Dressed and Ready for Success

Dressed and ready for success! School is almost over and your future is getting closer and closer. There are two things that you should be preparing for as a soon-to-be graduate. Working on a resume and practicing your interview skills are very important at this time. As an undergraduate, check with your Career center to schedule an appointment to practice your interview skills and review your resume. Most colleges offer these services free of charge.

As I prepared to graduate and began looking for a teaching job, I became very discouraged. I was interviewed on a regular, principals would call me to come in for interviews, and I was sending out my resume to various schools and districts. After sending my resume to a few mentors, I realized that my three page resume was entirely too long. Having to decide what to include and delete from your resume can be very hard when you have been highly involved on campus and in the community. I have decided to list some of my top tips for resume building and interview skills. I hope that these are helpful.

Resume Tips 

**If you are interested in seeing my resume, send me an email. 

#1- Your resume should be NO LONGER than one page. Yes, it may be hard to delete some items off your resume but you can do it. Focus on the things that are most beneficial to the position that you are applying to. If it has not happened within the last 3-4 years, remove it. Employers are interested in more recent volunteer and employment.

#2- Make sure that your resume is clear is easy to follow. As I have reviewed many of my friends resumes, I notice that the resume has too many words. Try to eliminate as much as possible. Check with someone who is proficient in English that can help you decrease your word count. Also, make sure that your resume is easy to follow with bold headings and smaller wording.

#3- Include accurate contact information for your references.There is nothing worst than trying to get a job and the employer is unable to get in contact with your references. The lag time between them contacting you for the correct information can be the position on the line.

#4- Review some resume templates online and Microsoft Word. You can find some great templates online that you can recreate to help in your resume building skills.

#5- Be sure that the information included in your resume pertains to the specific job. Yes, employers like to see diversity but you volunteering at a farm is not helpful to a office job. Be selective in what you choose to include.

Job Interview Tips 

#1- Be confident. When you walk in the business, smile and greet everyone that you come in contact with. More than likely you do not know what the boss looks like and you may run in to them on your way in. Walking in with a frown and looking down may not be the best idea.

#2- Dress for Interview Success. It is okay to wear jeans and a t shirt to the grocery store or mall but not an interview. Be mindful of how fitting your clothing is, how high your heels are, and your jewelry. The first impression is the best impression. Dressing too flashy or "sexy" could hinder your opportunity to gain employment.

#3- RESEARCH the company that you are applying for a position. There is NOTHING worst than being asked what the business does and you are unaware. Be sure that you know the mission, vision, and purpose of the company. If you can find out more information, do so. They will be pleased with how much you know and how excited you are about being a new employee.

#4- Posture is EVERYTHING. When sitting down, be sure that your back is straight and you are using correct eye contact. Watch what you do with your hands while you speak as well.

#4- Say THANK YOU! Sending an email or thank you card can go a long way. Don't get too high-minded.

#5- Just because you have worked or volunteered before does NOT mean you will be hired. I had this very thing happen on multiple occasions. When you are not hired, still thank them for his or her time and smile. It is okay. What is for you is for you. Don't get discouraged it will all happen in His timing and not yours.

#6- Know WHO you are in Christ. There is nothing more encouraging than knowing who you serve and that He can move on the employers heart. He knows the desires of your heart and what you need. Sometimes the jobs that we "want" are not the jobs that we "need.' Be confident and unshakable. It is going to work out!


I pray that this has blessed someone. Stay tuned for other tips and blogs. If you have any suggestions or a topic you would like to see, let me know.

Love,

Jasmine

You meant to tell me WHAT???!!!

So, your going to college right? Consider yourself blessed and get prepared for an exciting and transformation in your life. Make sure that you remember to enjoy every moment and get the most out of your experience.


#1- Take it seriously. Your and/or your parents have invested too much money in to college for you to go and goof off. Don't only attend college to attend the parties and meet the guys/girls. Study, pass your classes, and make your time worthwhile.

#2- Friends and relationships are important. College is a great place to meet new friends and create romantic bonds. A college campus is an awesome opportunity to create friends that can last a lifetime. Don't take your friends, rommmates, suite mates, etc. for granted. Get to know people because you never know when you may need one another. Good friends helps you find a job once you graduate.

#3- Meet your Professors. Schedule time to talk with your professors during office hours. Professors are humans too. Many professors love to see students who take the iniative to set up an appointment and come ask questions. A teacher is more helpful at the end of the semester to a student who has made time to come and see them than someone who continues to barely pass and wants an A. Also, if you treat your professors right, some are willing to write letters of recommendations for jobs and or Graduate school.

#4- Get experience. It is important as a student that you complete volunteer work. In this competitive 21st century, employers like to see that you have experience. No, you do not always have to get paid to complete a job. Find an internship, volunteer at a local organization, work on campus. All of these opportunities will help as you begin job searching.

