BLOG: Tassajarra Muses

Source: http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2013/12/18/great-posts-on-interactive-writing-blogging/

It has been more than two years since I have posted on my blog (and yes, this is another blog post about blogging). I figured it was time to revamp this blog instead of starting over. I've done that a couple of times now and have been left with several deserted blogs.

So let's begin...

Introducing Tassajarra Muses

When I first started this blog, it was to document my post grad life, following my graduation from the University of Portland in May 2010. I wanted to create an easy way for family and friends to find out what I was up to after graduating. However, after about a year, I realize this blog was more than my post grad life journey and what I was doing professionally. As I started adding more personal content, it became a blog that allowed me to share other parts of my journey including my photo project, reviews for movies and books, changes in my hairstyle and more. 

As this progressed, I changed the title of my blog to follow my mantra for the year; for instance, in 2013, it was Optimizing Opportunities. However, I needed a title that was good for SEO as well as one that catered to all the ups and downs, year in and year out. And that's how I came up with Tassajarra Muses. 

It's my first name paired up with the word "muses." As a noun, a "muse" is a goddess who resides over the arts and sciences, while as a verb, "muse" is to be absorbed in thought. I felt that this describes me well in both senses. Firstly, I am well-rounded with interests and curiosities for several different things, topics, sports, music, activities, and so much more. It has its pros and cons because while I have all these interests, it makes it difficult to specialize in only one. Think of it as playing multiple video games and you're on level one on all of them instead of focusing on advancing in one particular game.  Secondly, I often get lost in my own thoughts or have to think decisions through all the way before deciding. With this blog, I plan to share some of those thoughts on different topics as I continue on this journey. 

I'm excited to start blogging again and hope you'll join me for this ride. :)

Dear NYC: I Miss You

 Last weekend in NYC, July 2011

Two years ago today, I took a one-way flight to New York City and spent 10 months in the Big Apple - working/interning and exploring the city. Then I returned home.

On my last day, I wrote...

"I'm positive that I'm leaving. Do I want to leave? Not really but I feel that going home at this point in my life is a good choice, healthy even."

Looking back, I think I do regret leaving...

Sometimes I look back and think I didn't do enough to stay in New York. I could have done a more thorough job search to land a public relations internship. I could have done a better search for apartments. I feel like I just ran out of time and ran back to a place of familiarity and safety.

Now don't get me wrong. Upon returning home, I got another job (or two or three or four) and worked like no other. I enjoyed the comforts of home and being surrounded by family, and I gained useful skills from those jobs. In addition, I met some amazing people at the same time.

I'm thankful for my combined working experiences to bring me where I am today as an intern for a global public relations agency, which was one of my goals this year too.

However, at the end of the day, was it worth working so many jobs and nothing else? It seems like such a waste of my youth to work so much to make ends meet.

I wish I spent more time hanging out with my new friends, but every time an opportunity came up, I declined because of work. :(

Moving forward, I seriously need to stop thinking so pessimistically about my past mistakes and look toward the possibilities ahead.

Isn't that what optimizing opportunities is all about? 

I just need to keep reminding myself that if I'm meant to return to New York, then it will be. 

P.S. Definitely had a more positive attitude about this situation last year...

Back to the Post Grad Blog

Yes, I'm blogging about blogging...again.

It's been a while since I last blogged, but I have exciting news to share in my next couple posts.  :)

One of my resolutions this year was to blog more, and I have obviously failed miserably so far.  Some explanation to that later, but honestly, I've just been extremely busy with work and everything else.  I'm hoping to blog more in the next couple months, so keep out on the look out for that.

Let's get on with the blogging!

Dream Job (part 2)

While journalism is not completely out of the picture, I've also grown interested in another industry - public relations.

