Even in victory, I was cheap! No, I digressed. I was financial astute!
During the lunch, I decided to forego preparing for the macro final exam because I needed down time to breathe after typing and revising 38 pages. Yikes!
The Best Line of Today is from Russell Simmons’ new book Do You: Please don’t tell me you quit your job, or you can’t get ahead at your job, because of a glass ceiling,” he writes, adding after an unprintable exclamation: “If you think there’s a glass ceiling holding you back, then you’re a slave.” Then he urges: “Shatter that glass, brush off the shards and get on with your vision.”
This is why I know that I will become the first black female Fortune 500 CEO because I refuse to allow anything to hold me back! I am a fighter and continue to put God first, I will be successful!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Early Bird Chronicles: Entry 2
Having two papers due on the same day next week Thursday and the data management project deadlines breathing down my neck, I arrived early to work to type the SIS summaries. I managed to not only complete this task but also find three additional journal articles (one discussed norms!) and travel to AU to withdraw a book. Though I cannot buy some of the older books given time constraints (the shipping date is April 20 and the paper's due date is April 26), I am confident that I will still receive an A because I have revised my thesis statement. Now I can work on this week's summary and use my off day to revise and strengthen my SIS paper.
Also I resubmitted my economics proposal. My paper will focus on Brazil's Central Bank inflation targeting practices. I know that I can complete reading all of the papers using my off day because every week I had to read 200+ pages. So what's 20 per journal article? Later this afternoon I will start reading econ articles and summarized material to ensure that I get a head start.
Also I resubmitted my economics proposal. My paper will focus on Brazil's Central Bank inflation targeting practices. I know that I can complete reading all of the papers using my off day because every week I had to read 200+ pages. So what's 20 per journal article? Later this afternoon I will start reading econ articles and summarized material to ensure that I get a head start.
Virginia Tech Massacre
The Virginia Tech killings got to me emotionally. I resided in Arlington and attended American so I took it personally though I did not anayone. I could not have comprehended it. Still don’t. What would make someone snap. Even worse than the gunman were the politicians jockeying for position on the gun control debate. At that hour did we really need that?
What is needed are prayers for the wounded and condolescences for the dead.
What is needed are prayers for the wounded and condolescences for the dead.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Aspire: Become the First Black Female Fortune 500 CEO of a Wholly-Owned Company
The Fortune 500 is out today and I will need to generate $4.4 billion to be number 491. Also 50 is the average age of a woman CEO so by age 50 I will have become the first black female Fortune 500 CEO. I am so excited because I have positioned myself to realize this ambitious goal. I possess the education, finances, insight, and tenacity to make it happen! I will neither be deterred nor denied of my rightful place in this world! Already by year's end, I will have written my own business plan, started my virtual assistant business, traveled to Brazil, strengthen my professional network, and cleaned up my finances to shore up the money to stay afloat for a 18 month period.
I know that I can accomplish this long-term objective!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Opportunity Journal Entry #4: You Never Know if You Don't Ask
Giving thanks: Prior to the CAAB seminar, I have mailed three thank you letters to Craig Jones, Lavern Chatnam and Marion Barnwell for accepting me into the fold! Regardless of what’s going on today, stopping to give thanks for the many blessings that I have received. So I am too blessed to be stressed!
Blog: Yesterday I was accepted into Johns Hopkins University's Applied Economics program as a provisional student. The school requires three courses then I could change my status to degree-seeking. Since I currently attend American, this status is okay especially since I intend on remaining here.
While peeking on the secretary’s desk (to see if she was there to gather a training justification), I saw one in her inbox which said JHU. Immediately I asked Rob about if funds were available (I told him that I did take a course. Honestly is the best policy.) He said to apply for the summer to see what happens and if money was available this fall then I could resubmit for that semester. This liberates my finances because now I can use my HSBC money towards my trip and relocation (though I am still entertaining taking statistics but that is another matter.) Furthermore, I called the training officer to locate the form on the intranet and during our conversation mentioned that no comparison was needed if my course was below a certain dollar amount (which it was!). Finally, after some kind of weird email exchange with a JHU financial aid secretary, I contacted my AU financial aid counselor who provided the consortium financial aid agreement releasing my funds to JHU.
All of these developments would have never materialized if I had not asked the director about summer aid. Now I have more options available to me simply because I overcame my indifference to taking more than one class and asked.
