Informational orientations are offered every week on Wednesday at 2:00pm. Information discussed during the orientation includes an overview of the FREE services provided by the partners at michigan Works. The core services offered at CAMW include resume, interviewing, and job seeking assistance.
Other services discussed at the orientation include but are not limited to Career Exploration Tools, access to over 40 computers, Networking Groups, and computer classes. The orientation also discusses how to receive training through No Worker Left Behind and how to obtain a Case Manager who will work with you one-on-one in the Tri-County area. For further information contact the greeter desk at (517) 492-5640
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
JOB BLASTS!
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers (Saint Johns):
- Agricultural Sales Account Manager (F/T): MTB #2990195
- Over the Road Truck Driver (F/T): MTB #2990191
- Plant Assistant Supervisor (F/T): MTB #2990181
Sundance Buick-GMC (Saint Johns):
- Service Consultant / Service Writer (F/T): MTB #2987569
- General Maintenance Worker (F/T): MTB #2987579
Turning Point Youth Center (Saint Johns):
Dairy Farm (Bath):
- Farm Hand (F/T): MTB #2986225
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Road Not Taken and Other Tales of Missed Opportunities
I am not what most people would consider a poetry buff; but, I do like to read some poetry. I discovered about 15 years ago that two of my three most favorite poems were written by the same person! In fact, I have one posted in my office shown with a picture that makes me think of the second of the two poems.
Of course, if you read the title, you would know that I am referring to Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. The other poem written by Frost that I truly enjoy is Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening. What both of these works of art offer me is an opportunity to reflect on the choices I have made over the years...or, wish I had made; and, the ability to see that those choices have led me to more than anything I could possibly have imagined.
If I took a notepad and started writing down all of the opportunities I believed I missed because I chose a different path, I would need a lot of notepads. You see, regardless of which road we take, we will be faced with challenges and opportunities. Unfortunately, many bemoan the 'missed' opportunities that a different road possibly could have presented and therefore, fail to see the one right in front of them. The "I should have," or "I would have," statements keep adding up and all of the time the "I did it!" statements are lost.
In less than 48 hours a new semester begins at Lansing Community College. At the doors of the campus buildings will be many first time students...of all ages! For these individuals there may be a sense of anxiousness, nervousness, and/or apprehension. Hey, we all go through it. When I meet with a returning adult student, we talk about their concerns. Fortunately, Lansing Community College has a wide assortment of services to support our students and their success. For example, our Tutoring Department offers a wide assortment of programs available to students such as weekly appointments, supplemental instruction, calculator workshops, just to name a few.
So, don't let the decision of taking the road less traveled keep you from trying something new because it might be harder. Resolve to look at it and the possible rewards it may hold for you. As Frost said, "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Returning to school may appear to be the road more difficult to traverse; but, with the resources available to our students know that you will not be traveling alone.
Reminder: LCC's Center for Workforce Transition Staff are available to assist you during regular business hours Mondays through Fridays at our location within the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center.
JOB BLASTS!
Burcham Hills (East Lansing):
Ingham County has multiple openings. To view these postings and to make an application, visit the Michigan Talent Bank and search under the Employer Name or the County's website at http://www.ingham.org/.
Of course, if you read the title, you would know that I am referring to Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. The other poem written by Frost that I truly enjoy is Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening. What both of these works of art offer me is an opportunity to reflect on the choices I have made over the years...or, wish I had made; and, the ability to see that those choices have led me to more than anything I could possibly have imagined.
If I took a notepad and started writing down all of the opportunities I believed I missed because I chose a different path, I would need a lot of notepads. You see, regardless of which road we take, we will be faced with challenges and opportunities. Unfortunately, many bemoan the 'missed' opportunities that a different road possibly could have presented and therefore, fail to see the one right in front of them. The "I should have," or "I would have," statements keep adding up and all of the time the "I did it!" statements are lost.
