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The Intern Playbook

The intern life has its perks. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Since working towards my 4 year engineering degree I’ve burned a few time outs to catch my breath, gain experience in the corporate world, and scheme a career strategy.

I’ve concluded that interning is a lot like a scrimmage. The purpose is to give the corporate leaders a glimpse of your skill set and insight to how you will react in real life situations. We all want to be successful, discover our passion, and land our dream job.

 

We play the intern game now to win later.

 

 As interns, we’re often thrown in the game without practice and are forced to rely on our own ethical judgment and analytical intuition. At first it feels like we’re wearing an oversized jersey and running around without any direction.  You walk into the office suited up…everyday… taking on new information, projects, and responsibilities until you eventually look down to find you’ve grown (a little) professionally.  When you place on that fitted jersey your performance and work ethic is representative of your school and most importantly, yourself.  Although company culture, markets, organizational structure, and industries are dissimilar…at the end of the day we’re all playing the same game. The rules of the workplace are established, however, as an intern there are chances to blow the whistle, pause, and turn mistakes into learning opportunities. As my summer comes to an end and I go back to school as a red-shirt senior, I want to hand down my intern playbook in hopes that you will play smart, learn from my blunders, and be drafted as a top recruit.

1.)    Smile. Most people would choose to spend time elsewhere… but you can’t. So be positive, thankful for an occasion to learn, and make the best of it!

2.)    Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Yes, that means the threads you wear to Tin Roof or Wine Wednesday should remain in the closet.

3.)    Find a mentor. Having an internal alliance, role model, and cheerleader is critical. Find someone trustworthy and honest.

4.)    Never get a speeding ticket in the company car. Oops. Been there, paid that.

5.)    Say “thank you”.  This is the 2^nd most powerful word combination in the work place. The first is “free food”.

6.)    When responding to a mass email, avoid hitting “Reply All”. Ain’t nobody got time for that. This is the quickest way to make you look like a newbie.

7.)    Take time to form a relationship. Even in the most analytical jobs, work is about people. Find a way to make a personal connection with your co-workers and let them know that you genuinely care about them. We are all human, even your boss.

8.)    Be professional.  Gossiping, over-sharing about your weekend adventures, stalking your friends and enemies on Instagram, allowing your “Sex and the City” ringtone to chime during a board meeting, taking two hour gal pal lunches, and bashing previous employers are all a fantastic way to make an impression! …and find yourself stagnant on the bottom rungs the corporate ladder.

9.)    Speak up. Your fresh, innovative, “Generation X” ideas are valuable.

10.) But…know your place. At the end of the day, you’re still an intern so don’t act like a know-it all, smarty pants, whiz kid, or as if you already received the Nobel Peace Prize. You’re effort in school is respected and the company already believes in you. Be humble- you’ll be in a full-time position soon enough.

-jpr

 

Faith Over Feelings

        As I sit poolside and place my thoughts on paper, I feel the sun beating on my freckled shoulders and breathe in the surprisingly refreshing scent of strawberry lemonade and excessive chlorine. Wafting the water, I’m convinced that any courageous swimmer would dive in with natural hair color and emerge as the hulk. 

Today I find myself in a “what have I gotten myself into” type mood after coming to the realization that I am accumulating more responsibility. Some of this responsibility, like career decisions, simply comes with age. Others expectations and obligations I voluntarily place upon myself.

Recently I took a short personality test that compiles many facts that I had known for years all into one unsettling blurb.

The results are in!

Type A: individual is ambitious, rigidly organized, highly status-conscious, sensitive, truthful, impatient, always try to help others, take on more than they can handle, want other people to get to the point, proactive, and obsessed with time management.

Reading this makes me cringe. Although a few adjectives have a positive connotation, I identify some of my biggest personal struggles with items on this list.

As I think about this upcoming year and the commitments I’ve self-induced I instantly feel overwhelmed, ill-equipped, and certainly without any hulk-like super powers. I would refer to it as a mid-20’s crisis, but that would be too dramatic. Truthfully, I’m just having a case of doubt. 

We all experience doubt-even the most confident individuals.  As humans we doubt our decision making, leadership abilities, intelligence, physical abilities, etc.  Sometimes Mr. Doubt drops by for a visit and other moments he pitches a tent and sets up camp inside of our minds. While we all encounter adverse emotions, the way we react to them is unique.  