Blog: Yesterday I was accepted into Johns Hopkins University's Applied Economics program as a provisional student. The school requires three courses then I could change my status to degree-seeking. Since I currently attend American, this status is okay especially since I intend on remaining here.
While peeking on the secretary’s desk (to see if she was there to gather a training justification), I saw one in her inbox which said JHU. Immediately I asked Rob about if funds were available (I told him that I did take a course. Honestly is the best policy.) He said to apply for the summer to see what happens and if money was available this fall then I could resubmit for that semester. This liberates my finances because now I can use my HSBC money towards my trip and relocation (though I am still entertaining taking statistics but that is another matter.) Furthermore, I called the training officer to locate the form on the intranet and during our conversation mentioned that no comparison was needed if my course was below a certain dollar amount (which it was!). Finally, after some kind of weird email exchange with a JHU financial aid secretary, I contacted my AU financial aid counselor who provided the consortium financial aid agreement releasing my funds to JHU.
All of these developments would have never materialized if I had not asked the director about summer aid. Now I have more options available to me simply because I overcame my indifference to taking more than one class and asked.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
First 100 Days of 2007
The First 100 Days of 2007: Overcoming Fear
Today marks the 100th day of 2007 and I have accomplished a lot by overcoming my fears of rejection. I have paid off two creditors, applied to two graduate schools to reduce costs, and maximized my money by opening an online savings account.
By the Thursday, July 19th, 200th day of 2007, I will have accomplished the following:
Better credit
Ace my spring and summer graduate courses
Finalize my vacation
Improved my health
Have my new DC apartment
Today marks the 100th day of 2007 and I have accomplished a lot by overcoming my fears of rejection. I have paid off two creditors, applied to two graduate schools to reduce costs, and maximized my money by opening an online savings account.
By the Thursday, July 19th, 200th day of 2007, I will have accomplished the following:
Better credit
Ace my spring and summer graduate courses
Finalize my vacation
Improved my health
Have my new DC apartment
Monday, April 09, 2007
Not Sweating the Small Stuff
One of the creditors I paid off informed me that because my finance charge payment was received last week, I could not receive the payoff confirmation letter until May. This infuriated me because in February the representative told me that I did not owe any finance charges. I hoped that I did not deter my credit report.
My anger subsided somewhat while mailing my monthly payment, receive an updated credit report, and RSVP for a finance seminar. I will ask about DC Saves because I will align my savings goals with this organization.
While walking to the bank to open another account, a woman was asking for directions to the testing center. I told her the right way because I took the GRE test there. Immediately I remembered that God placed me in this woman's life to help her get to the next level because I wanted to leave earlier but had something else to do!
My anger subsided somewhat while mailing my monthly payment, receive an updated credit report, and RSVP for a finance seminar. I will ask about DC Saves because I will align my savings goals with this organization.
While walking to the bank to open another account, a woman was asking for directions to the testing center. I told her the right way because I took the GRE test there. Immediately I remembered that God placed me in this woman's life to help her get to the next level because I wanted to leave earlier but had something else to do!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
April Showers Bring May Flowers
April is financial literacy month and I will dedicate myself towards improving my finances. Today my counselor informed me that it received the extra money from the previous creditor and asked what I wanted to do with the money. Immediately, I instructed her to apply it to my current balance. This amount coupled with my monthly payment would accelerate my payoff.
More good news: I received an email from a college loan officer notifying that my credit dispute had been resolved and that only positive information would be on my report! This would assuredly boost my credit score.
The best news of today: My internet bank told me that I would earn 6% APY on all new money deposited into my savings account until April 30th. All the more reason to stash money there! By May 15th, I will have accumulated enough to pay for my summer class, relocation and vacation!
More good news: I received an email from a college loan officer notifying that my credit dispute had been resolved and that only positive information would be on my report! This would assuredly boost my credit score.
The best news of today: My internet bank told me that I would earn 6% APY on all new money deposited into my savings account until April 30th. All the more reason to stash money there! By May 15th, I will have accumulated enough to pay for my summer class, relocation and vacation!
