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Today, as I helped arrange and unpack the graduation cards in the land of golden crowns, I couldn’t help but think, One year ago, there were people out there incubating thoughts of soon-to-be graduates for whom they’d need to purchase cards. I was one of those graduates, I kept digesting. Last year, I made their lists. This year, I’m pushed to the back of the store, hoping someone (a benefits-providing, 401K-contributing, two-weeks-of-vacation-granting someone) will see the potential in me, even if I’m not the newest trend.
Adding to my dismay, every potential employer I talk with really “hopes for someone with experience.” Yes, they want experience. No, they don’t want experience in greeting card sales and toddler watching. Hence, calling my resume “sugar coated” is about as much of an understatement as is calling Martha Stewart “fairly handy with a glue gun.” Line after line of this fussy file is filled with experience in “Customer Service,” (cashier), “ESL Tutor,” (a requirement for a college class), and “Marketing Assistant,” (hanging retirement home flyers on doorknobs for my mom’s employer). Early on in the resume-crafting process I struggled with the notion of promoting myself via this highly shellacked parcel of my experiences.
Ten months out of college and little to show in my bank account, I’d be happy to tell you about the extensive understanding I have of customer care, Spanish-speaking immigrants, and the challenges of fieldwork marketing. I do believe that the class of 2009 has learned a lot from graduating in an economic sinkhole, namely, how to put on a good show.
Not all is lost, however. I’ve had more time than ever to soak up the beauty of the daytime, a precious gift so often forfeited to the isolated and sterile nine to five American work day. I’ve allowed myself to dream big, and consider it part of the job-hunting process (which it very well may be). I’ve also seriously considered and experimented with the ideas of being a gourmet cookie maker, a small business owner, an artist, a writer, and even a teacher (despite the fact that my degree says teaching was like, totally my original choice).
Although seeing these wishes of “Congratulations,” “You’re Headed for Success,” and “Now’s Your Time to Shine” was a harsh reminder of an unspoken deadline and a fresh set of job competitors, I don’t think cynicism is particularly becoming on anyone. Perhaps these cards are a faithful reminder from the Lord that I did complete seventeen years of education, with a Bachelor’s degree to boot—and that is a reason I can always choose to wear my party shoes and celebrate. The excitement and perseverance are still alive even if I know I’m not straight off of the runway. I have confidence that there are employers out there who know the value of a thrift shop find, a slightly shrunken hand-me-down, or even an overlooked steal from last season’s sale rack.
FASHIONABLY graduLATE
For which they pay you, and you don't go to work...
Hello folks!
I hope you all are doing great! This was a crazy winter, no?
I hope you all are doing great! This was a crazy winter, no?
Notice how I used the word "was." It's a hopeful was. I hear we'll break into the great degree of 58 on Tuesday around these parts. I am psyched. I was never bitter about the winter, but that's probably due to the fact that I spent most of the snowiest days with family, food, and romps through the woods. Also, I got "snow days" at work, for which they pay you, and you don't go to work on account of the snow. I felt a little bit redeemed this winter, because, if I haven't yet shoved this fact down your throat, I didn't get a SINgle snow day my senior year of high school. Thank you, El Nino (how do you get those squiggles on the top of the "n"s?).
I am carding my time away at Hallmark, Gold Crown, celebrating its 100th birthday. Yes, it's true: people have been purchasing (overpriced?) cards and gifts for 100 years. I'm also babysitting from time to time for three beautiful little girls (5, 3, and 1) from my church.
I saw this picture at it made me laugh. Not because I'm some comedian or super good-looking, but because this was when Bri invited me to a get-together at her intern-boss's house. "Lovely," I thought, "a get-together." It was a walnut get-together. A death party. Thanks so much, Briana for inviting me to an entire party of allergic reaction.
Duh, I wasn't really mad, it just made me laugh. Also, I'm not supposing that everyone should know my allergies, I just chuckled to myself when I was reminded of the day.
If this were you in the picture, what would your sign say? Do you have an allergy? A distaste for something in particular? A pet peeve? I like "walnutfest", but I might also go with "complaining to me about the bat mitzvah card selection-fest," or "getting hit on solely by boys ten years younger than you-fest." Or, "Dallas Cowboys-fest."
If this were you in the picture, what would your sign say? Do you have an allergy? A distaste for something in particular? A pet peeve? I like "walnutfest", but I might also go with "complaining to me about the bat mitzvah card selection-fest," or "getting hit on solely by boys ten years younger than you-fest." Or, "Dallas Cowboys-fest."
I love you all and miss you so dearly much! Let's choose-a-lose a book, here, people! Does anyone have something new, or one from the orginal list?
On another note, I haven't yet seen a single one of those stinkin' movies I wrote about earlier. Renting is cheaper. I did see Sherlock Holmes which was good, I thought, especially since it wasn't an experience I was particularly pining after.
Amanda, how is life sans Greg? Do you get to hear from him often? How is life in Philly with all of its recent difficulties?
Joy, is work still going well? Forgive me! but I forget if you deferred until this (spring) semester, or until next fall? Do you have any classes yet? How are you and Matthew? Does he come visit often?
Briana, what's good in grad school? Any big time news, like, say one of the cadavers escaping? KIdding! Are you and Dom getting to see each other more than you were in the fall?
I SO look forward to our next meeting up!
SO MUCH LOVING YOU GIRLS!!!
Hil-ray
SO MUCH LOVING YOU GIRLS!!!
Hil-ray
BRIANA WAS BORN!
ON THIS DAY (or yesterday...) BRIANA WISLER WAS BORN!
I hope you had a fantastic day. May the peace and grace of the Lord be with you all the days of your life, and may each year you grow in Him and be more beautiful than you already are, inside and out. We love you Bri!!
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23
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