In less than 48 hours a new semester begins at Lansing Community College. At the doors of the campus buildings will be many first time students...of all ages! For these individuals there may be a sense of anxiousness, nervousness, and/or apprehension. Hey, we all go through it. When I meet with a returning adult student, we talk about their concerns. Fortunately, Lansing Community College has a wide assortment of services to support our students and their success. For example, our Tutoring Department offers a wide assortment of programs available to students such as weekly appointments, supplemental instruction, calculator workshops, just to name a few.
So, don't let the decision of taking the road less traveled keep you from trying something new because it might be harder. Resolve to look at it and the possible rewards it may hold for you. As Frost said, "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Returning to school may appear to be the road more difficult to traverse; but, with the resources available to our students know that you will not be traveling alone.
Reminder: LCC's Center for Workforce Transition Staff are available to assist you during regular business hours Mondays through Fridays at our location within the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center.
JOB BLASTS!
Burcham Hills (East Lansing):
- Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant (P/T): MTB # 2987136
- Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant (F/T): MTB # 2987129
- Host/Hostess (P/T): MTB # 2987130
Ingham County has multiple openings. To view these postings and to make an application, visit the Michigan Talent Bank and search under the Employer Name or the County's website at http://www.ingham.org/.
- Family Nurse Practitioner/Provider (F/T)
- Dentist
- Disease Control Nurse (P/T)
- Health Center Nurse (P/T)
- Jail Nurse
- Medical Director/Physician
- Physician Assistant CHC
- Public Health Nurse
- Universal Deputy Roster ICSO Corrections
- Credit Manager: MTB #2924165
- Engineering Training Manager: MTB #2933592
- Prototype Machining & Fabrication Manager: MTB #2898938
- Training Specialist: MTB #2966902
- Product Development Manager: MTB #2978827
- Process Engineering Manager: MTB #2977336
- Mechanical Technician: MTB #2979195
- Process Engineer: MTB #2979205
- Product Handling Engineering Manager: MTB #2982359
- Tool Design Engineer: MTB #2982349
- Senior Materials Engineer: MTB #2981013
- Engineering HR Clerk: MTB #2984823
- Financial Analyst Intern: MTB #2981643
- Engineering Manager: MTB #2968028
- Project Leader: MTB #2976436
- Polymer Engineer: MTB #2983610
- Engineering HR Generalist: MTB #2982489
- Sales Administration Manager--Bilingual (English and Portuguese): MTB #2983716
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Year...New Opportunities!
Did you know that now and in the future, Electrical-Utility/Lineworkers will be more difficult to find because of the retirement of "baby boomers" and the smaller pool of workers who follow them. Lansing Community College has developed a Certificate of Achievement to identify potential candidates to enter Electrical-Utility/Lineworker Apprenticeships programs. On Thursday, January 13, 2011 an important Information Session will be presented from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm in LCC's West Campus Auditorium. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in utility line work should plan on attending this informative session.
Criteria:
JOB BLASTS! To view postings for the following Job Blasts, simply click on the posting number or visit the Michigan Talent Bank for more options.
Olympian Tool (Saint Johns): CNC Machinist (Toolmaker), MTB # 2984543
Capital Area Community Services (Lansing):
Outshiner (Okemos): Quick Lube Attendant, MTB # 2985261
KTM Industries (Saint Johns): Maintenance Specialist, MTB # 2984288
Walk-in Mock Interviews! On Monday, January 10th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Capital Area Michigan Works! (2110 S. Cedar St., Lansing) will have an opportunity for job seekers to bring in their resume and practice their interviewing skills. No appointment is necessary. This is a great opportunity to practice, practice, practice! As well, there is always great information available to enhance the job search process.
Criteria:
- Consumers Energy representatives will discuss their role, expectations, and criteria for employment with Consumers Energy
- LCC representatives will discuss the LCC Electrical Utility/Lineworker Certificate program and the definition of department approval and criteria to receive it
- Successful completion of the certificate may result in the opportunity to be selected into Consumers Energy apprenticeship program
- Acceptance at LCC as a student
- Required Reading, Writing, and Math levels will be reviewed
- Maximum total weight of 350 pounds: includes clothing and 50 pounds of tools
- Must be able to understand and fully abide by all safety instructions, requirements, and regulations
- Must be able to physically climb poles, carry 50 pounds of tools, and perform duties at required heights
- Must be able to obtain a CDL license
- Must be drug free throughout the entire program and career
JOB BLASTS! To view postings for the following Job Blasts, simply click on the posting number or visit the Michigan Talent Bank for more options.
