I'm not funny. What I am is brave. - Lucille Ball

Persistent- Finding employment as a young person is incredibly taxing and sometimes discouraging these days. Most of the entry-level positions are filled by people who have already been working for 5-10 years and their resumes will beat ours in experience every time. Do not settle for submitting a resume online and crossing your fingers. Be persistent. Most companies vet the potential job seekers resumes through an HR department before the hiring manager ever sees it. If it is a position you truly want and honestly have the credentials for, call the company and ask for the department your position would be in. Once sent there ask who the head of the department is and an email address to reach them. Sometimes you will hear no but other times you may just get lucky and find an in. Email the person and let them know you have applied though the correct places but you wanted to introduce yourself and why you are right for the position. Managers like a person with guts and the determination to follow through. 


Expansive- Learning is one of the most amazing things we can do. Expanding your mind beyond your current thoughts, beliefs, or ideas can be invigorating and exciting. I love hearing a presentation or podcast about something I knew nothing about before and leaving the talk with a new look on  what I previously thought to be the reality of a situation. Set aside an hour per week for yourself to deliberately learn something new. I like listening to TED talks there is such a variety of amazing, insightful presentations you can choose what subject area you are interested in and instantly start listening. 


Courteous-  Staying with the family of a friend or significant other can come with many stresses and awkward moments but some can be avoided by simply minding your manners. Simple things show your host your respect for their home. Number one, always make sure, even if staying multiple days, make the bed everyday! It may sound simple but you wouldn't believe how many house guests wont. Also on the last day there strip the bed for your host and fold it all in a neat pile on the corner of the bed. Once that is done I like to keep a thank you note with me in my bag. I write a quick thank you for their generosity and leave it on the top of the pile for them to find. 


Love and Best Wishes,
Ellen