In college, I was involved with student government (ASUP), most notably the Campus Program Board (CPB), a student-run event programming organization.  During my time as CPB Director, I gained experience in event planning, which was rewarding, enjoyable and challenging.  During my first term, I was still convinced that I would pursue my dream job of being a journalist and figured I can do event planning on the side, like as a wedding planner.  As graduation loomed closer, I was torn about what I wanted to do.  My adviser, Jillian, suggested public relations because I would be able to combine my skills as a writer and an event planner.

I didn't know much about public relations, but luckily I was able to take a course about it before I graduated.  I got a basic understanding, but during my first post-grad summer, I talked to someone at Burson-Marsteller, who said I had a superficial image of public relations.

It wasn't until I moved to New York that I got a better understanding of this new dream job...

Thanks to my internships with City Parks Foundation and Baltz & Company, I have a better understanding of public relations.  While it's from an intern's perspective, it's better than where I started.

According to PRSA, the official definition of public relations is:

“Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”

From those experiences, I found out how public relations was used to connect organizations with their publics, whether that was through a variety of media outlets like television, newspapers, magazines, or social media as well as events and public appearances.  Through my internships, I found that public relations allows me to practice and learn more about communication - verbal, written, in person, online, over the phone, one-on-one, or in a group setting.  It definitely keeps me on my toes and will continue to do so as communication change with technology.

I'm interested in learning more and figuring out which field is my forte, whether that is non-profit, food/hospitality, technology, travel/tourism, corporate communications, or in-house among others.

While the ultimate goal for this dream job is not concrete quite yet, I'm sure that once I get more into it with a company I love, that goal will formulate.  As for now, I'm taking it one day at a time and hoping to optimize the next opportunity to officially start my public relations career.

JOB SEARCH: Reminiscing yet Moving Forward

(via www.jvskc.org)

Cleaned out some emails and saw all the jobs/internships I applied for while living in New York.  Emails to a variety of public relations agencies - boutique agencies, global companies, agencies focused on technology, sports, beauty, food/hospitality and more.  Emails to MTV.  Emails to magazine companies.  Emails to restaurants.  Emails to stores.  Honestly, I was looking for work everywhere.

After organizing my email, I was inspired by my boldness and willingness to work in different places.  I understood that I needed to start somewhere, working from the ground up. 

As the job search continues, I need that same attitude again...

On the flip side, I also found an email chain about an internship with Benvenuti PR.  I interviewed with them but disclosed my concerns about scheduling.  That eliminated my opportunity to work with them.  Looking back, I'm sure I could have done it, balancing two unpaid internships and a job at Macy's.  Possibly getting a full-time job out of it.

(via One Degree of Separation)

If you're looking for job experience, internships are definitely a great way to accomplish this.  In addition, they allow you to explore the industry you're interested in.  While it is easy to turn your head away from unpaid internships, they provide great job experience, especially if you have an excellent mentor to help you and support you as you grow in the position and prepare for your career.  Just be sure the unpaid internship is legit and follows the legal guidelines.

Enough of looking in the past, it's time to keep moving forward and keep searching for my ideal job/internship...

TRAVEL: Portland (round 2)

Only one month until I'm back in the Pacific Northwest for a weekend!  I'm so excited to finally visit after a long hiatus, almost two years.  I can't wait to see my friends who are still in Portland, and I definitely hope I have enough time to spend with everyone!

Some things I'm looking forward to:

BESTIEEE TIME!!

CST (Jan 2010)

It's been such a long time since I've seen CST! I really hope we can all eat out for ol' times sake (even though our favorite hangout is long gone. *sigh*).

DANCE OF THE DECADES!!

Totally rockin' those rad 80s prom dresses! YES! (DOD 2010)

Yes, even alumni can enjoy this popular CPB dance!  Not sure what decade I'll be dressing up as, but it'll be a good way to hang out with friends, dancing the night away to some totally awesome soundtracks! Woo!

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!

With the playoffs starting next week, it'll be fun to see who makes it to the Super Bowl!  I've never watched a major sporting event at a sports bar, so we will venture to one. Yay! I really hope Kristina flies in on time for the kickoff! ;)

FOR THE SAKE OF THE BLOG!!