Olympian Tool (Saint Johns): CNC Machinist (Toolmaker), MTB # 2984543
Capital Area Community Services (Lansing):
Outshiner (Okemos): Quick Lube Attendant, MTB # 2985261
KTM Industries (Saint Johns): Maintenance Specialist, MTB # 2984288
Walk-in Mock Interviews! On Monday, January 10th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Capital Area Michigan Works! (2110 S. Cedar St., Lansing) will have an opportunity for job seekers to bring in their resume and practice their interviewing skills. No appointment is necessary. This is a great opportunity to practice, practice, practice! As well, there is always great information available to enhance the job search process.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Year's Resolutions: A Guide to Getting the Job Done!
First and foremost...a thousand apologies! The "Live from the CWT" Blog went 'off the air' for a month due to an unforeseen absence. Regretfully, I was out of the office for an extended period of time and was unable to continue with the blog until now. So, having said that, I hereby declare that should this happen again, my New Year's Resolution is to have a Guest Blogger fill in for me to keep everyone 'in the know' when I am unavailable.
Now, for the second thing: Every year as December 31st passes, we roll over a new digit in the time continuum and begin to focus on making it a better year by ___(fill in the blank as you see fit!)______ . I'm no different. My list has some of the same old, same old...diet, exercise, be a better person, etc.. But, every once in a while something new hits the 'List'. This year my 'new' item is to step outside of my comfort zone and do something that, previously, I would never, ever have consider doing in a thousand years. You see, by pushing myself to do something that creates discomfort, I'm allowing myself to grow. It may sound crazy, but I'm still really interested in pushing myself to create in me the best that I can be.
What's important for all of us to know is that "the best that I can be" is different for each of us. Creating discomfort in our lives can be difficult, but it is necessary if we are to grow. Not so much in the task itself, but more so in the role of getting started. I look back over the years at some of the bridges I have jumped off of to try something new and reflect on how I felt prior to the 'jump'. Yes, I was quite anxious. Yes, I had knees of rubber. Yes, I was afraid. However, in looking back I remember how I felt after I made the commitment to try something new. There were times when I did not like the results; but, they were far outnumbered by the times I found great rewards and satisfaction in making the leap.
For many adults, returning to school can appear to be overwhelming. Questions such as, "Will I be able to do it," or, "I'm too old for this," or even, "Is it even possible," are often asked. But, like our New Year's Resolutions, the responses will be different for each of us.
At Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition (located at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center) our experienced staff are available to provide you with help to answer many of your questions. In particular, we have knowledgeable Academic Advisors experienced with helping returning adults develop a workable plan to fit their life and career goals. As well, we provide resources on accessing labor market Information to help support career and educational decisions. Basic student services are also an integral part of being successful in higher education. At the CWT our staff provide assistance with financial aid information and assessment testing, just to name a few.
Don't let the unknown keep you from trying something new. With the right help, the unknown will quickly become the known. Stepping outside of one's 'comfort zone' is scary. Holding oneself back from achieving a dream is even more scary. Ease the discomfort in going back to school by contacting us. We'll help navigate you through the process and get you started on the right track.
The staff at the Center for Workforce Transition can be reached at: LCCAdvisor@camw.net or (517) 492-5580 weekdays for assistance.
News from the CWT:
Walk-in Mock Interviews! No appointments are necessary for this excellent opportunity to practice this ever-important job search skill! Bring your resume and participate in a one-on-one mock interview and resume critique.
WHEN: Monday, January 10, 2011: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center at 2110 S. Cedar
St., Lansing
JOB BLASTS! For more information on applying for these positions, click on the Job Posting number to be taken to the Michigan Talent Bank.