#5- Don't forget about your family. During my freshman year of college, I went home twice a month. For some people, not seeing or speaking with family makes them homesick. Don't get so caught up in school that you begin to neglect your family. They are the ones who have your back and want the best for you. Make time to go home and visit family or at least talk to them on the phone on a consistent basis. Just because you went away doesn't mean your family forgot about you; don't forget about them! After college, friends may leave but your family will remain.

#5- Take classes outside your major. Taking classes that are not particularly in your major makes you more marketable. So, you have decided what you want to study? Great! Taking classes outside of your major allows you to see what other areas that you may be interested in studying. You will be glad that you did at a later time.

#6- Use free tutoring services. There are many students on campus who have completed classes with an A or B and are willing to help. Don't be too highminded that no one is able to assist you. You will make your life a lot easier by going to see a tutor. Learn now how to ask for help when you need it, it is a great life skill.

#7- Don't discriminate. Make friends with all types of people. Have students who are studying abroad? Be sure to find out about their culture and background. You may be interested in studying abroad or teaching in another country What better people to ask for help than those who are from that country? Don't cancel someone out because they do not look, talk, speak, or act like you. We are all uniquely and wonderfully made. God created each of us different so that we would grow to understand one another.

#8- Watch what you are eating. The freshman 15 is real. If you are not careful what you eat, you will gain weight. Pay attention to the time of day and what you are consuming. If you have a meal plan, use it. Going to the local Wendys, McDonalds, and Zaxby's will not be good around November or December. The eating habits that you create now will last after college as well. Make fruits and vegetables a part of every meal.

#9- Volunteer. Yes, your hours of volunteer service can assist in getting scholarships, awards, and employment. Employers like to see students who have not only excelled in the classroom but in the community as well. Make time to volunteer with one of your favorite organizations or community events. This will benefit you in the long run.

#10- Laugh. Remember to not lose your sense of humor in college. It is important to keep a joyful spirit and not be discouraged or distracted by the cares of this world. If you only go by what you see, you will be stressed out. You must believe in the invisible and trust in the true and living God that all things will work together for your good.

Preparing for College

Hello everyone!!! As I prepared for college as a first generation college-student, I found it difficult to first believe I was going to college and second know what to bring. So, I have included a list of items that I brought to college and how they were useful. I have also added in some questions that you will need to know the answers to prior to moving to college. 

1. Covers
2. Food
3. Clothing organization (under bed or in closet) 
4. Shower caddy
5. Storage bins to store extra clothing 
6. Unlimited supply of school supplies
7. Mattress cover 
8. Laptop
9. Toiletries
10. Cash 

10 Organization tips To Succeed In College

How do I become a successful college student??!!

1. Go to class

2. Pay attention

3. Take notes

4. Get your sleep

5. Organize a study plan that works for you! Your roommates study plan may not be your study plan.

6. Create a checklist of items to study.

7. Find a place to study without distractions.

8. Be disciplined.

9. Review your notes from class.

10. Ask questions about anything that you may not understand . 

FInding your Purpose

Purpose: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

College is an awesome opportunity to seek your purpose in life. We must first seek Christ in order to find our true purpose and identity. Yes, we may have dreams and visions but His visions are more important. If you are a college student and confused about where you may be headed, take time and ask Him. 

We are reminded in Jer. 1:5 that God knew us before we were created in our mother's womb. This allows us the chance to be confident that He knows what is best. It is not our job to try and tell Him the plan but rather seek the plan and follow Him. If we follow Him, the plan will unfold for sure. I want to encourage you today to seek first the Kingdom of God AND His righteousness and all the things that you desire will be added unto you (Math. 6:33). 

Unplug. Relax. Recharge.

The demands of a college student can be challenging. It is important that every chance you get, remember to relax. There is nothing more important than your health and well being. Today, I took time to relax and not do anything I laid in the bed until at least 12:00pm. This allowed me to reflect on the many different directions that I am pulled in on a daily basis. As a young female, I have to remind myself that my body needs time to rest. Yes, I love helping others, doing ministry, working on tasks, and being a willing vessel. I also realize that I can do nothing without my health. 

From working full-time, going to class, getting papers written, graded, and spending time with loved ones, "off-days" are awesome days to get caught up. Here is a list of items that I enjoy doing on days that I want to sit back and recharge.

1. Read a book. 

2. Color in a coloring book. 

3. Laundry

4. Cleaning

When you get a day off (unplanned or planned) how do you spend it? Lazying on the couch or doing housework? Let me know.

Budgeting the SMART way

The most dreaded but helpful tools to gain knowledge on while in college is......you guessed it....BUDGETING!!

As a college student, it is important that you have a firm grasp on how to budget your money. Although refund checks come each semester, it can be completely gone before the second month of the semester. Here are some practical tips to help you with budgeting. As you prepare to become an adult and take full responsiblity without a refund check, be sure that you are taking care of your finances as a student. As a Believer, it is important to give God the first 10%. Imagine if He only gave us the 10 and kept the 90, would you be able to survive? The 10% is so little in comparison to what He gives us on a consistent basis-life, health, strength, peace, joy, and love. 