For me, I write. 
At times, like this, I share my thoughts. But usually they remain scribbled within a journal.

Writing forces me to pause and be still.

Every time I hear the same whisper.

You are enough.

But what does this mean? To me, it sings that I am loved for my imperfections, accepted even when I fail, and valued for being myself. Believing this, doubt has no choice but to hit the road and the need to seek approval of man is suppressed.

And so, I say the same to you.

You are enough.

Regardless of age, status, experience, personality, or history each of us have been strategically positioned to make a difference exactly where we are regardless of how unprepared and unworthy we may feel.

 So today I choose faith over feelings, trusting that I am intentionally placed in this great big world but most importantly I choose to have faith in myself because I know the One who has faith in me.

He is more than enough.

 

Life is Too Short To Drink Cold Coffee

Happiness in a mug. Coffee has become a necessity lately. There is something very soothing about the smell and the taste especially on a crisp, cool morning. As I've gotten older, I have grown to appreciate these rejuvenating sips even more. As much as I enjoy the aroma and caffeine buzz, I think I especially like the routine that is associated with this morning ritual. It's my time to sit, reflect, and prep for the demands of everyday life. As I begin checking my calendars, setting alarms, and scheduling next week's meetings, my mind begins to race and all of a sudden my peaceful morning has evaporated and just like the temperature of my K-cup coffee, the warmth of serenity escapes. 

Have you ever been around people who radiate happiness? The people who smile and genuinely care.  The individuals who are dancing even when chaos imposes and attempts to steal the show. People like this are rare. Perhaps that is why we are all drawn to them. It's as if the warmth of their coffee and the tenderness of their heart never cool. When I think of the people in my life who live this way, I realize that they are all tied together with a common thread. 

They live in the moment.

As I sit here reflecting, the same phrase continues to enter my mind. 

Be where you are.

These words seem palpable at first. Physically we're required to be where exactly where we are at a particular moment. However, our mental location seems to constantly drift between snap chats, text messages, responding to emails, checking if someone 'liked' your Instagram photo, and envisioning events that are six months away. This happens to me all the time, and I have a feeling that I'm not alone. We're physically in one location but forget to engage, cherish, and participate in the NOW because our mind is elsewhere. We live in the age of distraction that causes us to miss out on the opportunities that are within reach and lose our potential to radiate our own happiness. Ironically, our brightest futures hinge on our ability to pay attention to the present. 

So today as I begin spring break and brew (push the Keurig button) myself another cup of coffee, I choose to focus on my attention on a different type of assignment. 

 Be where you are.

jpr

Deep Sea Dancing

As I was waiting for a class to begin earlier this week, one of my friends asked a seemingly simple question about my life. The question went a little like this: "Paige, what has been your greatest adventure and what did it teach you?" Bam. Not exactly the type of question I was expecting at 9 o'clock in the morning before I had finished my first cup of coffee. At the time, I tried to defer the question with a giggle and a quick change of subject. But even though the topic was avoided in conversation, the two questions lingered in my mind throughout the day.

What has been your greatest adventure? What did it teach you?

All of us have been apart of an unusual and exciting experience or activity. Some would argue that life itself is adventure and I would have to agree. However, for this question, I decided to focus on a much smaller and more specific scale by reflecting on recent escapades and moments of fun. 

 This past summer I spent a few weeks traveling along the California coastline from Los Angeles to Big Sur, making many stops along the way for pictures, bathroom breaks, and food. (Heaven forbid that my family would go longer than 4 hours without a meal.) During our short time on the west coast we strolled down Rodeo Drive, found Betty Whites' star outside the Chinese Theatre, enjoyed gelato on Hunnington beach, explored several of the Paso Robles vineyards, and grabbed lunch on the pier at Morro Bay. (Honestly, an entire post should have already been dedicated the greatness of this vacation.) Among the list of activities was a deep sea fishing excursion. I mean, who wouldn't want to fish in the Pacific Ocean? 

With eager spirits and borrowed equipment, our deep sea fishing adventure began at dawn by checking into a ratchety shack where a change box replaced a cash register and cleaning supplies were nonexistent. The smell of fish and Cheetos filled the thick salty air. Yummy, huh? After exchanging my money for a boarding ticket and a fishing license, my name was mumbled by a man with an untamed grey beard, indicating that it was my turn to board the boat. With caution I teetered down a set of metal stairs that connected the pier to the fishing boat. To my surprise, the boat was nostalgic and meek in stature. In my non-experienced mind, I had envisioned a cruise ship. Or a yacht. Or a ferry. With a deep breathe, my weight shifted from the pier onto the P.O.S...I mean, onto the boat. There was no turning back. 