Lansing School District (Lansing):
o Clinic Specialized Assistant, MTB # 2983988
o Early Childhood Special Ed, MTB # 2983996
o Special Ed Assistant SCI, MTB # 2983990
o Specialized Behavioral Instructional Asst., MTB # 2983992
McMathis Counseling Services (Lansing and St. Johns): Office Clerk, MTB # 2983940
Ayers Basement Systems (Lansing): Foundation Support/Works Manager, MTB #2983440
QSkilled Staffing (Lansing): Now recruiting people with the following experience:
o Journeyman Tool & Die Makers (prefer card carriers; if not a card carrier, must have at
least 8 years experience)
o CNC Operators and Programmers
o Mold Makers (with production experience)
Job Seekers with experience in the above areas should do the following:
a.) Submit a resume that clearly states in its job objective "interest in (one of the above job
titles) at QSkilled Staffing"
b.) Submit that resume to the Greeter Desk, Capital Area Michigan Works!, 2110 S. Cedar
St., Lansing, MI 48910 or email tsand@camw.net
Dart Container of Michigan (Mason) is hiring for the following positions:
All positions are currently posted on the Michigan Talent Bank and can be accessed online at: http://www.dart.jobs/
Accident Fund (Lansing):
o Assistant General Counsel 2 & 3, MTB # 2984409
o Director, Medical Center of Excellence, MTB # 2984445
o Maintenance Engineer Building Specialist, MTB # 2984431
o Senior Audit Consultant, MTB # 2984396
Sears (Lansing):
o Part-time Loss Prevention Associate, MTB # 2984362
o Part-time Cashier, MTB # 2984361
Toshiba (Lansing): Sales Representative, MTB # 2984073
Life Journeys (Lansing): Substance Abuse Counselor, MTB # 2983884
Now, for the second thing: Every year as December 31st passes, we roll over a new digit in the time continuum and begin to focus on making it a better year by ___(fill in the blank as you see fit!)______ . I'm no different. My list has some of the same old, same old...diet, exercise, be a better person, etc.. But, every once in a while something new hits the 'List'. This year my 'new' item is to step outside of my comfort zone and do something that, previously, I would never, ever have consider doing in a thousand years. You see, by pushing myself to do something that creates discomfort, I'm allowing myself to grow. It may sound crazy, but I'm still really interested in pushing myself to create in me the best that I can be.
What's important for all of us to know is that "the best that I can be" is different for each of us. Creating discomfort in our lives can be difficult, but it is necessary if we are to grow. Not so much in the task itself, but more so in the role of getting started. I look back over the years at some of the bridges I have jumped off of to try something new and reflect on how I felt prior to the 'jump'. Yes, I was quite anxious. Yes, I had knees of rubber. Yes, I was afraid. However, in looking back I remember how I felt after I made the commitment to try something new. There were times when I did not like the results; but, they were far outnumbered by the times I found great rewards and satisfaction in making the leap.
For many adults, returning to school can appear to be overwhelming. Questions such as, "Will I be able to do it," or, "I'm too old for this," or even, "Is it even possible," are often asked. But, like our New Year's Resolutions, the responses will be different for each of us.
At Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition (located at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center) our experienced staff are available to provide you with help to answer many of your questions. In particular, we have knowledgeable Academic Advisors experienced with helping returning adults develop a workable plan to fit their life and career goals. As well, we provide resources on accessing labor market Information to help support career and educational decisions. Basic student services are also an integral part of being successful in higher education. At the CWT our staff provide assistance with financial aid information and assessment testing, just to name a few.
Don't let the unknown keep you from trying something new. With the right help, the unknown will quickly become the known. Stepping outside of one's 'comfort zone' is scary. Holding oneself back from achieving a dream is even more scary. Ease the discomfort in going back to school by contacting us. We'll help navigate you through the process and get you started on the right track.
The staff at the Center for Workforce Transition can be reached at: LCCAdvisor@camw.net or (517) 492-5580 weekdays for assistance.
News from the CWT:
Walk-in Mock Interviews! No appointments are necessary for this excellent opportunity to practice this ever-important job search skill! Bring your resume and participate in a one-on-one mock interview and resume critique.