Opportunity Journal Entry #3: Appreciation
Today, Wednesday, April 4, 2007, marks the 39th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination. All night I thought about King’s impact upon my life because though I was not alive during the Civil Rights Movement, I am benefiting from it. Without it I would not have been an economist or my education. While walking to JHU, I realized how Dr. King’s legacy enabled me to even consider applying to a white college. Prior to 1965, my only option would had been Howard University; but, now I have endless alternatives which I will take advantage of all of them!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Financial Spring Cleaning
These past two days, I have received financial confirmation from newspapers and commentators regarding my decision to start spring cleaning my finances. In today's Washington Post Michelle Singletary's column about spring cleaning, resonates with me because this Monday I pulled my credit report and was surprised by the abundance of wrong information on it. Immediately I wrote the three credit bureaus and filed electronic disputes. These corrections will boost my score and save me money! Also I am awaiting April when I can request my second payoff confirmation letter. The representative mentioned that the bank had to hold the money for thirty days to verify the funds. Afterward, the bank would report to the credit report late April/early May. By May 15th, everything will be resolved!
Yesterday I posted a question on a MSN message board regarding my credit score and the counselor congratulated me on nearly completing my program. He also told me that my score would receive a boost because I paid all of the money instead of settled, however, because several different variables he could not specifically determine my score.
Earlier this morning, I've realized that after being here for two years by summer 2008, I will be able to purchase a home. Also by then all of my creditors will have been paid off and I will have enough for the down payment. It is important to be proactive because financial spring cleaning is my goal!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Seize Opportunities II
Though this is the end of winter, the spring cleaning vibe has invaded my psyche! I am so happy to have applied to two universities that are highly reputable but will save me thousands of dollars.
I have just returned from two trips to the university where I will transfer (one to submit my application, resume and official transcripts, the second to deposit the $70 application fee) and Chipotle for my lunch (I budgeted for this because I would be out of the office during lunchtime). A customer service representative immediately emailed me a confirmation to which I asked about if the school has received my check. The woman whom I handed my application packet on the first trip acknowledges the check's receipt upon my inquiry about sending my GRE scores. I feel so much better than before because I know that the school will promptly process it. Now all that is outstanding are my recommendations and one has already been mailed.
During the final stages of preparation, I read the course descriptions and discovered that statistics was a prerequisites for econometrics. This motivated me to complete my distance learning statistics class by the end of April so that I could transfer it to my new school. This will allow me to take required courses, thus, accelerating my graduation.
I have just returned from two trips to the university where I will transfer (one to submit my application, resume and official transcripts, the second to deposit the $70 application fee) and Chipotle for my lunch (I budgeted for this because I would be out of the office during lunchtime). A customer service representative immediately emailed me a confirmation to which I asked about if the school has received my check. The woman whom I handed my application packet on the first trip acknowledges the check's receipt upon my inquiry about sending my GRE scores. I feel so much better than before because I know that the school will promptly process it. Now all that is outstanding are my recommendations and one has already been mailed.
During the final stages of preparation, I read the course descriptions and discovered that statistics was a prerequisites for econometrics. This motivated me to complete my distance learning statistics class by the end of April so that I could transfer it to my new school. This will allow me to take required courses, thus, accelerating my graduation.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Seize Opportunities
Earlier this morning I emailed my advisor about taking the majority of my economics classes at USDA but the program rebuffed. Instead of getting mad, I got active by visiting all of the local DC economics grad school then I stumbled upon a local grad school with cheaper tuition and an easier applicaton process. Reading the graduate program's curriculum, I know that I can graduate within one year. Also these summer classes are offered during reasonable hours meaning that I do not have to adjust my schedule. This summer I will take at least two classes maybe three. If I like this program, I will transfer all of my AU credits.
Immediately I called the office for pertinent information (FAFSA, GRE, recommendations). Tuesday I submit my application, resume and official transcripts to the downtown office because it is imperative to seize this opportunity! Submitting all of my information ASAP allows me to concentrate on securing two recommendations. This liberates me from being stuck in Virginia! I am not worried about not being accepted because I am already an Economist who has received stellar performance evaluations. Now it is time to realize the abundance of available opportunities that abound!