Deep sea fishing. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the process (like I was) let me reel out some information and catch you up to speed. Once all the passengers have boarded, the boat exists the shallow waters and travels to a location with more depth. Hence the name deep sea fishing. After traveling for thirty minutes at a steady pace, you realize that you are actually stranded. Like, not just a little bit stranded. You are completely isolated from shore without a life-jacket or a sanitary bathroom. Once we reach the starting location, the captain lowers the anchor and shouts "lett'er drop". (Translation: begin fishing) All the fishermen drop their lines and wait for a bite. 

It can't be that difficult, right? 

And so the adventure began. I strategically placed my fishing pole over the railing and allowed my line to sink downward until it reached the appropriate depth. A sudden sense of confidence cascaded over me as I diligently eyed the orange and yellow bobber that was relaxing on the surface of the water. And then, out of no where, I felt the boat begin to sway. First to the left. Then to the right. Back and forth, the boat danced the Cupid Shuffle with an ever increasing force. With one hand I held the fishing pole while my other hand grasped the railing out of panic. At that point I realized that my confidence was premature. How was I supposed to fish when I could barely stand? Next to me, an older man reeled in his first catch of the day, took the fish off the hook, and then tossed the scaly fish into a sack beside my feet. The boat continued to sway and as the fish wiggled and shimmied inside the bag, I felt my stomach do the same.

Suddenly, a crew member staggered to the railing beside me. Raising up his calloused hand he pointed to the horizon and suggested that I fix my eyes on a huge rock that stood stationary in the distance. I assume he gives this advice to all the passengers who look weak. Without questioning, I followed directions and my nauseous stomach began to settle even in the midst of the rocking boat and flopping fish. Soon I began my own collection of fish, pausing often to fix my eyes on the rock and maintain my balance. With tiring arms and a a nervous headache, I finally caught enough fish to reach the limit that is stated in the California bylaws, but unfortunately I never caught the man's name who offered the invaluable advice. You see, I believe that man is actually very wise.

In this life we often find ourselves being swayed in many directions. Sometimes life can be rocky, unsteady, and very unpredictable causing us to lose our balance and making it difficult to stand. Other times we find ourselves consumed by living up to the successes of others, mesmerized by the commotion of everyday life, and coveting our neighbors flopping fish. Do you feel me? In doing so, we quickly become weak and our hearts become ill. During moments of stress, busy agendas, hopeful encounters, and confusing defeats I think of the man standing on the boat and pointing to the horizon. 

Fix your eyes on The Rock.

In doing so I am sweetly reminded that my anxiety can be cast away and I continually find that my heart is happy.

So now it's my turn to ask you a question. 

What has been your greatest adventure?

-jpr

:::The College Growing Pain:::

I used to think that in order to make a difference I had to be extreme, plan an elaborate trip, or be the leader in some way. But what I'm discovering is that the biggest differences can be made using just a few tools. 

At the age of five I wanted to be the Quick Lube mechanic who investigated underneath the car. I aspired to achieve greatness. Obviously. With the passage of every birthday, my career goals were redirected. Through the years I was convinced that I was going to be the Walmart greeter, a country music singer, or the host on QVC. My three note range and southern draw quickly placed a damper on a couple of those dreams. Luckily, I'm perfectly qualified to endorse rollback prices while reppin' a blue vest.

After a childhood full of dreaming and planning, you reach an age when that adolescent wonder turns to reality. The uncertainty no longer exists and somewhere along the way you choose what you want to be when "you grow up".

I've been mistaken all these years because I thought by answering the what, everything else would fall into place. We've been asking ourselves the wrong question.

College is such a unique era. It's a time when you can remember vivid details of your elementary and teen years while simultaneously taking giant steps towards independence. College is a constant slumber party, an emotional see-saw, a cup of coffee and great conversation, a long run along the Tennessee River, and a time when eating Fourth Meal with your friends at 3am is acceptable. College is a time to befriend strangers, understand other viewpoints, voice your beliefs, dance without reservation, and let go of the parts of life that keep you from becoming the greatest version of yourself. 

Oh, and school. College is about that too. 