WHEN: Monday, January 10, 2011: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center at 2110 S. Cedar
St., Lansing
JOB BLASTS! For more information on applying for these positions, click on the Job Posting number to be taken to the Michigan Talent Bank.
Lansing School District (Lansing):
o Clinic Specialized Assistant, MTB # 2983988
o Early Childhood Special Ed, MTB # 2983996
o Special Ed Assistant SCI, MTB # 2983990
o Specialized Behavioral Instructional Asst., MTB # 2983992
McMathis Counseling Services (Lansing and St. Johns): Office Clerk, MTB # 2983940
Ayers Basement Systems (Lansing): Foundation Support/Works Manager, MTB #2983440
QSkilled Staffing (Lansing): Now recruiting people with the following experience:
o Journeyman Tool & Die Makers (prefer card carriers; if not a card carrier, must have at
least 8 years experience)
o CNC Operators and Programmers
o Mold Makers (with production experience)
Job Seekers with experience in the above areas should do the following:
a.) Submit a resume that clearly states in its job objective "interest in (one of the above job
titles) at QSkilled Staffing"
b.) Submit that resume to the Greeter Desk, Capital Area Michigan Works!, 2110 S. Cedar
St., Lansing, MI 48910 or email tsand@camw.net
Dart Container of Michigan (Mason) is hiring for the following positions:
- Bio-Polymer R&D Assistant
- Credit Manager
- Electrical Engineer
- Engineering Training Manager
- Print Engineering Manager
- Programmer Analyst
- Prototype Machining & Fabrication Manager
- Training Specialist
- Treasury Analyst
- Product Development Manager
- Process Engineering Manager
- Mechanical Technician
- Process Engineer
- Product Handling Engineering Manager
- Tool Design Engineer
- Senior Materials Engineer
- Engineering HR Clerk
- Financial Analyst Intern
All positions are currently posted on the Michigan Talent Bank and can be accessed online at: http://www.dart.jobs/
Accident Fund (Lansing):
o Assistant General Counsel 2 & 3, MTB # 2984409
o Director, Medical Center of Excellence, MTB # 2984445
o Maintenance Engineer Building Specialist, MTB # 2984431
o Senior Audit Consultant, MTB # 2984396
Sears (Lansing):
o Part-time Loss Prevention Associate, MTB # 2984362
o Part-time Cashier, MTB # 2984361
Toshiba (Lansing): Sales Representative, MTB # 2984073
Life Journeys (Lansing): Substance Abuse Counselor, MTB # 2983884
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Bicycle Zen and the Art of Trying
When I was growing up, I remember wanting so much to learn how to ride a bicycle! My mother had other plans. Her reason for not allowing me near any type of movable equipment was that we lived in the country and she did not want us on the country roads riding bikes (although she had no problem with me walking on those same country roads when I missed the school bus and had to hoof it to school three miles away!) Anyway, my mother was away one day and our 13 year old babysitter rode her bike over to our house. I was eight at the time and begged her to teach me to ride (my mother had already told her she was not to let me near her bike). My power of persuasion won out and she did!
Since we lived in the country my riding was limited to the field next to my house. There were ruts everywhere, but I managed to keep that bike upright. I rode around that field over and over, again. But, as every kid knows, mothers have eyes in the back of their heads. My mom picked that particular day to come home early. I was caught. The babysitter was mad. I was mad. Nobody was happy. To make a long story short, that was the end of my bicycle days for many years.
A few years later we moved into town. Actually, we moved almost into town. Our house was located across from the county fairgrounds. There were no sidewalks on our side of the street, BUT...there were on the fairgrounds side! I immediately started hatching my plan to convince my mother that it was time for me to have a bike! She finally gave in although she broke the news to me that I would have to buy it with my own money. I was doomed to never ride. When I was 12 I found a part-time summer job that allowed me to earn 25 cents an hour (that was minimum wage like at the turn of the century...the 19th century!). I worked and saved and, like most young women, spent what I saved! It took two more summers but I finally had enough to buy the most wonderful bike in the whole wide world! It was a beautiful royal blue 10-speed! Never mind that I hadn't even ridden a one-speed in nearly five years, I had my bike.