The adventures continue...

Who knows? There might be surprise blog posts...from you-know-where! hahaha

A-SUP OFFICE!!

The ASUP Team 2009-2010

My second home while in school. Things have changed, but I'm sure it was all for the better. It'll be good to visit the office as well as the current board and the Office of Student Activities. Oh those student government days! Good times.

THE FOSCHO SHOW!!

Well, I can't promise this will happen, but I really hope we at least get to spend time together.  But honestly, if we're together, we might as well make a video...or two.

DOWNTOWN ADVENTURES!!

Gotta venture down there at some point.  Maybe get some Voodoo or just walk around (depending on the weather)...

There's probably a half dozen more things I could list, but since it's only a weekend, I have to be realistic!  I'm down for anything, so come on Portland friends, show me what you got! ;)

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! 

NYC: A Year Later

New York City from Top of the Rock

A year ago today, I embarked on my New York adventure...

Back in January, I was convinced I'd still be in New York at this time, but my plans were never finalized as I just tried to make it a day at a time.  I miss being there.  However, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be there.  Thankful for experiencing life in a big city through all the seasons.  Thankful for the skills and experiences I gained from my internships and jobs.  And of course, thankful for the friends I made there.

I know I'm supposed to be there, and I really hope I get the opportunity to return.  It may not be this year or next, but I know someday I'll be back in New York City.  I'll do it right with a plan and everything.

But for now, my life is back on the West coast.  Still making adjustments but things should be fine.  Might as well enjoy it while I can.  Who knows what's in store next? 

JOB HUNT: Good but NOT good enough...

When I first read this on tumblr, I reworded it:

If something is not happening for you, it doesn't mean it's never going to happen...it means they're not ready for YOU!

 I twisted it to make it more optimistic for me, but thinking it over, maybe I am the one who isn't ready...

After yet another rejection, I realized that this statement is true as is.  

With all these rejections, one thing has stayed constant.  All of them said that I have a good resume and good experience, BUT...

The exception is my lack of enthusiasm, my lack of experience, my lack of interest in that particular industry in public relations.  My problem is that I want to try out different areas of public relations to see what I like and what I don't like.  I guess being well-rounded isn't a good thing in this case.

I need to focus, but with so many interests (having yet to discover others), it's been difficult to figure out where I want to go in public relations.  So far I have experience in a non-profit organization that focused on community programming through its park system and experience in a boutique food and hospitality agency.  I loved working in both, but I want to be exposed to, learn more about, gain experience in:

• Corporate communications
• Fashion/beauty
• Entertainment
• Travel
• Digital/Social Media
• Technology (consumer-based)
• Museums

While I want to be part of a bigger global picture, I need to start off somewhere. I enjoy making people happy, which is key in public relations right? Making your clients/patrons/media partners/community members happy?  I like being behind the scenes, making things happen, getting stuff done and reaping the rewards afterward - mostly just the sense of accomplishment will do. 

So how do I go about trying to figure out what path to go on in public relations? Apparently the experience route is out of the question. Textbooks? Blogs? Websites? I have no problem with research, so let's go!  I'll record my thoughts on yet another blog that will solely focus on public relations material: http://tmmpr.wordpress.com (it's still under construction). Hopefully this method will help clear this vague picture I have of public relations and all its different facets and take me down a path worthwhile.

With this new game plan, I still ponder this question (referring back to the quote)...

It may be true that I'm not ready for it, 

but how will I be ready without a chance?

P365: Fortune Cookie [081]

Please come true!! :)

P365: Thank You! [049]

Following good etiquette after finishing an interview by writing thank you cards!  It’s courtesy and helps you stand out in the interview process.  Hopefully these do the trick! ;)

Dear NYC: Last Day

It's coming down to the wire.  These are my last 24 hours in New York City (for now at least).

