You Never Known until you Ask

On my morning walks, I usually I pass by school, and was always curious, since the building houses a variety of different groups. A lady who I cashiered for at work the other night had a t-shirt with a school's name on it. Curious I asked if she was a teacher. It turns out that she teaches at the school, which happens to be a private school for students with learning disABILITIES. I went to the website to find out more, and lo and behold there was a section for interested volunteers. One of the things that the school needs help with is stocking books in the library. They also need people to help with filing and mailing. I e-mailed the contact person, and explained that I was a recent college graduate who had a minor in education and who had completed two internships while at school, one of them in a remedial reading class. This school is designed for students who have average to above average intelligence, but have autism, or trouble processing or struggle with reading. As an education (of sorts), and as a Christian Scientist I strive to see past the material labels that are placed on people all of the time. Volunteering at the school will help me to apply Christian Science more rigorously to my daily life, as I see the students as perfect reflections of God. I haven't heard back yet, but any given week I usually have one or two days off of work, and I usually spend those days glued in front of the computer instead of being productive. You never know when volunteering can lead to something more permanent. I can't wait to see what happens and what the next direction that I take is.

The Joy of Giving Back

For the past four years or so, I've joined my dad to ring the Salvation Army bells for his rotary club. At first I would come with my dad and one other person, but for the past two years it has been just the two of us. My favorite year was when the Salvation Army did a battle of the kettles. Each station had three kettles set up for donations, with each kettle corresponding to major colleges in the area- University of Kansas, Kansas State, and the University of Missouri. People could select which kettle they wanted to put their money in based off of their college of choice. While the donations were much smaller this year, I appreciate all the people who donate any spare change or dollar bills to make a difference for families this holiday season. It's especially fun watching the children donate because they are so happy doing so. It's a wonderful feeling to see people taking the time to donate or to wish us happy holidays.

I have always enjoyed giving back to the communities in which I live. Starting in middle school, I have served meals at a soup kitchen, cleaned trash out of streams, delivered Thanksgiving meals to people who would otherwise not have one, cleared invasive species out of a nature preserve, babysat children of battered women, aided crews picking up trash on the side of the road near my college, and spent time with pets in an animal shelter. I try to donate money each week to church and have sent in the occasional fund to my summer camp, a place that has been my second home for fifteen years.

If you have already done some volunteer work, keep it up! There are so many people and animals who would benefit from a little extra attention. To those of you who have never volunteered, I highly recommend that you consider it. Trust me, it's worth it.

A Taste of the Real World

I'm officially an adult. I'm 23, so I've been an adult for quite some time, but today I officially put my first step into the realm of post graduate. I made my very first college loan payment, which will be used to pay down the principle. I made the decision to attend a private liberal arts college instead of a public university, but I don't mind. Sure, being an adult can be scary, and some people are forced to grow up more quickly than others. In a way though being able to have the money to make that payment felt good. I may not have a place of my own or a dream job, but I just need to remember that it is God, not my will, that is ultimately in charge. Something that I really love but is hard to grasp is the idea of letting go and letting God. Being placed in a seemingly tough situation just helps us to grow closer to God, and to express dominion and joy.

Today was a turning point. In the next couple of days I will be making another payment to my second loan that will put a very large dent into my bank account, and I have a feeling that I might have to start being in charge of my phone bill as well. That means that decisions will have to be made, and I think that one of those decisions might be to cut off texting from my plan. I go over my limit just about every month, and it's time to start thinking a little more critically about what's important. My parents will not always be around to cover my bills, and if I'm going to be moving out then I need to know how to manage money just a little better than I have done in the past. If there is anyone out there who has some ideas on how to use money more effectively, I would really appreciate it!

How I Got to Where I am Now

When I first entered college in the fall of 2007, I had already decided to major in elementary education. I dreamed that I would make tons of life long friends and try new things. When I graduated four years later, I did have new friends and had tried many different things. I decided to switch dorms for my final two terms (which I should have done my sophomore year), and was over all done with school. As it turns out, switching dorms was one of the best things that I could have done. I was in a dorm with all of my close friends, and finally had a place where I felt like I would belong.

When June came, and I learned that I was actually going to be walking across the stage I had no idea what the future would hold. I was going to be working at the part time job I had held for four years for the first half of the summer, and then head to camp for the second half, where it would be my 15th summer! But after that who knew? I had applied for Americorp (though I wouldn't learn until later that I hadn't actually submitted my application), and was planning on returning to the grocery store, hopefully getting full time hours until I had enough money saved up to move out.

It's December now, and I am still at the store, wondering where my life is headed. Turns out that there weren't any full time hours for me, so I take what I can get, working 20 or so hours a week and coming in when other people can't make their shifts. I have wonderful co workers, and it's so nice having a job that is within walking distance (though I should probably start thinking about learning how to drive). I am now on the waiting list for Americorp (really really hoping that there is a position for me), and am considering moving out to Arizona to be closer to my boyfriend who has two more years of school left.

After spending most of my days on the computer when I'm not working, either skyping, or on facebook, pintrest, or stumbleupon (soo addicting!) I realized that something needed to change.I can't be living at home forever after all. I'm not quite sure the exact direction that this blog will take, but I'm hoping that someone out on the web will see it and find something to take out of it. I'm going to try and write everyday, in order that my experiences can be shared. From writing resumes, applying for jobs and researching appartments, and living life, I want to let recent graduates and future college students that you are not alone!

I VOW
To write every day
To spend at least 30 minutes to an hour every day doing something to help with the job search process
To spend less time on the computer and more time doing something productive
To spend time every day getting closer to God and my spirituality