So, the time had come. I was a cool teen and had the coolest bike around. I was ready. Almost.
As with most new and beautiful things, we wanted to make sure that nothing happened to my 'wheels'. I didn't want to see a single scratch, ding, or dent. I was going to ensure that not even a fingerprint was visible when I took off for my first 'ride'. So, I carefully walked my bike across the street as I had promised my mother that I would be sure to ride on the sidewalk and then enter and ride inside the fairgrounds. Once I crossed the street I got up on that blue beauty and started peddling. It was good. I was going forward! Never mind that I had no clue as to how to change gears. I was in motion.
I maneuvered that sidewalk for the two block ride to the entrance of the fairgrounds. That was the point where everything that is possibly cool about being a teenager with a great bike, ended. You see, the entrance to the fairgrounds was at the intersection of two fairly busy streets. It is important to note at this time that our town was not that big and just about everybody knew our family. So, when I arrived at the entrance of the fairgrounds there were cars stopping at the four-way just a few feet from where I was with my new bike. The entrance to the fairgrounds consisted of two gates separated by a brick building used for special events. The gates were closed to vehicle traffic; but, there was a pedestrian opening between one of the gates and the brick wall.
You know, there are many sayings that we use throughout our lives. I've often wondered where they come from and who 'created' them. So, I can tell you without a doubt that I was probably the reason that the phrase, "ran into a brick wall" was created.
I proudly steered my beautiful, new, royal blue, 10-speed bicycle toward that pedestrian opening. Problem was, I panicked...big time. Not sure why, but it happened. I not only missed the pedestrian opening, entirely; but, I managed to ride that beautiful new bicycle that I had worked and saved for so long to own, into the side of that building. After I stood up and quickly looked around to see if there were any witnesses (yes...there were), I gazed downward to see the mangled mess I had created. The rim for the front wheel was bent, the handle bars were askew, and the paint had been horribly scratched up by the blacktop (as were my legs). But, nothing was more painful to me than the gut-wrenching humiliation I felt for doing such a dumb thing. Seriously, a brick wall!
I quietly walked it back home trying very hard to not be seen (which was impossible because there was nothing else to look at on that lonely sidewalk). I was grateful that my mother picked this particular time to not use the all-too-familiar, "I told you so" phrase when I arrived home. What she did next surprised me. She helped me put my bike back together and the very next day I got back up on that bike and rode to the fairgrounds, again. However, this time, I used the south entrance which had the open vehicle gates and no brick building. Success.
It's important to know that at one time or another we all run into 'brick walls.' I felt humiliated about the experience. But, as it turned out, I was the only one. I could have stopped right then and there and decided not to get back on that bike (which, by the way, was scratched, dinged, and dented) but by doing so I would be stuck walking. I ended up riding that bike for years. And, as it turned out, I fell on it a few more times (once while I was right in front of the high school parking lot before school started...that was embarrassing). Falling has not been a problem for me; and, as it has turned out, due to lots of practice, getting up has become something I've gotten quite good at doing.
Many times I meet with adults who have had a bad experience at school and are afraid that they will do it again. Maybe yes, maybe no. However, it is guaranteed that nothing will move forward unless we try. If you have concerns about going back to school, know that there are many options available to help you transition back into the classroom. Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition staff are extremely helpful and experienced in working with adults looking to return to school. Get back up on that bike and try again. You might just surprise yourself.
Job Blasts! To access any of these postings or to do your own job search, visit the Michigan Talent Bank. If you click on the Posting number, you will be automatically directed to the job posting. Be sure to check out yesterday's blog for some important information on the job search.
