For many of us, this past week has been a test of patience. As my family, and probably many of yours, continues enduring a week of no power, I find myself thinking about years past. I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie, and though a fictionalized account of life in the 1800 was depicted, I believe the show was true to a number of elements, including the lack of power and heat. And what about our soldiers, stationed in countries around the world, in deserts with extreme high and low temperatures? Can I endure a lack of a hot shower or a cooked meal for a few days, when these folks often cope for weeks, months, or years that way? Am I so dependent on modern conveniences that I cannot adjust for a small period of time, no matter how uncomfortable it is making me? I have a roof over my head, a job, and a family that is safe.
Perspective is an important tool for self growth and humility.
Here at Career Services, I think it is part of our jobs to
guide students through their own maze of difficult
situations. Whether choosing a major, preparing for an internship, starting a job search, or applying to graduate
school, the students show up at our door confused, seeking guidance and answers. Sometimes we can provide them with a sample resume or interview questions. Other times, we can only begin to cut through the fog of ambiguity with your student, as
the solution is not necessarily clear. We often go back to the basics. What is the student’s priority, what is he or she
good at doing, what is important to the individual? When students have self awareness and the understanding of what that means, they are more likely to have confidence in their abilities. That confidence translates to being successful at
school, work, and life. That confidence means being able to handle unexpected situations, to problem solve when life
throws a curveball, and to be successful in spite of difficulties.
situations. Whether choosing a major, preparing for an internship, starting a job search, or applying to graduate
school, the students show up at our door confused, seeking guidance and answers. Sometimes we can provide them with a sample resume or interview questions. Other times, we can only begin to cut through the fog of ambiguity with your student, as
the solution is not necessarily clear. We often go back to the basics. What is the student’s priority, what is he or she
good at doing, what is important to the individual? When students have self awareness and the understanding of what that means, they are more likely to have confidence in their abilities. That confidence translates to being successful at
school, work, and life. That confidence means being able to handle unexpected situations, to problem solve when life
throws a curveball, and to be successful in spite of difficulties.
Situations that throw us back to basics make us dig deep inside ourselves to remain positive; to move forward when life wants to push us backward. So whether weathering natural disasters or figuring out career paths, it is our inner strength that will ultimately point us where we need to go. When a student knocks on our proverbial door, we are there
to listen, guide, challenge, and direct. We want your child to graduate with a good sense of self, to be purposeful, and
