Thursday, July 3, 2008

Career Shadow

What did I think of my job shadow?
I honestly could not tell that what I was on was a job shadow. I am not faulting Mr. Jamarr Womble or INROADS for that, he was a good guy, but we really did not do much in career exploration, like I assumed we would. Missing that crucial element in a job shadow, however, did not necessarily mean that I did not learn anything.
I did learn how to improve the format of my resume, how to present a “90 second commercial” about myself, how to improve my public speaking skills, what kinds of questions to expect in an interview, and who to try to model myself to be. These things that I did learn are very essential in actually getting a job, so no matter how you look at it I got something good out of the situation.
All in all, the job shadow was not bad; I learned valuable information that I will be likely to remember for quite a while. I just wish I got to see more of the business aspect to INROADS because I could have seen if this would be the type of career that I think I want to pursue.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Questions to think about

What are my achievements?
Wow! My achievements are numerous. I am a proud, hardworking person, so I see nearly anything I accomplish as an achievement. A couple of my recent achievements are my season in track this year, finally getting high honors, tackling the clutch, and of course getting accepted into this years summer scholars program at UNO.
I pretty much can pick up any sport thrown my way, but track for some reason is just my natural, God-given talent. This season was in particularly tough for me though; in shot, I came off a season where I ended the year scratching all three of my throws at the state meet. Then in discus, the pressure of performing as well as my Class B girls 7th place throw was felt at every single meet and even in practices. Not only that, but in basketball season I got injured a couple times. And with basketball season being right before track season, those injuries effected my track season. I hurt both of my knees and my right elbow, which really effected me in throwing because I am right handed. Then once I did start healing up in time for the meets and started fully participating in track practices, I pulled my hamstring really bad and I was out of practice for about two weeks. And once I did go back I wasn’t given the 100% go-ahead, so I had to try even that much harder to fully get into my ‘groove.’ So with all that I faced, I am very happy with my Nebraska Class B girls 6th place discus and 5th place shot put, with a personal best in shot put.
Then in the classroom, with my toughest and most time consuming schedule yet, I finally got high honors. I have always gotten honors at Roncalli Catholic, but never high honors. Then in the streets, literally; I do not know many people to drive a stick shift as their official first car. I am one. Practicing was not all that fun either. I did have other cars to drive before my ’97 Toyota Corolla I have now, but they were not truly mine. Therefore, I am unique!
And this program speaks for itself; I am speechless about this because it is such a great experience and opportunity.

What issues matter to me?
I whole-heartedly believe in global warming, but that is too much to talk about and I do not want to be political about that issue. On the other hand, one issue I will get semi-political about is the homelessness and the poverty rate in the United States. Yes, as a US citizen, I believe we can go into other countries to help them with a starving population, economic wealth, natural disasters, etc. but why not confront that issue in the states first of at least acknowledge it. Also as a left-wing-Republican, I can admit that the current government officials are not doing the best job possible the handle these issues (ex. Hurricane Katrina relief). We must find, by any means possible, a proactive and effective way to deal with all the troubles of our own population before we put our all into some other country’s issues. The US does not always have to be a ‘Super Man.”

Who has been an influence on me?
That is a difficult question. Personally, I do not look up to that many people because really good influences are hard to find. But those people, who do influence me, in my opinion, are nearly perfect. I know no one is perfect. And I also know the people who do influence me do have some flaws. Those people are Kaeli Bixler for her influencing me in my many sporting events; then the people who influence me with their overall character are my brothers James Thompson and Jisike Nnawulazi and my basketball coach of 8 years, Kenny Long. Each of these four people have taught me, in some way or another, to have a positive attitude towards life, to never give up what I am striving for, to be level headed, and how to keep and maintain my confidence and my composure. I admit some areas are stronger than others, but I am still learning. It is a work in progress.

Why do I want to go to college?
I want to go to college to better my education. I want to go to college to become successful in life. And I want to go to college to better equip myself for the society in which we live in today. Now I just have to narrow it down to what college I want to go to. And that is going to be a long road to travel down. But for now I know that I want to go to college, I just have to figure out which college is the right one.

Monday, June 16, 2008

The First Week College Experiences

1. What was most encouraging and motivating to you and why?

While just hanging from 50-60 feet in the air, the most encouraging thing was having people behind me. Other than that I felt very supported by my group because I was supporting them. Motivation was not really an issue, I wanted to do this high ropes course to prove to myself that I could do better this second time. (I did a high ropes course with the YMCA when I was about 7 years old and I froze for about 15 minutes on the 30 feet course). So with my motivation behind this and with the tons of support from my team, I got through the entire thing, although, there were moments that I was scared, but I never really started to panic like I did when I was 7.

2. What was the most challenging and why?

One of the most challenging things in my life I actually faced just last week. Get over a personal fear, a.k.a. being 50-60 feet in the air. I am not really afraid of heights, mostly just afraid of falling from them. I got over it, obviously, though.

3. What did you learn about yourself? Describe the experiences that led you to this new information about yourself.

I learned that I get over my fears easier or quicker in more of a group setting because there are other people than just myself relying on me. To have other people comfronting your fears or difficulties with you makes it much more relaxing or easy to get through.

4. What experiences have made a difference or have had a positive impact on you and why?

So many personal and touching experiences have made a big difference in my life. I have had things like teachers, certain situations, family, friends, etc. impact me in such a way that have changed me forever. Two of the teachers I have had I will never forget; Ms. Bell, my fourth grade teacher at Skinner Magnet, and Mrs. Monger, my fifth and sixth grade History teacher at St. Richard. They were always there to not only help me in school work, but also with life. They always listened and cared to a measure that I have never experienced before with a teacher. I love them for both teaching my subjects that you don't typically learn in school.
There are so many situations that have made me a better person that I don't even know where to start or what to touch on. And the same with family and friends, they are all so great to me. They really aren't like teachers. Teachers don't all impact you so much to where you will never forget them and what they have done for you, but all good family members and friends you will never have to think twice about impacting you in such a way. So sorry family and friends there is too much to write, but you know I love you all and you know what I would write if I even wrote anything!