I am procrastinating. And I know it. My financial textbook is right there, waiting for me to crack it. However I am scouring our Career Planning & Resources portal looking for jobs and new postings and made a quick blogging detour. I am lucky: I have three superdays lined up but feel nervous. What if they all say no? What if I don’t get my dream job or location? You know from my previous posts that I am an ‘optimist in an economists suit’ but as recruiting season draws to an end I can help but get antsy. I want to know NOW. I want to get on Craigslist and look for apartments, plan out my summer (assuming I get any break at all), and feel secure.
I wish I wish I wish. But unfortunately I am not Dorothy. I am not in Oz, nor am I in Kansas. I am at Scripps College and closing my eyes and wishing will get me nowhere. I have to stand up, take care, and be the confident woman I am.
My suit jacket is pressed and polished, my notes and due diligence are all done. All I have to do is hop on a plane and sell myself like there is no tomorrow. Its so different from sitting in a classroom. When my Professor makes a point I agree with I nod in acknowledgment. When they address a question to me I meet their eyes and answer clearly and concisely. When I pass an administrator I am cordial and helpful. I eat lunch at the commons, sometimes as a lunch meeting, and make sure not to let spinach get in my teeth. So you could say Scripps prepares me everyday for these interviews.
If I could describe my time at Scripps to any interviewer in one word or less (yes sometimes they do ask me this), I would say ‘full’ full of life, full of learning, and full of passion for the people and things around me. I bottle that passion and keep it close for when I need courage. There is nothing an interviewer can to say to me to break my composure because I have that secret ingredient: courage. Unlike Dorothy I don’t have to close my eyes and wish to go home, I am the catalyst. And I am in control of my destiny.
I know this is a bit dramatic but I need a little pep talk, and I bet someone reading this does too. Now its back to studying and I suggest you do the same.
Best,
Pauline