Anthropolgie

I left my old job over a year ago because I could no longer fulfill my duties as a result of my back issues. I never thought that when I was ready to return to work it would take me one year to find one. I spent so many hours looking online, revamping my resume, and emailing companies explaining how I was qualified and perfect for the job. I had a few interviews but no company made me an offer. I reached the point of desperation and I was willing to accept any job and almost any pay. "Vacation time" was coming to a halt and the reality that I needed a job now was creeping up on me. I was discouraged and frustrated. I really began turning to God during this time, after my mom and closest friends had encouraged me to do so, I finally handed over the worrying to Him and allowed Him to take control of our need. I knew in my heart that He was preparing something for me, I never thought it would be this perfect. Matt and I were at Fashion Island on a Saturday with family visiting from Boston and like always I forced Matt into my favorite store there! Anthropologie is the most feel good, unique, warm, and charming store there is. When ever I am there I am happy and inspired. We walked in and Matt pointed out the Now Hiring, please see manager sign on the door and I began envying the girls working at Anthropologie. I knew I had nothing to lose by introducing myself to the manager and asking how I could go about applying for the position. I handed my coffee to Matt and he wished me good luck. The manager I met was so nice and helpful, she redirecting me to their website where their career search was and took my name down to "keep an eye out for my application." I thought that was a pretty good sign but I was not getting my hopes up about this, I know how many girls would love to work at Anthropologie and I assumed they had hundreds of applicants way more qualified than me. (I have no retail experience) I applied anyways and waited a couple of days before calling the store to follow up, the manager I spoke to that day on the phone encouraged me to keep calling back until I could get a hold of the first manager I met the day I was in the store. When I finally did speak with her, she invited me out for a group interview that coming week. I was so thrilled but held some of it back, knowing that they offer group interviews to large amounts of applicants to weed out the weaker ones. I shined bright during the group interview and felt so confident, I was so motivated and on fire because of the sweet words of my family and friends, I really knew they were all rooting me on and praying for me. That night I received an email saying that I was moving to the next step in the interviewing process and I needed to fill out an ethics survey. Within a couple of days of taking the survey I was contacted by a manager to come in for a second interview. I couldn't believe I had passed the first couple of steps and that they wanted some one on one time with me. The second interview was so casual, it was like talking to a friend. As she introduced herself she asked me to take a few minutes and pick out and arrange a Spring outfit. I was unfamiliar with the current collection but made my way around the store looking for pieces that would impress them and show them that I had good taste and that I know what I am talking about! I basically picked out what I would personally wear and she was definitely impressed, so impressed that she had me wait while she grabbed her phone so she could take a picture of it. That really made me feel a lot more confident during the interview. She shared that she was so impressed with my answers and even said that the first manager I met with had really liked me and passed on that she would love me as well! We were coming to the end of the interview and she asked if I had any questions, I asked a few. She then offered me the job. Those words were so unexpected but they filled me with such joy and relief! I immediately realized that God had been preparing this for me, all along I thought I would end up with just what I needed at an office sitting at a desk all day, working for a company that didn't inspire me but paid the bills. Here God was giving me more than what my heart desired. I now get to work for a company that truly cares about their employees and really inspires them in more ways than just fashion. God gave me what I needed and what I wanted! I am so thankful, every single day!

My Passion

The other day I read a really cool article about doing what we are passionate about. It wasn't your typical inspirational do what you're passionate about article, it was a lot more honest and realistic. Yes everyone deserves to do what they love and are passionate about but not all are able to. There are plenty of life occurrences that hinder us from being our dream person with our dream career. Since I have been evaluating my career options, I know what I am passionate about and what I dream of doing. But even if I don't become a Veterinarian, Zoologist, or an Animal Behaviorist, I can still do what I am passionate about. I am so passionate about working with animals. I am passionate about educating pet owners and modeling a responsible way of taking care of their animals. I am passionate about bringing an end to disgusting people who are involved in dog fighting. I am passionate about being an advocate for animals who have been mistreated, neglected, and abandoned. I feel okay about not doing what I am passionate about as my career. I know that a lot can happen from here until then that may keep me from fully pursuing it. But if that is not the case, I am ready to work towards that now. I am young and I have time on my side. If I still end up being a Phlebotomy Technician I would be happy to have succeeded at anything. Being a Phlebotomy Tech might mean that I would not become an Animal Behaviorist or an Animal Advocate with a title, but I will still hold on to my passions and make them apart of my life on nights and weekends.

Beatriz

Work & School

Finding a job has been more difficult than I imagined it would be. It has almost been six months since I last worked & that realization puts me in a bad mood. I haven't entirely spent these six months looking for work but the time I have spent seems a waste. I have had a few interviews in the last few months & each time I've really believed I was the strongest & most qualified person in the room, (they have been group interviews) but their follow up emails explain to me that they have chosen to move in a different direction. I know the right job is out there being prepared for me or I am being prepared for the right job, I just don't know how much longer I can emotionally survive without a real excuse for getting out of the house. I do have this spring to look forward to. I officially registered for a Math class at the city college & I am so excited to relearn this forgotten skill. Unfortunately I was not able to get into the Phlebotomy program this semester but I am hoping to build up seniority in registration for next semester. Math is absolutely my worst subject, I never applied myself even though I had an extraordinary Math teacher in high school, I was convinced I'd never need Math again! I was only half wrong. I like the idea of being challenged mentally, I am a little afraid of failing. Who isn't right? Do you enjoy being challenged mentally? Are you trying anything new? If not I hope that you might be inspired to take small steps in a new direction & see where it takes you.


Beatriz