Inventure Enterprises (East Lansing): Engineering Software Programmer, MTB #2972946
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers (St. Johns): Research Agronomist, MTB #2976145
Great Clips (Lansing and Charlotte): Manager/Stylist, MTB #2975851
Lovejoy Special Needs Center (Lansing): Direct Care Worker, MTB #2975842
Since we lived in the country my riding was limited to the field next to my house. There were ruts everywhere, but I managed to keep that bike upright. I rode around that field over and over, again. But, as every kid knows, mothers have eyes in the back of their heads. My mom picked that particular day to come home early. I was caught. The babysitter was mad. I was mad. Nobody was happy. To make a long story short, that was the end of my bicycle days for many years.
A few years later we moved into town. Actually, we moved almost into town. Our house was located across from the county fairgrounds. There were no sidewalks on our side of the street, BUT...there were on the fairgrounds side! I immediately started hatching my plan to convince my mother that it was time for me to have a bike! She finally gave in although she broke the news to me that I would have to buy it with my own money. I was doomed to never ride. When I was 12 I found a part-time summer job that allowed me to earn 25 cents an hour (that was minimum wage like at the turn of the century...the 19th century!). I worked and saved and, like most young women, spent what I saved! It took two more summers but I finally had enough to buy the most wonderful bike in the whole wide world! It was a beautiful royal blue 10-speed! Never mind that I hadn't even ridden a one-speed in nearly five years, I had my bike.
So, the time had come. I was a cool teen and had the coolest bike around. I was ready. Almost.
As with most new and beautiful things, we wanted to make sure that nothing happened to my 'wheels'. I didn't want to see a single scratch, ding, or dent. I was going to ensure that not even a fingerprint was visible when I took off for my first 'ride'. So, I carefully walked my bike across the street as I had promised my mother that I would be sure to ride on the sidewalk and then enter and ride inside the fairgrounds. Once I crossed the street I got up on that blue beauty and started peddling. It was good. I was going forward! Never mind that I had no clue as to how to change gears. I was in motion.
I maneuvered that sidewalk for the two block ride to the entrance of the fairgrounds. That was the point where everything that is possibly cool about being a teenager with a great bike, ended. You see, the entrance to the fairgrounds was at the intersection of two fairly busy streets. It is important to note at this time that our town was not that big and just about everybody knew our family. So, when I arrived at the entrance of the fairgrounds there were cars stopping at the four-way just a few feet from where I was with my new bike. The entrance to the fairgrounds consisted of two gates separated by a brick building used for special events. The gates were closed to vehicle traffic; but, there was a pedestrian opening between one of the gates and the brick wall.
You know, there are many sayings that we use throughout our lives. I've often wondered where they come from and who 'created' them. So, I can tell you without a doubt that I was probably the reason that the phrase, "ran into a brick wall" was created.
I proudly steered my beautiful, new, royal blue, 10-speed bicycle toward that pedestrian opening. Problem was, I panicked...big time. Not sure why, but it happened. I not only missed the pedestrian opening, entirely; but, I managed to ride that beautiful new bicycle that I had worked and saved for so long to own, into the side of that building. After I stood up and quickly looked around to see if there were any witnesses (yes...there were), I gazed downward to see the mangled mess I had created. The rim for the front wheel was bent, the handle bars were askew, and the paint had been horribly scratched up by the blacktop (as were my legs). But, nothing was more painful to me than the gut-wrenching humiliation I felt for doing such a dumb thing. Seriously, a brick wall!
I quietly walked it back home trying very hard to not be seen (which was impossible because there was nothing else to look at on that lonely sidewalk). I was grateful that my mother picked this particular time to not use the all-too-familiar, "I told you so" phrase when I arrived home. What she did next surprised me. She helped me put my bike back together and the very next day I got back up on that bike and rode to the fairgrounds, again. However, this time, I used the south entrance which had the open vehicle gates and no brick building. Success.
It's important to know that at one time or another we all run into 'brick walls.' I felt humiliated about the experience. But, as it turned out, I was the only one. I could have stopped right then and there and decided not to get back on that bike (which, by the way, was scratched, dinged, and dented) but by doing so I would be stuck walking. I ended up riding that bike for years. And, as it turned out, I fell on it a few more times (once while I was right in front of the high school parking lot before school started...that was embarrassing). Falling has not been a problem for me; and, as it has turned out, due to lots of practice, getting up has become something I've gotten quite good at doing.
