Have you said hello to someone new today?

STORY:

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, 
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.  His name was Kyle. 
 
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.  I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?  He must really be a nerd.

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.  As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.  They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.  His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...  He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. 

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.  As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives. 

He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'  There was a big smile on his face.   It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.  I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.  As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before..  He said he had gone to private school before now. 

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.  We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.  He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.  I asked him if he wanted to play a little football 
with my friends.   He said yes.  We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. 

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.  I stopped him and said, “Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!”  He just laughed and handed me half the books. 

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..  When we were seniors we began to think about college.  Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.  I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.  He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.. 

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.   I teased him all the time about being a nerd.  He had to prepare a speech for graduation.  I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.  Graduation day, I saw Kyle.  He looked great.  He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.  He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.  He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! 

Today was one of those days.  I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' 

 He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. 'Thanks,' he said. 

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began, 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends..... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. 

I am going to tell you a story.' 

 I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the 
first day we met.  He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.  He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. 

 He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved.‘ My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..' 

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. 

 I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. 

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. 

Never underestimate the power of your actions..
With one small gesture you can change a person's life. 

For better or for worse....

Maximizing a Job Fair

My sister inspired me to write this entry, as she searches for a job.  Having interviewed 100’s of students and participating in countless interviews myself, I organized a list of pointers for anyone out there hunting!

Remember....The goal is to set yourself apart from everyone else!!!

1. Research the companies you are interested in.

Prepare educated questions to ask the recruiters/interviewers.  Impress them with questions demonstrating your knowledge of their philosophies, backgrounds, etc.  You won't just spew out what you know, but you would say for example, "In your mission statement you talk about prevention, I was curious if my job would involve opportunities to help facilitate preventing disease."  Practice some questions ahead of time.

2. Be prepared to interview on the spot if at a job fair. 

Think about questions they may ask you ahead of time.  Why do you want this job?  What interests you about our company?  What qualifications or experiences do you have for this position?

3. Do some writing/soul searching. 

Write down your strengths & challenges (with what you do to overcome challenges).  Write down specific situations you have encountered in life that would relate to this position.  Match some of the company philosophies to those of your own.

4. Create a Portfolio. 

This is especially important if you have little work experience because of college.  If you have any samples of work or papers written that would support the position you are applying for, put them in a folder & bring them.  Maybe something you wrote in school that related to the job.  Anything you can muster up that is somewhat related, you never know when it may come in handy that day.  Its better to have it with you and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

5. Practice. 

Find someone to ask you questions ahead of time and give you feedback about your answers.  This will be the most beneficial part of the process.  If you can’t find someone to work with you, I offer career coaching, resume review and other services that can help you get working!

6. Social Media. 

Linked-In is a great service to have a well-rounded portfolio, resume & recommendations ready to go at any time.  If you have some time, set this account up & it might just come in handy!  www.linkedin.com    

                                                    ~Good Luck!!!