I know that I have a lot to offer, and that I am a competitive candidate in numerous applicant pools, however, finding a job isn't exactly a piece of cake. The current economic climate has greatly reduced the number of entry-level jobs, and has also increased competition between college graduates. There are fewer spots available, wages are lower, and companies usually hire from within.
To compound the problem, I am extremely idealistic. I am desperately hanging on to my childhood dream of changing the world. I still believe that one day, I will be responsible for significantly promoting positive change, either by reducing international poverty, or improving educational access, or ending chronic homelessness, or something else. I've dedicated my life to improving the lives of others, and I am continually searching for ways to maximize my impact. I want to promote justice in the greatest possible way that I can... but I also need to eat.
So last November, I applied to Teach For America. It's a great organization that's dedicated to providing quality education in underserved schools, and my past experience has prepared me very well to serve as a Teach For America Corps Member. I researched the organization for months, talked to a lot of people about the application process, completed the interview, and waited to hear back. I was pretty confident that I was a shoe-in, and so I was full expecting an acceptance. Yesterday, I got the e-mail:
While the Committee has offered admission to some candidates and denied admission to others, it has recommended your acceptance to Teach For America but has placed you on the waitlist because of a few uncertainties impacting this year's corps.
Needless to say, I was very upset. I felt like all my hard work had all been a waste of time. I realize that TFA is very competitive, and that a waitlist isn't a rejection, but I can't help but feel inadequate.
That said, I'm ready to move on and continue looking for opportunities that will allow me to both support myself and realize my dream of changing the world. I'll still wait to hear back from TFA (March 6), but in the meantime, I have to take a more active role in my future.
So, I'm writing this blog as a kind of accountability partner in my job search. I'm going to record all my efforts, obstacles, opportunities, setbacks, and hopefully some victories, too. If all goes as planned, this blog will keep me on the right track and result in full-time employment. There are 4 months before I graduate, and a world of opportunities to explore. While I am primarily using this blog as a tool to track my progress, feel free to comment, give advice, offer support, connect, or GIVE ME A JOB.
Thanks for reading, and check back often for updates.
R
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