You're In Control

In last week's session we heard from three successful women. Carol Sally, and Mary spoke to us about their stories. Each of the women was in charge of their own success, they either began their own business or took control of a current one. Carol talked to us about the advantages of being a female leader. One advantage that interested me was that our style, as women, is not concrete. No one can anticipate what you're going to do, we are in charge of finding your own leadership style. Mary spoke to us about your impact on the business. It is not about what you're doing, but how you're doing it. You should be making a difference in your own way. Don't just stay within the lines, be creative. Mary was in the finance business and one key tip that she suggested was getting your personal life in order first. It is critical to make the decision that is right for you at the present time. Do not think about your past experience or what is anticipated in the future, think about how the financial decision you make will affect you right now. Lastly we heard from Sally. I think the reason Sally's story spoke to me the most is because she was living out her passion. Sally set out to be a professional singer but after realizing she had another calling for continuing a business she never stopped doing what she loved. It was good to hear this message because I want to be able to incorporate my passions into my everyday life and not have to choose between one passion or the other. I'm really enjoying being able to relate my thoughts and beliefs to the stories of these powerful, inspirational women. Their experiences are helping me shape my decisions. And despite this yucky weather, I hope we are all living out our passions as beautiful women!

Passion

At our last Women in Leadership class session we heard from non-profit women leaders. It was a very inspiring presentation because each woman was building her career around something she was passionate about. After attending the FYE session on "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" I learned that I cannot make a wrong mistake in my career pathway as long as I'm following my passion. Hearing the stories of these women served as a reassurance to do what I love, to help people. If they can make it work so can I. Non-profit organizations can sometimes be misconceived as organizations solely concerned on fundraising. However, this is not the case. Although raising money for your cause has a lot to do with the organization, it is centered on what you're passionate about. You must find whatever it is that you do best, and pursue that in a career, advocate for it. Sandra Smith was one member of the panel that I found related to my current situation. After going on a mission trip to Haiti this past summer I have more encouragement than ever of my passion. I want to help people. Waking up to the pictures of people children and the landscape of Haiti makes me wants to go back everyday. Sandra spoke about her trip to Africa. She had recently gone and she said it was an amazing experience. The trip made her realize who she was as a person, in the biological sense and physical. Hearing her story of helping others and feeling a call to do so has helped me. I realize that I can make  a living out of my passion. Out of the entire session I found this quote one of the most valuable, "love what you do, do what you love." Find your voice now.

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

This past Thursday I attended the FYE session presented by the Center for Career Planning. The session was about finding your pathway and giving you guidance about deciding what you want to be when you grow up. The main point in the message was that it's okay to be undecided in your career pathway. If you do have your entire college career already planned out that's great, but I gained reassurance in that my status of being undecided is perfectly fine. Ryan, the leader of the session, had planned out the college pathway year by year. Our first year in college should be spent discovering ourselves; exploring our interests and capabilities, as well as getting in touch with our talents. As a sophomore we should explore; cultivate career skills, develop a career network, and most importantly, be open to opportunity. Year 3 was labeled as the experience year, this will allow us to learn more about potential job opportunities. And finally, year 4, preparing and implementing; do not be afraid to say yes. As an undecided freshman I gained a lot from this session. I am now thinking about majors based on something I am passionate about, which is helping people. Sitting in on this session as well as attending last week's class has given me a comfort to my current status. The business women who spoke in last week's class we're all doing things they were passionate about. Each woman was working for her passion, whether it be autism, or enhancing confidence in beauty. Last week's sessions gave me a real boost to study what I am passionate about. I learned that there isn't one best occupation for any individual, I cannot make the wrong choice if I am taking the pathway of something I believe in. Now, I am confident that by sticking with my beliefs and my passion towards helping others through faith, leadership, and guidance I will make the right choice with whatever path I take.