Immediately I called the office for pertinent information (FAFSA, GRE, recommendations). Tuesday I submit my application, resume and official transcripts to the downtown office because it is imperative to seize this opportunity! Submitting all of my information ASAP allows me to concentrate on securing two recommendations. This liberates me from being stuck in Virginia! I am not worried about not being accepted because I am already an Economist who has received stellar performance evaluations. Now it is time to realize the abundance of available opportunities that abound!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Spring Break Reflections
This week I have been out of school (for the most part) and out of the office attending a policy conference, economist luncheon and two Toastmaster events. These events allow me to gain perspective about the importance of balancing work, school and life. This entire week, I haven't done any homework. Instead I shopped for career clothes, arrived home early and rested and just plain enjoyed myself knowing that come next week, the daily grind will resume.
I needed this break because the twin dynamics of attending school and week had zapped my vitality! I was so dogg tired that my muscles were always tense and contracting. I just felt tired. However, since I did not have those stressors, I could just rest, review my daily and weekly progress without time constraints.
Since today is the conclusion of spring break, here is what I have learned and accomplished:
That attending policy conferences, allowed me to learn new things and network with some fantastic people
That I need to take a break and listen myself every day. So I have included a wind-down phase to de-stress.
That I will elevate my game and complete all tasks on time. No excuses!
That as an American, I embody the requisite courage and perseverance to conquer anything. One the Toastmaster speaker mentioned these character traits and I totally agree because I rely on them to move from Cleveland and continue working while attending school. Immediately afterward, I mailed my first online statistics lesson in the pouring rain. As I walked to the post office to purchase a stamp, I realized the enormous amount of available opportunities that abound me; and, I refuse to allow rain to get in the way of this! Upon returning to my office reinvigorated with the thought that I can complete this online statistics class in my time frame, I packed everything in my book bag rejuvenated with the spirit of accomplishment that I can tackle whatever comes my way!
I needed this break because the twin dynamics of attending school and week had zapped my vitality! I was so dogg tired that my muscles were always tense and contracting. I just felt tired. However, since I did not have those stressors, I could just rest, review my daily and weekly progress without time constraints.
Since today is the conclusion of spring break, here is what I have learned and accomplished:
That attending policy conferences, allowed me to learn new things and network with some fantastic people
That I need to take a break and listen myself every day. So I have included a wind-down phase to de-stress.
That I will elevate my game and complete all tasks on time. No excuses!
That as an American, I embody the requisite courage and perseverance to conquer anything. One the Toastmaster speaker mentioned these character traits and I totally agree because I rely on them to move from Cleveland and continue working while attending school. Immediately afterward, I mailed my first online statistics lesson in the pouring rain. As I walked to the post office to purchase a stamp, I realized the enormous amount of available opportunities that abound me; and, I refuse to allow rain to get in the way of this! Upon returning to my office reinvigorated with the thought that I can complete this online statistics class in my time frame, I packed everything in my book bag rejuvenated with the spirit of accomplishment that I can tackle whatever comes my way!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Two Steps Forward with Feet Firmly Planted on the Ground
Last month, paying off my smallest creditors while paying down my second-smallest creditor were my two biggest financial goals. And after accomplishing them, I moved full steam ahead by paying off the second smallest creditor. By the end of the this year, I will be debt free!
My poor financial mismanagement is the real why I reside in Virginia instead of DC but by August, I will be back in the city! I can almost feel it because my credit score will have increased over 100 percentage points. Coupled with my income and much improved saving habits, and I will return in better shape than when I departed.
This one year exile has made me become more fiscally responsibility for every decision that I make. If I don't understand something, I ask numerous questions. I am unafraid of looking too bossy. This is my money therefore, it is my life! I have taken control of everything from my money to my career. Even though I have been here for only ten months, I have taken five computer training courses, and participated in two organizational conferences to enhance my economic understanding. I vie for more challenging assignments because I hate complacency and stagnation! I can envision myself as a ZP-III Economist and will accomplish this in May.
Envisioning myself as a wealthy woman has broaden my outlook and has touched every aspect of my life. Now that I can envision myself doing these things, I no longer feel inadequate. For instance, when I saw my Perkins Loan bill and realized that it was less than two of my credit cards, I began developing an action to payoff the total amount rather than defer it. After my credit card debt, I will tackle my student loan. I can see myself as totally debt free by age 35. This is what I mean by taking two steps forward with my feet firmly planted on the ground!
My poor financial mismanagement is the real why I reside in Virginia instead of DC but by August, I will be back in the city! I can almost feel it because my credit score will have increased over 100 percentage points. Coupled with my income and much improved saving habits, and I will return in better shape than when I departed.
