The Paper & the Web

I have never considered the difference or similarities between writing on the web and on paper. The obvious similarities are that each involves the critical thinking required to write anything, a consideration for your audience. However, when writing on the web, your audience can be anyone who is anywhere. This is likely the most important aspect of web writing to consider. When writing on paper, your audience is somewhat controlled, especially if it is not being published. On the web, your audience could be anyone. If one is going to transfer writing from paper to the web, he or she must consider the broader audience. It may also need to be formatted in a way that makes it more readable on the web. Most web articles do not stretch as far as text on an 8.5"x11" sheet of paper.

The Dangers of Idleness

After returning from Spring Break and often covering up potential awkward silence with the obligatory, "How was your break?", I have come to the conclusion that boredom and idleness are some of the most dangerous states of mind. Most everyone automatically says their break was great. This is often followed with, "I laid around on the couch and did nothing!" If you delve a little deeper, you discover these people were actually bored out of their minds, but "there was just nothing to do..." The only thing I can equate with this weird contradiction is a McDonald's value meal. They seem so wonderful and delicious at first, but then you feel depressed the rest of the day after eating. I was fortunate enough to work four 10-hour days over the break and spend Friday and Saturday working around the house, and it really wasn't a bummer. I don't intend to sound self-righteous for having been productive, but I will take that kind of week over watching re-runs of That 70's Show any day. It may be because I'm mildly OCD, but I believe much satisfaction comes from expelling some "virtuous energy" as a mid-19th century Presbyterian minister put it. There is always the danger of becoming a workaholic and rest is certainly a necessity, but I think our culture is a little too infatuated with the holiday, the weekend, the couch, and the snooze button. I'm guilty of hoarding all of these, but I hope I never find myself saying, "There's nothing to do", and if someone whines that same verse to me, I hope I can be patient enough to suggest there is plenty to be done without giving them a swift kick.

Cheating on a Resume

is not a good idea. If I ever cheated on my resume and was accepted to whatever position to which I was applying, I would walk around the work place like a small puppy that just killed one of my owners best hens. If I was really good, I'd probably go around like the bully in A Christmas Story, but eventually Ralphie would find my soft spot and have me on the ground crying. The article touched on these two fears in a more professional manner. I want my employers to know what they're getting or not getting if that be the case. Lying on a resume would be such a burden, especially if it dealt with a particular skill such as design software in the architecture field. Either you know it or you don't. I suppose it could be easier to get away with the subtleties but, I'm sure due in no small part the Holy Spirit, the guilt and fear would really get to me. I hope I can always offer an honest resume without shame. I hope determination and diligence will see me meet and even surpass what one may expect from reading that resume.

Most Memorable Presentations

I regretted to learn that I missed the chicken showing presentation. It's very likely that it would have been my most memorable presentation, but as it is, I cannot say that for sure. Of those that I did see, Jim Palmer's presentation on alcohol at sporting events was my most memorable. Jim's presentation wasn't necessarily flashy; rather, the information he presented was interesting and relevant. I never knew that individual schools and conferences might have completely opposing alcohol policies or that the NCAA only made suggestions concerning those policies. It was also interesting and somewhat predictable to see how allowing alcohol consumption at particular universities led to more criminal incidents than when those same schools banned consumption. Jim's handout was also successful in giving a lot of information in a concise matter.

Mock Interview

I believe my mock interview went well. I remembered to brush my teeth and put on deodorant before arriving for the interview, so I figured things couldn't be too bad. I was able to answer all the questions as well as I thought I could. However, I did forget to share a personal story that related to the job description or previous job experience. I'll have to remember to work that in for the future. Mostly, I tried to make the whole thing a conversation rather than an interrogation. There were really no tense or awkward moments which I suppose is a good thing. This made me look forward to a real interview rather than dread one.

Accomplishments

In interviews, it is common to be asked about one's accomplishments and which stand out the most or for which one you are most proud. I have been asked that question, and it can be tough to answer. When I think of my accomplishments, I realize that I really have none. This is not meant to come across as grossly humble or even self-loathing; rather, it is meant to be honest. What many may label as accomplishments I can see only as opportunities in my life. I had the opportunity to attend a great high school with caring teachers and run for a track and cross country team with supportive team members and coaches. I have had the opportunity to work at jobs that have taught me, built my character, and often given me joy. Amidst all of this, my parents have been unconditionally supportive. All of this is to say that I really have done very little when it comes to any accomplishments or things to be proud of in my life. Most of things that I am proud of in my life have literally fallen into my lap. So, what does mean for me? I believe it means because God has so richly blessed me I can only serve his kingdom with what he has given me. What does this mean for me 5 years down the road? I don't know. I may be in Africa interning for Engineering Ministries International, designing efficient homes for folks there. I may be living in a suburb, serving in a church body and designing your everyday commercial buildings while dealing with clients and co-workers in a way that the Gospel commands. Regardless, I long for God to be at work in my life and in my relationships. Such working will produce more joy than any accomplishment.

Cover Letter Advice

I agree with all the advice given from the articles on cover letters. I never really knew exactly what a cover letter was, much less how it should be formatted, so every article was equally important and applicable to me. One point that really resonated with me was that of tailoring each cover letter to a target employer to the point of addressing him or her by name. It was interesting to learn that those who send hundreds of generic cover letters have less success than those who address a specific company and person in each of their cover letters. This is something I will certainly keep in mind when applying for internships and jobs. Overall, this information was helpful, but I really hate the idea of having to sell myself. I guess it's necessary, but in conjures up images of used car ads on cable television. Oh well.