More New Year's Resolutions

It's the last day of 2011! While I already started some of my resolutions for 2012, I've come up with a couple more.

5) Network! It's who you know... In this economy, it's evident that having a strong network is how people are landing jobs.  While this has been in the back of my mind of ages, it's long overdue to actually network with others in the industry, gain information about companies, particular positions, etc.  I definitely want to network in 2012, whether that is in person or through social media.

6) Reconnect with old friends.  Since I've moved back home, I realize I should have kept in touch with high school friends.  Sure, we're friends on Facebook.  We send birthday greetings, "like" or comment on status updates and pictures, but nothing more than that.  I'm going to try to reconnect; I just hope others are willing to do the same.

7) Get organized.  After moving from place to place over the past five years, I've accumulated a ton of stuff.  A bit too much.  I definitely want to reduce what I have, especially when I move again.  Garage sale anyone?

8) Volunteer! It's great to give back to the community, and I've somewhat done my part by donating blood.  Not much, so I want to volunteer more and get more involved with the community.

I feel like those are good realistic goals for 2012.  If circumstances are favorable (or not), I'd like to throw in these resolutions/goals as well.

9) Apply to grad school.  If finding a job continues to be a challenge, then I'll challenge myself to get into grad school.  It's still in the big picture.  I need to conduct more research and prepare for it if I want to make this happen.

10) Travel! I miss those college days when I got to travel to different parts of the US or study abroad.  It's been difficult planning trips around work and all, but the itch to explore the world is still there.  I know I have Portland in the books for 2012, but where else?

Alright. I could keep going on with these resolutions, but a year goes by fast and I should keep it focused on just these ten (for now).  What are your resolutions for the new year?

Let's make 2012 an amazing year!  :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

MOVIES: St. Elmo's Fire

Tonight I watched St. Elmo's Fire, and although, it isn't a highly reviewed film, I thought it was alright.  It follows the lives of seven friends who recently graduated from college.  All of them have different paths, but they all stick together through thick and thin.  Some of them are in relationships, while others concentrate on their careers or just have fun. 





Anyway, as I was watching, it just made realize how my friends and family are going through our post-grad lives in 2010.  Even though this movie took place in the 80s, nothing has really changed, except for maybe a little more opportunities and options to choose from after graduation.

In St. Elmo's Fire, the women of the group seemed to only have two options - career or marriage.  How limited.  Based from this movie, it seemed like the 1980s society was still strongly ran by men, but women were striving to make their way in their careers.  But either way, women were encouraged to get married soon as if there was nothing else to do after college.

In 2010, the confusion of what to do after 
college is still there after 30-ish years.  

For me, I'm on the "year-off" path, even if that may take more than one year.  I just want to gain some job experience or something to test out the waters, you know?  I'm taking it one step at a time because in this time of uncertainty, anything can happen.

For some of my friends, they are on the track of heading to med school.  It's a tough path, and they may have a couple bumps on the road.  Nevertheless, I know they'll pull through and persevere.

Other recent grads I know are volunteering or planning to around the world.  It's so cool that they have that chance to visit different places and truly make a difference in other people's lives.  I want to do this eventually, but we'll see.

Some other grads have already gotten married.  I'm glad they found that special someone and be able to spend the rest of their lives together. Best wishes to those couples! :)

Post-grad life is a confusing part of life because there are so many opportunities for grads to share and expand their experiences, yet at the same time, it seems so limited.  

A bit contradicting, but it's true...