This one year exile has made me become more fiscally responsibility for every decision that I make. If I don't understand something, I ask numerous questions. I am unafraid of looking too bossy. This is my money therefore, it is my life! I have taken control of everything from my money to my career. Even though I have been here for only ten months, I have taken five computer training courses, and participated in two organizational conferences to enhance my economic understanding. I vie for more challenging assignments because I hate complacency and stagnation! I can envision myself as a ZP-III Economist and will accomplish this in May.
Envisioning myself as a wealthy woman has broaden my outlook and has touched every aspect of my life. Now that I can envision myself doing these things, I no longer feel inadequate. For instance, when I saw my Perkins Loan bill and realized that it was less than two of my credit cards, I began developing an action to payoff the total amount rather than defer it. After my credit card debt, I will tackle my student loan. I can see myself as totally debt free by age 35. This is what I mean by taking two steps forward with my feet firmly planted on the ground!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Winds of Change
Yesterday while watching Suze Orman’s Women & Money series, I realized that I had to payoff the remaining amount owed to Citibank to close this account and be one step closer to being debt-free! During her tv special, a woman in the audience had $6800 in credit card debt but $10,000 in savings though she proclaimed that she had so much money. Suze told her that she had so little and that she was afraid to repay because she’d thought that she would had been broke. Immediately the lightbulb clicked! That was me. No, I wasn’t giving my family money but I did the money in savings and an outstanding Citibank account.
This morning I called Citibank to make payoff arrangements. The rep informed me that the actual amount. I agreed and she stopped the accruing interest, Then I recalled the company to inquire about what would happen afterward to which the rep responded that my account would be reported immediately to the credit bureau upon receipt of payment and that after thirty days, I can request an official letter. I will mail my payoff this morning and will look out for its posting this Thursday or Friday. By the end of this week, I will have only Hudson & Keyse left and will pay it off by December.
The second woman in the audience talked about how even though she made mortgage payments that her house was in negative amortization because those payments didn’t cover the total amount (Hearing this made me feel so bad because she was 29). She responded that should get rid out of the house, because it was bringing her so much pain. Immediately I realized that living here in Virginia bought me a lot of pain because I had to take a bus to work instead of just the red line metro train. Plus that consumed an additional $1.25 every day from my Metropass. Even if I had a car, it would still be inconvenient for me and although I do love the proximity of the community college to my residence, I truly believe that staying in DC offers me better proximity to American and UDC. On top of that I could go to the grocery store whenever I wanted and because I lived in a house, didn’t have to worry about UPS. Yes, it is time to move back to DC or to Rosslyn and retain my residency.
While returning to work after my post office run, Suze Orman’s words about being happy that I have a job instead of being broke with no money resonated with me. Yes I added an additional $100 to my payment but so what? The debt needed to be repaid anyway and the more money the better. Besides the Citibank rep cancelled my finance charge and stretched my due date from March to April.
Furthermore, I only have to work three more days before I am officially off. Then next week is the policy conference in Crystal City where the major panels do not start until 11am meaning that I can stay at home in bed until 10am then mosey over there via the bus and AU spring break meaning that I can just go home Thursday evening. My job is virtually cake for these next three weeks plus I am getting paid so how can I beat that?
Suze had eight principles for a wealthy woman and happiness and cleanliness are two of them. Over this past month, I have had two major acne breakouts from what I guess was because I no longer used Lever soap on my face; but, I made a personal commitment that I would allocate money towards personal care products that ensure that I no longer get anymore acne on my keloid skin. I need to take better care of myself and Tuesday I will travel to the store to buy more towels to reduce over using them plus I can buy more blazers and spring ensembles.
This week I will make the most out of my life by relaxing and focusing on balance. It is important to achieve this and watching the Suze Orman Women & Money show has awaken me from my Type-A, professional slumber.
This morning I called Citibank to make payoff arrangements. The rep informed me that the actual amount. I agreed and she stopped the accruing interest, Then I recalled the company to inquire about what would happen afterward to which the rep responded that my account would be reported immediately to the credit bureau upon receipt of payment and that after thirty days, I can request an official letter. I will mail my payoff this morning and will look out for its posting this Thursday or Friday. By the end of this week, I will have only Hudson & Keyse left and will pay it off by December.