• I shipped my stuff to California.
• I finished my last day at the Disney Store.
• I said farewell more than I needed to my friends (didn't realize this until last weekend...whoops).
• Now it's down to a few more goodbyes while exploring the city...
• Oh and finish packing.

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions.

With one week left to go, I was all excited to go home, but then my emotions took a sharp downward spiral. I was conflicted with myself about whether I was happy to go home or sad to be leaving NYC.  In fact, I broke down at one point, crying on the steps of the Lincoln Center - just the whole realization of leaving hit me all of a sudden. Kinda harsh.

At first, I was like, "YAY! I'm going home!!" (^o^)

Then I was like, "OMG! I'm leaving New York City!!" (O_O)

Then it didn't help that I kept getting asked, "Are you sure you want to leave?" (Yeah, thanks Mike.)

This scene from Tangled illustrates my emotions perfectly.

I'm positive that I'm leaving.  Do I want to leave?  Not really but I feel that going home at this point in my life is a good choice, healthy even.

After seeing friends and exploring parts of the city I haven't seen before, I feel content with going home, accomplished and with friends and memories that I will cherish for years to come.

I know I'll be back in New York City. I'm not sure if it's just going to be a visit or to move back, but I'm glad that I have friends who will be waiting for me to return.

And if they ever decide to come to California, they should let me know!! :)

Thanks for the memories! These final hours are going to be awesome!

Dear NYC: Thank you for the adventure!

Chrysler Building

Today marks my 10th month in New York City.  Can you believe I've been here that long?!  So close to making it one year.  However, that won't happen this year...

Today also marks the beginning of my last week in New York City.  I will be moving back home on July 13.

As some of you may know, I've been struggling to figure out which coast to live on.  In fact, this struggle initiated way back in October.  I fought to stay here, but after much deliberation, I've concluded that it would be best to move home for the time being.

As much as I have enjoyed living in New York City, I've noticed that my heart is still on the West Coast with my family and friends.  After visiting home at the end of May, it became even more apparent that I should move back to California.  I missed being with my family, but I feel like it's mostly because I was so tired of feeling so lonely in NYC.

That's right. I felt loneliness in a city with over 8 million people, but even though I was constantly surrounded by people, I was often exploring the city by myself (probably my fault for not reaching out to the friends I've made here).

Anyway, when I was at the airport, I cried before boarding the plane to NYC.  The tears just flowed out of my eyes as I thought about my family that I was leaving again.  I had no idea when I would be returning home at that time or what the future held for me, especially since I was not getting any leads for jobs.  Little did I know that I would be booking a ticket back less than a month after returning.

My 10-month adventure in New York City as been filled with amazing experiences and wonderful relationships that I will never forget.  I'm going to highlight some of those in a couple posts, which will be part of a segment called, "Dear NYC."

I did not expect to be here for nearly a year.  Remembering back to when I first came here in September, I only came to NYC to help my Lola (grandma) travel across the country to see new granddaughter.  At that time, I only planned to stay for 4 to 6 weeks, considering the amount of clothes I packed.  But with a job and internship, I was prompted to stay much longer than anticipated.

Throughout my time here, one question kept coming up - "How long will you be here?" I always had the same answer - "I don't know," which was usually followed by an excuse of why I needed to stay (job/internship).  But even though I had some legit reasons for staying, do you know how hard it was to live with such uncertainty?  I was basically taking it one day at a time, hoping for new opportunities.

Ah! But that's all over now!  I feel so relieved that I finally decided where to go.  I already feel 100 times happier, knowing that I will be home during the summer.  Although I may not know how long I'm staying there, I'm glad I don't have to worry about all the expenses I had to worry about in New York.  Although I'm happy for going home, I'm also sad to say farewell to everyone I met here.  It's a bittersweet moment.

Peace out, NYC! 

