The world is my oyster

(image via google) 

New years has come and gone and I am determined to make 2014 a year of success by ensuring my goals are aligned with my heart.

 This year will be a big year for me as I transition out of  my current role in Teach For America and back into the business world which won't be an easy change. Although the past two years have been filled with more challenges, tears, and frustrations than I can count, I am forever changed by my students. Leaving my kids and the community will be extremely difficult  but no matter where I end up in my career, closing the achievement gap will always rank high on my priority list. The work that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of has taught me how necessary change is in our broken education system. I have witnessed first hand how the faults in an elementary foundation will create life altering earthquakes in a child's life as they struggle to catch up year after year and walking away from a problem this big is impossible.

I consider myself lucky to have a job that challenges me every single day to give 110% and to learn from my mistakes instead of seeing them as failures I could just as easily walk away from. So while I may not know exactly where I may end up in the coming months I know whatever I do it's not just going to be a job. It's going to be a big part of who I am.

The hardest part of the job search process is not being able to plan. Losing sleep constantly thinking about my next move, the GRE, grad school, living situations and other logistics has been mentally draining. Trying to plan the rest of my life should be an exciting journey. I can go anywhere, be anything and instead of being stressed by the options I have to take a deep breath and remind myself how lucky I am to have the opportunity to see the world like this. With hard work and determination, I know the right doors will open up and plans will fall into place just as they're meant to be. For right now the only new years resolution I am focusing on is being present in the now and cherishing the last few months I have with my brilliant students.

As I prepare to transition back into the business world, I have begun to prepare by reading books, articles and magazines that will help guide me as I search for a company whose vision aligns with my own. Of course, this is easier said than done, but I know in the long run I will thank myself for being picky in my decision to find a company that wants to make the world a better place with their service or product. I wanted to share some of the materials I have been reading and watching for anyone who is currently job hunting or needs a good read!

1. The week
2. Inc
3. Shark Week
4. 60 minutes