Proverbs 3:9-Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

1) Budget each check. Budgeting can be a daunting task if it is not done correctly. In order to have a plan and the plan works, you must budget down to the last penny. 

2) Estimate expenses. It may be best to have a car with no payment as a student. Write down your monthly bills and add up the total for all the bills on a monthly basis. It may be best to create categories such as food, gas, clothing, bills, and entertainment. 

3) Divide and conquer. Yes, it is vital as a student that you divide and conquer your spending. Review your bank statements over the past months and see where most of your funds are going. If that is fast food restaurants, you may want to buy food and cook. If those funds are going to clothing, you may want to set a limit on the amount you spend each month. 

4) Focus on saving. Although everything may be going right at this moment, you never know when you will have an unexpected need. Be sure that you are saving a certain portion of your income for those unexpected needs-flat tire, brakes, cell phone bill, new microwave, etc. 

5) Treat yourself. While it is important to enjoy life as a young person, your priorities must be in order. Pay your bills first, save, and then spend a small portion on yourself. We all deserve to splurge on ourselves every now and then. 

How do YOU manage your T-I-M-E??!!

Wake up, get dressed, go to work, pick the kids up from school, go to Bible study, cook dinner, get the kids washed and in bed, go to bed, wake up....does this sound familiar? Yes, to many Americans there are never enough hours in a day. Truthfully, we all have 24 hours a day and we make time for those things that are important. This may require us to say no to some people, shut down our social media sites, meditate before the Father, and just take time to make sure we are well and healthy.

One way that I keep up with my time is to be disciplined. If I know that I have an assignment that is due within the next two weeks, I strive to begin at least two weeks in advance. By doing this, I do not get behind and procrastinate. It is very important that we put important things first. For me, I do not believe starting with the small items first is always the best thing to do. I tackle the big tasks on my list and save the smaller ones.

I want to encourage each of you to complete this activity: Create a weekly time sheet. For one week, list what you do every hour of the day. If you spend 2-3 hours on Facebook, write it down. If you spend 1 hour eating and watching tv, write it down. Be honest with yourself. At the end of one week, review what you have done over the past week. This will allow you to see what areas of your life you need to spend less time doing certain things and where more time should be invested. Don't be discouraged.

College Organization

Have you ever felt like you can never remember what you have to do for a class, club, or event? Why not create a todo list?! Todo lists are a great way to stay organized and make sure that everything gets completed. Another great option would be using a planner.

This is a picture of my planner. I buy a new planner yearly from Walmart ($9.99). This is a Weekly/Monthly planner that allows for my big handwriting. As you can see, I write down everything that I have to do each day. Usually I write the time and location down as well. Lastly, once the task is completed I enjoy putting a line through that task. 

Here, is a picture of my journal. I purchased this journal from TJ Maxx for $4.99. These are really great journals to create daily todo lists. In my journal, I write down todo lists for school, personal, as well as community events. When I have paid a bill, sent my resume in, or called a business for donations I also put a line through that item. 

Another benefit of these journals would be studying the Bible. I love to write scriptures down and what the Lord has revealed to me concerning that scripture. P.S. Excuse the handwriting you get the point. lol 

Lastly, one way that I stay organized with my classes would be creating a calendar. My calendar lists each class, the month, and what assignments are due. This is really helpful to get assignments completed early. Once you have finished the assignment, mark it out and turn it in! Great tool for full-time workers and students. (Picture coming soon.) 

Get INVOLVED!!!

As a college student, it is important that you get involved as early as possible. No, you do not have to join 5-10 organizations like I did but find your passion. Here are a few tips to help you as you begin your quest to GET INVOLVED!

1)  Check with your student life office to find out the organizations that are offered on campus. 

2) Try out a meeting or two to see where you fit. Do not try to participate in an organization just because a friend has joined.

3) Attend 1-2 meetings before oficially becoming a member.

4) Ask around. People would love to tell you about their experiences with organizations. 

5) Get your name out there. You might be a shy person from a small town but guess what??!! College is an experience. Don't ever forget to make connections and network. You may need a job from someone or be the boss that needs to hire some employees. 

6) Many college relationships will last a LONG time (yes, many people find their soulmates in college-I did! :) ) 

7) Lastly, BE OPEN!!

1 Cor. 14:40- But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Here is a list of many of the organizations that I participated in during college:

Campus Activities Board (CAB) 

Student Government Association

IMPACT

Black Student Leaders 

Ignite 

Big Brothers Big Sisters 

Urban League Summer program 

Ronald E. McNair Program 

Women's Leadership Network 

Opportunity Network 

Believe In Greatness 

Lions club

Americorps