I hope to return to New York City, but this time it will be on my own terms.  It won't be a spontaneous trip as a travel companion.  It will be well-thought out and planned in advanced.  Time constraints and living situations will be determined.  Career paths will be paved.  It will be a more enriching experience to enjoy the city and time spent with friends, rather than working all the time (because you know how I'm a workaholic).  My next time in the Big Apple, whether it's just a visit or a move back, I will do it my way.

Thank you for the memories, New York! It's been a blast...!

P.S. Look out for the next "Dear NYC" post...

NYC: 9 months (and counting...?)

Today marks my ninth month in New York City.  Kinda funny because nine months ago, I arrived in New York at LaGuardia Airport at night, and today, I arrived at JFK early in the morning. 

But anyway...almost a YEAR?! What?!  However, the question isn't how long I've been here, it's what have I accomplished since I've been here...

• I've completed two public relations internships, giving me a glimpse of the non-profit and agency worlds.  I'm leaning more toward non-profits because it was such a fantastic experience.  The programs that we promoted were awesome and the people I worked with were truly a blessing and appreciative of my work, while helping me gain vital PR skills.  
• I dabbled in quite a few part-time jobs, more than I ever had back home or in school.  It's been interesting and fun doing those jobs, but I know it is not what I want to do for a career.  They are part-time for a reason.
• I've made some new friends, but I wish I got to hang out with them more often. 
• I know more about navigating through this large city but continuing to discover more every day. 

It has been an amazing adventure thus far, even with its ups and downs; it's all part of this journey of the post grad life.  However, something has been bothering me.  Although I feel accomplished in a way, there's a part of me that feels like I haven't achieved anything.  I think it's the lack of a full-time job in public relations, communications or marketing that's bringing me down.  A full-time job would truly exemplify an achievement, after completing all those hours of interning and working. 

I feel like I'm in the same place I was last year after I graduated.  I thought I would get hired immediately after completing college, and this time, I thought I'd get hired immediately after completing my internships.  You think I would have learned from the first time around that that's not how it works.  Patience and optimism is key. 

So the job search and my time in NYC continues...

Blog: Inspiration

Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you or hold you up in any way.

- Eileen Caddy

It just takes ONE moment. ONE person. ONE dream. This may INSPIRE you to achieve something great!  INSPIRATION is contagious.

In this case, several things have come together to motivate me. Good timing too.

BLOGS: 

Yeah, I know. I just wrote a whole blog about how I need to get back to blogging and yet I'm blogging about it yet again.  Sorry about that.  Next post will be about something else for sure...

ANYWAY, in case you haven't heard, my buddy Rick Baleros finished his Project 365 blog.  After seeing him complete this project, it has really INSPIRED me to start my own.  I know I also mentioned that in my last post, but I think I should really start it.

Look out for that starting JUNE 1.


As for regular blogging, I'm working on that.  I'll try to keep this up once a week or so, hopefully!!


JOBS:
I've taken a hiatus from job applications. Maybe too long of a break. Whoops.

Well, this week, I need to get back into the groove of filling out all those job applications!  I've done a ton of searching and now it's time to get back to the real work of it - applying!

After spending time with my family, I have new hope for my job search/application process. There's still some kinks to figure out, but I'm definitely more MOTIVATED.  Let's pray for the best and hope I land something soon!

As much as I like my part-time gigs and internships, I feel it's time to move on to something bigger and better.


LOCATION:
Short and sweet - it was nice to hear some encouraging words about testing the waters in NYC.


GRAD SCHOOL:
The idea of grad school is still there; it's just a matter of figuring out what I'd be studying and where.  The options are endless right now (okay I do have it narrowed down to a number I can count on two hands, which is a bit too much still).  Either way, it's another one of those processes that will slowly but surely formulate over time.


INSPIRATION. Sometimes you just need that boost of encouragement, confidence and support.  Thank you for those who have given me that boost this week. I'm excited to continue reaching for my goals and chasing my dreams!  This is the year for enterprising, but the chase is taking me a little bit longer than even I expected.