Many times I meet with adults who have had a bad experience at school and are afraid that they will do it again. Maybe yes, maybe no. However, it is guaranteed that nothing will move forward unless we try. If you have concerns about going back to school, know that there are many options available to help you transition back into the classroom. Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition staff are extremely helpful and experienced in working with adults looking to return to school. Get back up on that bike and try again. You might just surprise yourself.
Job Blasts! To access any of these postings or to do your own job search, visit the Michigan Talent Bank. If you click on the Posting number, you will be automatically directed to the job posting. Be sure to check out yesterday's blog for some important information on the job search.
Inventure Enterprises (East Lansing): Engineering Software Programmer, MTB #2972946
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers (St. Johns): Research Agronomist, MTB #2976145
Great Clips (Lansing and Charlotte): Manager/Stylist, MTB #2975851
Lovejoy Special Needs Center (Lansing): Direct Care Worker, MTB #2975842
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Hot Job Seeker Opportunities!
Once again, I'm just sending you the Job Blasts from the last two days. We're busy with students trying to meet the December 1st Financial Aid deadline, so life should slow down, soon. Maybe.
Job Blasts!
Twitchell's Dry Cleaning (East Lansing): Presser, MTB #2975400
Medical Management Systems (Lansing): Data Entry Specialist, MTB #2975050
Mason Pediatrics (Mason): Medical Assistant, MTB #2974971
Alator Home Health: Registered Nurses, MTB #2971194
Arctic Glacier, Inc. (Lansing): Lead Person, MTB #2974670
Mock Interview Opportunity!
Mock Interviews will be held at Capital Area Michigan Works! in Lansing on Monday, December 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. No appointment necessary! This is a great opportunity for Job Seekers to practice that ever-important job search activity...the interview! Guest employers include representatives from the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau and Accountemps. Be sure to bring copies of your resume and dress appropriately!
What Employers Want YOU to Know!
The following information was sent out to CAMW! Staff on Monday, November 29th by the CAMW! Business Liaison professional. She stated that:
The Manager for a local healthcare association stated, "I recently filled seven positions in the last month. I interviewed over 60 candidates and received resumes from nearly 650 job seekers during the last few months, alone. During both the resume review and job interview phases of our hiring process, I noticed some common deficiencies amongst the candidates. Some of the most common I noticed were:
Job Blasts!
Twitchell's Dry Cleaning (East Lansing): Presser, MTB #2975400
Medical Management Systems (Lansing): Data Entry Specialist, MTB #2975050
Mason Pediatrics (Mason): Medical Assistant, MTB #2974971
Alator Home Health: Registered Nurses, MTB #2971194
Arctic Glacier, Inc. (Lansing): Lead Person, MTB #2974670
Mock Interview Opportunity!
Mock Interviews will be held at Capital Area Michigan Works! in Lansing on Monday, December 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. No appointment necessary! This is a great opportunity for Job Seekers to practice that ever-important job search activity...the interview! Guest employers include representatives from the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau and Accountemps. Be sure to bring copies of your resume and dress appropriately!
What Employers Want YOU to Know!
The following information was sent out to CAMW! Staff on Monday, November 29th by the CAMW! Business Liaison professional. She stated that:
The Manager for a local healthcare association stated, "I recently filled seven positions in the last month. I interviewed over 60 candidates and received resumes from nearly 650 job seekers during the last few months, alone. During both the resume review and job interview phases of our hiring process, I noticed some common deficiencies amongst the candidates. Some of the most common I noticed were:
- Employment objectives inconsistent with the nature of the position the candidate is applying for;
- Resumes that did not reveal the skills behind the nature of the candidate's employment background when the positions did not directly correlate;
- The lack of ability to craft a compelling cover story
- General unprofessionalism in interviewing, whether it be arriving late, improper dress or vocabulary used;
- Inability to compellingly participate in behavioral interviewing;
- The lack of thank you letters (either hardcopy or via email) after interviewing;
- Poor selection of references, or references not aware of the candidate's job seeking status."
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