Saturday, January 3, 2015

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



Sunday, December 1, 2013

Shop Small

There is only one way I'll shop on Black Friday and that's in my PJ's with my macbook in hand. This year, I wanted to make an effort to find local businesses that are selling unique items which will make for perfect gifts this Christmas! Whether I've shopped small online or in my local neighborhood store, I've noticed the shop owners are so enthusiastic about their products and really appreciate my business, in turn, making me feel 110% better about my purchase. With some of my previous local purchases, I've received hand written thank you notes, additional gifts, and warm smiles which have all made my experience as a consumer more enjoyable. If you chose to brave the crowds on Black Friday, its not too late to shop small and find some fantastic one of a kind gifts (especially with so many shops participating in Cyber Monday). Here are some of my favorite small business goodies from my Christmas list!
                             
                                                                                                          Enjoy! 


 1. Trillion ring |  2. Glasses Print Phone Case | 3. Dream Big mug  | 4. "Creme de la Creme" print                                                                                  



 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

J.Crew Winter Favorites



Those of you who know me already know I have an unhealthy obsession with J.Crew. Their winter selection is so on point  this season and with Christmas just around the corner I had to share a few of my favorites! All of the items are on the J.Crew website and some are even on sale! I have to say that the new Stubbs and Wootten collection for J.Crew is absolutely fabulous. These velvet shoes will look gorgeous with ANY outfit and I am dying to get my hands on them!! 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

TRIANGLE CUT OUT NAILS


To say I love my new manicure is an understatement. I am obsessed with the triangle cut out and the red polish makes it feel so festive this time of year! I am diggin' the gel polish so hopefully these will last until christmas time!