The second woman in the audience talked about how even though she made mortgage payments that her house was in negative amortization because those payments didn’t cover the total amount (Hearing this made me feel so bad because she was 29). She responded that should get rid out of the house, because it was bringing her so much pain. Immediately I realized that living here in Virginia bought me a lot of pain because I had to take a bus to work instead of just the red line metro train. Plus that consumed an additional $1.25 every day from my Metropass. Even if I had a car, it would still be inconvenient for me and although I do love the proximity of the community college to my residence, I truly believe that staying in DC offers me better proximity to American and UDC. On top of that I could go to the grocery store whenever I wanted and because I lived in a house, didn’t have to worry about UPS. Yes, it is time to move back to DC or to Rosslyn and retain my residency.
While returning to work after my post office run, Suze Orman’s words about being happy that I have a job instead of being broke with no money resonated with me. Yes I added an additional $100 to my payment but so what? The debt needed to be repaid anyway and the more money the better. Besides the Citibank rep cancelled my finance charge and stretched my due date from March to April.
Furthermore, I only have to work three more days before I am officially off. Then next week is the policy conference in Crystal City where the major panels do not start until 11am meaning that I can stay at home in bed until 10am then mosey over there via the bus and AU spring break meaning that I can just go home Thursday evening. My job is virtually cake for these next three weeks plus I am getting paid so how can I beat that?
Suze had eight principles for a wealthy woman and happiness and cleanliness are two of them. Over this past month, I have had two major acne breakouts from what I guess was because I no longer used Lever soap on my face; but, I made a personal commitment that I would allocate money towards personal care products that ensure that I no longer get anymore acne on my keloid skin. I need to take better care of myself and Tuesday I will travel to the store to buy more towels to reduce over using them plus I can buy more blazers and spring ensembles.
This week I will make the most out of my life by relaxing and focusing on balance. It is important to achieve this and watching the Suze Orman Women & Money show has awaken me from my Type-A, professional slumber.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Moving On Up
Last night's NABA/NBMBAA Joint Meeting and today's divisional meeting enhanced my professional insight. The Joint Meeting was held at an accounting firm at Tysons Corner. As I walked to the building, I remembered my fear about being around upwardly mobile people. Yes, although I had a degree, I wasn't rich like those people. However, after paying off my creditors and being on my job for nine months, I realized that I belonged here. No question about that!
The Joint Meeting had a panel discussing career mobility issues. One of the panelist mentioned that helping others is the importance of networking and that he had received more help from people outside of this company than inside. Another one commented that the best time to change careers was when you were on top because that when you had everything going for you with the least amount of risk. I carried those sentiments with me to today's meeting.
The boss discussed several measures but the most importance to me were the federal approval of tuition reimbursement, training classes, the spring policy conference, and the personal project. Since I am still contemplating between the two schools, achieving residency, and weighing all relocation costs, it is heartening to know that the agency has the money! Also the spring policy conference offers an abundance of opportunities to hone my craft and network by joining economic organizations which spark my interest. This past weekend I updated my wardrobe by purchasing a matching suit and slack set that I wore at the Joint Meeting. In my closet I have two suits but will review my budget tonight to see if I can buy another one. For these two days, I will wear both of them to display an air of professionalism (I might even buy business cards!) Also the boss informed us that we should be working on our personal/developmental project(I guess mine is the SAS work!) and to submit it by the end of the month. Working on my project presents another opportunity to shine and receive my promotion. Even with budget tightness, I will still excel at my position!
With three months until my annual review, I see myself becoming the consummate professional by exceling on my job, networking and branching out to learn new things.
The Joint Meeting had a panel discussing career mobility issues. One of the panelist mentioned that helping others is the importance of networking and that he had received more help from people outside of this company than inside. Another one commented that the best time to change careers was when you were on top because that when you had everything going for you with the least amount of risk. I carried those sentiments with me to today's meeting.
The boss discussed several measures but the most importance to me were the federal approval of tuition reimbursement, training classes, the spring policy conference, and the personal project. Since I am still contemplating between the two schools, achieving residency, and weighing all relocation costs, it is heartening to know that the agency has the money! Also the spring policy conference offers an abundance of opportunities to hone my craft and network by joining economic organizations which spark my interest. This past weekend I updated my wardrobe by purchasing a matching suit and slack set that I wore at the Joint Meeting. In my closet I have two suits but will review my budget tonight to see if I can buy another one. For these two days, I will wear both of them to display an air of professionalism (I might even buy business cards!) Also the boss informed us that we should be working on our personal/developmental project(I guess mine is the SAS work!) and to submit it by the end of the month. Working on my project presents another opportunity to shine and receive my promotion. Even with budget tightness, I will still excel at my position!
