Operation Getting "There"

You know that feeling of not being able to breathe, not being able to look up from the ground, the inability to move on? Of feeling stuck, and lost, at the same time. That feeling, I've felt before. We all have. We've all been there. We've also been to a place in our lives when we have to re-establish a breathing pattern, when we have to carry the weight on our shoulders and force ourselves to look back up, when we have to move on. It's just a matter of time and perspective...and the hope that everything will be okay.

I'm there. I'm right there. I'm sprawled all over "there".

Today my heart smiled. It picked up its broken pieces floating about, put itself back together, and smiled.

Why? Because of the Volunteer Adventure Corps. Because of these:





I'm chasing the dream. My dream. End of story.

Images and video from: Volunteer Adventure Corps

Hearts on Sleeves: Network Away

When it comes to growing up...WE'RE ON OUR OWN. I know, I know, it's stating the obvious but moving to Michigan BY MYSELF not knowing ANYONE really made me realize this. We really are on our own. The other day my grandma asked me how I was getting by...how I was paying my bills (credit card bills, monthly car payments, insurance, rent, groceries...the list goes on and on) without any sort of income. My response? Shrugging, and simply saying "I...don't...know."

Fact is, you learn to get by. I don't go out. I prepare all my food at home. I don't go shopping. I rummage through weekly sales papers for the local grocery store and make a list before shopping. I fight for the best deals, even when they're not offered. I make sure I don't get ripped off...ever. I refuse to leave the house until I've figured out the shortest possible route without wasting an ounce of gas. And I'll admit, it is a lot of work, but it is worth every, single, penny.

You're probably wondering, what keeps me going? I may not be wearing high-end fashion masterpieces. I may not be hitting the bars/clubs every weekend, nor eating out to nice restaurants with awesome food, but I am still doing me and making it. That, alone, is what keeps me going.

Only one month into this dietetic internship and I've already met a handful of people and unnoticably learned a little something from each and every one of them. Because the truth is -- in this little world of ours, "It's who you know." Why do you think I'm working to network like crazy (in person, NOT via Facebook/MySpace/Friendster/Twitter, etc...not that there's anything wrong with that, I just chose not to)? People don't realize how crucial networking is to "making it." And I'm not talking about pretentiously walking around and passing around calling cards without giving anyone a second of your time. I'm talking about meeting people, and really getting to know them, and letting them get to know you. After all, on top of "who you know"... "it's what you love." I chose the world of nutrition because I have genuinely fallen head-over-heels in love with it. And at this point, I would do anything for it...including suppressing my "shy side" (that's right, you hear it first).

Dana Hagenbuch writes more about networking in her article, "It's Who You Know: Networking for Nonprofit Job Seekers". According to her, in the nonprofit world, 60% of open positions are filled through referrals and networking. That's more than half of...anything!

Her rule is, "MAKE YOURSELF AS VISIBLE AS POSSIBLE. Go to every social or professional gathering you can, such as conferences, career fairs, alumni activities, professional association meetings, and fundraisers. Participate in volunteer opportunities at organizations that interest you. You never know when a hiring manager will be volunteering next to you."

I couldn't agree with her more. So climb every mountain, ask questions, wear your career heart on your sleeve...and take the world by storm (or something to that effect).

Images from: sayleadershipcoaching.com and thewisdomjournal.com

Africa, Oh Africa

Today, for whatever reason, had 'AFRICA' written all over it. Don't ask me why, I'm just a witness. All I know is that it did, and I can't seem to stop thinking about it.

Africa #1.
I met a fellow intern today who started the program back in September 2008 and finishes in March. Our rotations overlapped and I had no idea it did until I met her. Surprise! We got to talking about what we wanted to do with our lives after the internship. Neither of us know EXACTLY, but what we DO know is that we both want to travel overseas and work with the malnourished, the underdeveloped areas, the ones who could really use our help. Neither of us realized that there were other people just like us out there, right around the corner. I told her I've been wanting to go to Africa for some time now, but have been held back mainly by my mother who thinks I will go there and catch some kind of disease (which is possible, I'll admit, but there are precautions I can and would take!) She told me she had a few friends there who can help me out. YES!

Africa #2.
She then tells me she lived in South Africa for three years.

Africa #3.
A few minutes after this conversation, I decided to walk over to the medical library to work on a few projects. I sign unto my 'gchat' and BAM! A friend puts up an away message that read: "Soooo gooood http://africarally.theadventurists.com/index.php?mode=route."

(looks up at the sky and screams) "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!"

I'm thinking it's a sign. A sign to dream BIG and hold unto that dream, very tightly, until it comes true. And even when people try to tell you to let go of that dream...don't. Even if it's your own mother...make her understand! Or have her call me...I'll see what I can do.

Image above from africarally.theadventurists.com