But you see, being a college student is more than deciding what you want to be...it's about becoming who you want to be. The passage of time moves swiftly in one direction. Tick. Time doesn't take a break. Tick. Time doesn't come with a rewind setting. Tick. Time is here. Tick.

When I grow up, I want to live a life of intention. I want to make people smile. I want to be spontaneous. I want to be present and engaged in other peoples lives. I want to be genuine. I want to laugh at myself. I want to make every day count. I want to forgive quickly. I want to make a difference. 

Looking back, my first career choice may have been the best. Unlike the Walmart greeter, the country singer, or the tv host, the face of the mechanic working underneath the car is often hidden. The mechanic goes to work everyday with his sleeves rolled up, knowing that the job is not easy. The mechanic doesn't worry about the body of the car, his job is to focus on what remains unseen. Sometimes he feels as if his role is insignificant, but without the attention, fine tuning and auditing of the mechanic then the car would fail to run. 

We should strive to be that type of friend for someone else. Making a difference begins now. It begins exactly where you are by engaging with those around you, speaking from your heart, and worrying more about who than what. 

Now it's time (Tick.) for me to ask you a question.

Who do you want to be when YOU grow up? 

 jpr

Material Cleanse

Two months ago I made a pact with myself that has already led some people to question my sanity.

Today marks the 8th week of a personal challenge to live without the purchase of any clothing, jewelry, shoes, or accessories until January 1st, 2014. Month #1 was a success and so were weeks 1, 2, and 3 of month #2. But on week 8, I caved. I have failed before completing even one-third of the experiment. As you read this I could attempt to justify my action, but none of that really matters. The truth is, I stumbled upon a pair of peach wedged high heels and a purse while I was supposed to be shopping for cleaning supplies at Target. Within seconds the two forbidden items were perched in my cherry red buggy, making themselves at home and flirting with the Scrubbing Bubbles and Mr. Clean. The cashier scanned my items and as she bagged them the initial thrilled turned to guilt. Leaving the store I felt as cheap and shallow as the plastic bag that was draped on my forearm. You see, unfortunately this purchase wasn't an accident. Instead, I willing chose to break the rules. 

That's how sin works most of the time. Just ask my girl, Eve. (Genesis 3)

The following night, I planned my entire outfit around the newly purchased peach shoes. The guilt would temporarily subside when someone would kindly comment on my ensemble. I thought to myself, "Well, the shoes were on sale. It's not like I splurged." 

Suddenly I began to realize that with every step, there was a slight discomfort. Step by step. One foot in front of the other. Holy cow these hurt.

Before going any further, it's important to note that I'm highly competitive. Bluntly stated: I prefer to succeed and I have found failing to be irritating and disheartening. I would argue that everyone can relate to the statement above. We all find pleasure in winning. Some of us more than others, but none the less, succeeding feels more satisfying than failing.

This summer I was enrolled in an accounting course at the University of Tennessee. The professor was an enthusiastic man with a towering presence and, like most professors, he developed two versions of each test. Version A and Version B.

Everyone is taking the same test, however the sequence of the problems may vary.

As a result, the professor possesses two answer keys. One answer key corresponds to Version A and the other to Version B. These answer keys reveal the correct answers and are used to determine whether you pass or fail.

While turning in my last exam, I began wondering if the professor had ever graded a test using the wrong answer key? Or if a student has accidentally listed the incorrect test version? 

Outside of the classroom, this happens to us all the time.

During the first phase of this experiment I've discovered that we can" grade" our progress in life from a worldly version or from an eternal version.

In my experience, the worldly version leaves me feeling weary and incomplete. Buying the forbidden shoes didn't make me feel any better. In fact, they gave me blisters. There will always be women who are prettier, more intelligent, wealthier, more athletic, etc. The list could continue for days. When comparing ourselves with the worldly version, we will never be satisfied.

That's why I choose Him. Despite my flaws and shortcomings, His love never runs out on me.

When judging my failures and successes in life, to whom am I using as my answer key?

Viewing life through eyes of faith, we can never fail because His love never fails.

Are my actions honest, kind, just, obedient? Am I serving others, acting mercifully, forgiving daily?

 As Bob Goff stated in his book Love Does, "I used to be afraid of failing at the things that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at things that don't."

More of Him

Less of me

It's time to carry on with week 9 of the experiment against excess.

-jpr-