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