As the second half of the year begins, I'm INSPIRED to make a change. INSPIRED to have a clearer picture of my future. Just INSPIRED to continue this post grad life...

Blog: SLACKING...

You know you're thinking it too...

Hey there followers!

I know. I've been slacking on updating my blog about my post grad life.  It's definitely been a good couple months since I've done some actually updating.  Honestly, a lot of things have happened too, concerning jobs, internships, movies, books, and life in general.

So I promise to make a better attempt to get back to writing and posting things more regularly.  I may also venture into the realm of Project 365, if time allows for it.  If you haven't seen one of those kinds of blogs, check out Rick's Project 365.  It is pretty fantastic, and he's quite the photographer too! :)

I sincerely apologize for not having written much lately...

NYC: New Year Brings New Hopes

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! It's 2011! :D

For the first time ever, I actually celebrated New Year's Eve.

Every year, my family keeps it low key...and by low key I mean seriously low key. We're usually just playing on the computer or the Wii for most of the day, and then when it's the last 30 minutes or so, we'll watch the NYE TV coverage (aka the video of the ball dropping 3 hours before).  Then we'll eat some kind of snack and bust out the sparkling cider.  Totally low key...

There are several reasons to celebrate 2010 and to welcome a new year.

1) Graduation from the University of Portland - Those last couple months as a Portland Pilot will definitely be cherished, even with all those sleepless nights and papers I wrote.  There are so many awesome memories that I made with my friends that shadow those lows, like when they kidnapped me to VooDoo Donuts, when we ventured downtown, when we went to the many successful CPB events, when we made those hilariously fun dance videos and soo much more! :D

2) Summer Travels - Although it was a summer without studying abroad, it was fun to travel to Colorado, different places in California, and back up to Oregon.  And what made it better was being able to spend time with my family and friends.  It was such a chill summer.  However, it really sucked applying for all those jobs and not getting any response back until...

3) NEW YORK CITY! - I know I've probably said this a million times, but honestly, I definitely was not planning to be in New York City 6 months after graduation from college.  It has been a whirlwind of success so far, and I'm excited to see what the new year brings...

Here's to 2011!!

To welcome in the new year, Ben and I went to Times Square and waited for a good 8 hours for the ball to drop. We ended up on 49th Street and 7th Avenue.  The view isn't bad from there, but we definitely wish we were closer to get the sweet hats and streamers.  Definitely good to know for the next time I go on this escapade to Times Square on New Year's Eve!

The experience was one to remember.  I don't know how many times I thought about how surreal this is.  Everything about being here in NYC has been surreal.  It's like living a dream, which reminds me...

Our theme for 2010 was the year of chasing dreams! I'm positive Ben and I have accomplished the theme, especially by ending up in NYC to actually chase those dreams and TCOB. Because of this, 2011 has so much promise for us...

As we begin enterprising - boldly going where we have not gone before.  (Go ahead and laugh at my inner geekiness....). But it is true. This is the first time in my life where school doesn't dictate my year.  In fact, I don't even know what the year looks like beyond the first couple months with my internships.  It is exciting, and I know this year has a lot in store.  It's just a matter of continue having that drive and motivation to accomplish everything and reach that end goal of having a career in PR/Marketing.  2011 will be the year to make it happen!

The path is already being paved with my continuing internship with City Parks Foundation and a paid internship with Baltz & Company, a boutique PR agency that specializes in food and hospitality.  I'm so excited to get started with them.  I'm also stoked to continue my internship with CPF, especially as we prep for their biggest event of the year - SummerStage.  With these two internships, I will be able to gather the knowledge and skills needed to excel in PR whether that is in the non-profit or agency setting.

But yes, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Make 2011 an awesome year! I wish the best for you! :)

NYC: What's next...?

The return to New York City draws ever nearer as the hours, minutes, seconds tick closer to my departure from home.  While I am excited about returning to the Big Apple, it also dawns on me some of the biggest decisions of my life. Well, I'm not sure if they are that huge, but right now, it seems that way. 