With three months until my annual review, I see myself becoming the consummate professional by exceling on my job, networking and branching out to learn new things.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Conversations with my father and other empowering chats
Two profound things occurred during this President's Day Weekend. The first occurred early Monday morning while talking to my father. He asked about my graduation date. Until then I did not think about an actual timetable. My thoughts just drifted to transferring out my current school into another. Passively, I would graduate next year in 2008. Unbeknownst to me, his question challenged me to fully analyze my current situation.
Right now, I am at AU and am enrolled in calculus I. Visitng the graduate school's site, it has the spring 2007 quarter course offerings. Calculus II is offered only electronically meaning that I would have to rely more on the tutoring center for personal help. However, I also realize that I can use both my current calculus and the online statistics courses as opportunities to prepare for calculus II's in-person final exam. My calculus final is the only test offered in-person. And the online statistics class will be my guinea pig of sorts since stats is way easier than calculus-based math!
Factoring in the fact that I will be finished with calculus II by late June, allows me consider taking my remaining course work and graduate during the summer or by this fall. I will see if AU offers microeconomics and mathematical economics this summer; and, if so, I will register and start evaluating my options. Microeconomics requires calculus II so my success will my barometer to gauge the landscape. After writing the initial draft, I fear that maybe this including my master's thesis is too much to bear; yet, I realize that completing calculus II by summer has always been on my agenda because it liberates me from spending over $1200 at the local community college because I do not have residency.
My father's conversation perfectly coincides with Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls, a wonderful movie about responsible black fathers. I totally loved the film and all of the actors, though I must admit that I could never have acted like Gabrielle Union towards any man like that. Get therapy!
Second happened this morning when I checked my account balance and realized that one of my creditors has cashed my check and my account will no longer incur finance charges! Immediately I emailed my counselor about this. She confirmed and reduced my total account balance. Afterward, I called my smallest creditor about paying off my account. The rep. provided me with the amount, a cost savings of over $100, and immediately mailed it. The exuberance and elation that I felt upon accomplishing my two biggest financial empowerment initiatives, was unimaginable at the beginning of 2007; however, I was serious about trimming down my debt, boosting my credit scores and remaining solvent.
These two episodes have tought me a lot about listening to others as well as myself.
Right now, I am at AU and am enrolled in calculus I. Visitng the graduate school's site, it has the spring 2007 quarter course offerings. Calculus II is offered only electronically meaning that I would have to rely more on the tutoring center for personal help. However, I also realize that I can use both my current calculus and the online statistics courses as opportunities to prepare for calculus II's in-person final exam. My calculus final is the only test offered in-person. And the online statistics class will be my guinea pig of sorts since stats is way easier than calculus-based math!
Factoring in the fact that I will be finished with calculus II by late June, allows me consider taking my remaining course work and graduate during the summer or by this fall. I will see if AU offers microeconomics and mathematical economics this summer; and, if so, I will register and start evaluating my options. Microeconomics requires calculus II so my success will my barometer to gauge the landscape. After writing the initial draft, I fear that maybe this including my master's thesis is too much to bear; yet, I realize that completing calculus II by summer has always been on my agenda because it liberates me from spending over $1200 at the local community college because I do not have residency.
My father's conversation perfectly coincides with Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls, a wonderful movie about responsible black fathers. I totally loved the film and all of the actors, though I must admit that I could never have acted like Gabrielle Union towards any man like that. Get therapy!
Second happened this morning when I checked my account balance and realized that one of my creditors has cashed my check and my account will no longer incur finance charges! Immediately I emailed my counselor about this. She confirmed and reduced my total account balance. Afterward, I called my smallest creditor about paying off my account. The rep. provided me with the amount, a cost savings of over $100, and immediately mailed it. The exuberance and elation that I felt upon accomplishing my two biggest financial empowerment initiatives, was unimaginable at the beginning of 2007; however, I was serious about trimming down my debt, boosting my credit scores and remaining solvent.
