“Now what?” you ask. Well, ideally, by now, you should already be engaged in at least 1 of the following: 1. Packing for college or, if a local campus, making arrangements to register for classes 2. Starting a job or 3. Engaging in the business venture you were dreaming about for the past year or so.
A Word About College: Go for it! Don’t worry about the money, you will find the funds. If you have even an inkling of desire to go to college, do it. I had a ball in college but more importantly, it gave me the professional skills necessary to negotiate work and whatever I needed in life. Being in college gave me a higher level of social skills necessary to establish meaningful friendships and networks of support.
Don’t get me wrong; college wasn’t always easy - especially the social part…and the freezing cold weather, although the campus (SUNY Oswego) is absolutely gorgeous - but I did learn and I remained focused on getting my degree. (p. 33, Validation Denied Grace Bestowed)
And let me tell you…the walk across the collegiate stage is a most exhilarating, magical feeling of accomplishment because you feel a sense of being an even greater possibility for those who WILL BE, interested in what you have to offer!
Still no plans? Nothing? No problem. Stay involved in shaping your future, though.
If you have chosen not to go to college, at least for now, and you already know what your talent/passion/purpose is….
1. Do it AND continue to seek professional guidance – speak with an advisor at the career center in your community, attend career fairs in your area, or if you know someone who is already doing what you would like to pursue, ask them for guidance, an internship or the opportunity to work with them.
2. If you are still unsure about what your talent or
passion is, look at this moment as an incredible opportunity to BEGIN to discover your purpose. Contemplate AND
JOURNAL your answers to the following questions: Who am I? What is my talent? How do I want to contribute
my gift to humanity? Also, chat with an advisor at the career center in your
community and attend career fairs in your area. In the meantime….
3. Find employment. Having
a job shows maturity, responsibility, discipline and drive. Furthermore, working
is a great way to help clarify your dream and goals!
Whether you find work in your chosen field of
interest (even if it is an internship), or a job at the community center, movie
theater, grocery store, pet shop, department store, restaurant, park, day care
center, tech store, social media, music shop, hospital, airport, your own
business venture, museum, arts organization, the community pool/day camp, the key is to get work experience.
Don’t forget to keep a log as
you gain experience - name of employer, address, phone number, your title,
duties, your supervisor’s name and title.
Your log will help you to build a solid resume and job references. Be
open to learn from your employers and co-workers, respect guidelines for
conduct, have a “team” mentality, work to the best of your ability and you
should have no problem securing viable references!
I have to interject: Please do not have the ‘it’s just a paycheck’
mentality. You are providing a service and should be paid for your performance. Furthermore you will begin to establish
meaningful friendships and more importantly, references – supervisors and
others who can give an objective opinion about your character, performance and
work ethic. You will probably be asked
for references throughout your life, depending on what you desire to pursue,
i.e., a better job or things you want to own, i.e. a car, home, boat or
something else of value.
4. Open a bank account. Ever
heard the phrase “pay yourself first”? It means
to SAVE.We really do not want you to inherit today’s debt…in YOUR future! We want you to be able to take care of yourself regardless of the times.
No matter what….Stay actively involved in shaping your future. Continue the journey towards your best life.
Teen Task: 1. Give yourself a chance. 2. Journal your ideas and thoughts. 3. Discuss this blog with your parents.
Thank you for reading.
Validation Denied Grace Bestowed:somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care...
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CONTACT US AT:
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