Most of these decisions surround my career path in public relations.  I have so many opportunities unfolding in front of me, particularly in the realm of internships, but I'm worried about taking the wrong step or going in the wrong direction.  I'm not sure if this is even possible in this industry, especially in NYC, but that's the thing - the whole uncertainty of the situation as well as making the decision without advisory, worries me.

I'm so accustomed to talking to someone through my decisions.  It reassures me that I'm making the right decision. Yes, I know I have talked to several close friends about this situation and many of them have been very supportive (thank you!).  However, these decisions still rest on my shoulders.  It's not a team effort; it's mine.

I guess this comes with living in the "real" world.  It's time to make your own decisions and hope for the best.

I know wherever I go, it'll hopefully be a rewarding experience and hopefully have both short term as well as long term benefits for my career path.

The song "Firework" by Katy Perry has been pretty inspirational!  It just makes me feel good. It makes me think that with whatever choice I make, I will be amazing because I believed and trusted in myself in making this decision.

 

Wish me luck. Decision day is coming soon...

P.S. Speaking of internships, I know I mentioned before I'm an intern for the City Parks Foundation, which hosts community building events through the parks in all five boroughs. This internship is pretty amazing because it is a good fit for me as an event planner. Things somewhat overlap from my CPB experience, but I really enjoying learning new things every day.  It also gives a different perspective of event planning since it's mostly about publicizing the events and such.  In addition, it's really neat having an internship in Central Park. It's kinda chilly on those brisk fall mornings, especially now as the temperature drops, but it's lovely seeing the scenery...

Lovely fall colors in Central Park (Nov. 2010)

The Arsenal - it kinda looks like I work in a castle. SWEET! :D

JOB HUNT: HIRED!!

After a summer of applying for jobs and getting no positive responses,

I finally got a job at Macy's in New York City! :)

I interviewed with Macy's in Sacramento after coming back from Portland, and the interview went really well.  However, they did not have any openings, so they benched my application.

With no job offer yet, I figured I'd try applying for a Macy's job in NYC, home of the world's largest Macy's! What was there to lose?  Only days after sending in my application, I was surprised to get a response to schedule for an interview.

Today was the day, and everything turned out great! I'm so glad I'm finally hired!

Now it is just a matter of landing an internship...!

New York City is so full of opportunity, and I feel truly blessed to have this chance to pave this path I've been trying to unsuccessfully construct in California.  Honestly, it was so frustrating turning in all those job applications and not getting any response back or finding out I wasn't what they were looking for.  I may have mentioned this before but seriously, as a college graduate, I feel like we have this feeling that we should be hired on the spot because we're fresh and new experience that can really enhance the productivity of a company.  Maybe I'm just optimistic, but I really thought that's how it would work.  With this economy, it's a sad reality that getting a job is harder than it looks.  Congrats to all those who were able to get a job directly after graduation! I don't know how you did it, but hey! now I'm part of the club...well, sorta.  

With a new job and more to come, I can't wait to see what else happens as this NYC adventure continues! :)

NYC: 1 week

You might say I'm pulling a Ben Taketa - buying a one-way ticket to New York City, but it's true...

In one week, I'll be heading to the Big Apple with my Lola (grandma) to help my Auntie Junelle take care of her new baby girl.  I'm excited to meet my new cousin and to help out my family.

It's just so surreal this is happening.  I never would imagine going to NYC out of the blue like this, but I'm really excited! :D

While I'm in NYC, I'm hoping this might be an excellent opportunity to find a job/internship.  Checking out the CraigsList job listings, I'm overwhelmed with how many places are looking for interns and such.  It's great news though, especially compared to the opportunities available in Sacramento. Hopefully things will look up, and I'll finally gain that experience I've been looking for.

I'm not sure how long I'm staying in NYC because I only bought a one-way ticket, but hey...this post grad life just got an interesting twist! ;)

P.S. Pilots - NYC for Fall Break?!