These two episodes have tought me a lot about listening to others as well as myself.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Realization
Yesterday while riding home from school in a cab, I realized that I was a winner in one of the most competitive economy because I muscled my way into an Economist position and earn an economist degree from a top tier university.
Today's meeting with a financial advisor made me realize that I am on the right track .
When I arrived at 1pm for my appointment with the original financial advisor, a client associate met with me and informed me that advisor’s main clients had more than $250,000 in the bank account. Wow! I initially thought to myself “I only had a fraction of that!” Then I realized that this was a goal. I already know that I will amass no less than $1 million with my TSP by age 65 so why not to aim that high? He informed me that he didn’t have that much. But he helped me a lot. He was thirty and was extremely positive throughout the meeting. The conversation made me realize for the first time that I did really know what I was doing. He even mentioned that my credit card debt was not a lot which boost my confidence because I realized that I could pay all of this off by December.
Also I completed three SAS/AF chapters placing me right back into the certification race! Attaining this will increase my chances of receiving a promotion. The support staff also needed to be commended for assisting me.
Accomplishing all of my goals today made me realize that I can achieve anything! I know want I have to do with my life and I will document it in my new diary that I have bought this afternoon. I will publish my autobiography this summer chronicling my triumphs and tribulations. These first thirty have passed me by with somehwat of a blur but I have deciphered it and have finally stand on firm ground. Now that I am traveling in the right direction, now it is time ensure that I reach my destination: to become the first black Fortune 500 CEO!
Today's meeting with a financial advisor made me realize that I am on the right track .
When I arrived at 1pm for my appointment with the original financial advisor, a client associate met with me and informed me that advisor’s main clients had more than $250,000 in the bank account. Wow! I initially thought to myself “I only had a fraction of that!” Then I realized that this was a goal. I already know that I will amass no less than $1 million with my TSP by age 65 so why not to aim that high? He informed me that he didn’t have that much. But he helped me a lot. He was thirty and was extremely positive throughout the meeting. The conversation made me realize for the first time that I did really know what I was doing. He even mentioned that my credit card debt was not a lot which boost my confidence because I realized that I could pay all of this off by December.
Also I completed three SAS/AF chapters placing me right back into the certification race! Attaining this will increase my chances of receiving a promotion. The support staff also needed to be commended for assisting me.
Accomplishing all of my goals today made me realize that I can achieve anything! I know want I have to do with my life and I will document it in my new diary that I have bought this afternoon. I will publish my autobiography this summer chronicling my triumphs and tribulations. These first thirty have passed me by with somehwat of a blur but I have deciphered it and have finally stand on firm ground. Now that I am traveling in the right direction, now it is time ensure that I reach my destination: to become the first black Fortune 500 CEO!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Can It Be All So Simple?
All I tried to do was arrive to work on time to eat my breakfast and be prompt to the American Fact Finder class and what happened. There was an 11-minute delay on the blue line forcing me to take the yellow line. Then there was another orange and blue line delay at Capital South meaning that I missed two trains due to overcrowding. Then my badge was stuck in the bottom of my bag forcing me to miss the elevator but whom did I catch: my boss. We discussed the American Fact Finder class (he said that he forgot) and to train on the SAS/AF database (I will after reviewing SAS macro.) Well, at least I was on time to the American Fact Finder class but my computer was locked so I had to reboot by pulling the plug out of the wall to restart it.
However, my day did get better because I was able to retrieve SAS information ensuring me that I can adequately prepare for my new SAS class and to achieve certification. Thus far, I have finished half of my SAS I lesson and it will be completed by tomorrow.
However, my day did get better because I was able to retrieve SAS information ensuring me that I can adequately prepare for my new SAS class and to achieve certification. Thus far, I have finished half of my SAS I lesson and it will be completed by tomorrow.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Super "Soul" Bowl
Yesterday's super bowl was historic because this was the first time that both coaches were black! Furthermore, I was happy that Tony Dungy won especially after being dogged and disregarded in Tampa Bay. He practically built that deplorable franchise (while hiring his mentee, Lovie Smith, who later became Chicago's head coach) into a Super Bowl contender only to be fired after leading the Buccaneers to three playoff seasons (Gruden later became coach and Tampa Bay won immediate after Dungy's departure.). In addition, I am happy that both coaches showed grace and respect for the players and the game. May every Super Bowl possess the same level of decorum that these tow coaches displayed!
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