In my last post, I reported that I have gone back to school...this time at Cornerstone University, Lansing, MI (satellite campus). I just completed my sixth class. Will start the seventh a week from tomorrow...Business Technology. I have the book and syllabus and it is going to be a rather intense class. As I described in my last post, each course is only five weeks long, so we cram a lot into those five weeks. I am enjoying the classes. I have not been actively job hunting. I learn of job postings through a network of friends, but I haven't applied for any lately. I have decided to concentrate on school for now.

     On a more personal level, I became Grandma for the fourth time on July 31st. My daughter-in-law gave birth to Luke, my first grandson. My son was tickled pink. They are also the proud parents of Kyra (age 5) who is happy to be a big sister...even if it is a boy, My daughter and husband have blessed me with Zoe (now 7) and Ava (soon to be 3). As a matter of fact, I am travelling to Pa. this coming weekend for birthday celebrations for Kyra and Ava.

It has been almost four months since my last journal entry as a Dream Job contest winner. I thought I would share what has been happening in my life. In January, I made the decision to continue my education and pursue a bachelor's degree in management from Cornerstone University through an accelerated program for adults, Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS) with a tentative graduation date of July 2010.  I have completed two courses, "Principles of Self-Management" and "Writing for Business.  My current class is "Business and Professional Communication." I am enjoying the classes and the courses have already been beneficial in my personal life.

I am still seeking employment, but am only applying for interesting positions that I feel will utilize my paralegal education and skills. I have continued to network with former classmates and paralegals working in the field.  I also attend trainings and networking events to keep up with the profession.

I am nearing the end of an event filled year as an "AARP My Dream Job" winner in the 'New Worker' category.  I am grateful for all of the blessings I have received as one of the six winners.  I have posted my story in the form of journals both on my page and the Water Cooler and New Worker group pages.  I apologize both to AARP and  readers for the gaps between entries.  As much fun as winning this contest has been, the past year was filled with personal sorrow as people I loved faced illness and death. Life takes many turns and at times it feels like a roller coaster ride with more downs than ups. I am nearing the end of my "reign" and the requirement of journalling, but, I plan to continue as I find that putting things in writing is a great way to ascertain if I'm moving forward, just treading water or falling behind. I thank you for showing an interest in my journals and pray that all goes well for you in the coming year. It is supposed to be a year of "change" so let's all pray that it is change for the good.

As for my current situation with my 'dream job' search... 

When I received my fifth "Thank you for you interest in our firm/company/organization" letter, I became more than a little discouraged. I began looking (again) at what I could 'do' to make myself more marketable. As a result, I have decided to continue with my education with the goal of earning a bachelor's degree in business management. I am also in the process of registering for mediation training to earn certification as a Community Mediatior. When that initial training is completed, I have the option to receive more specialized training, which I plan on pursuing.  I have also decided that I will resume my job search when the mediation trainings are completed and added to my resume.  I will continue journaling, so if you check this site from time to time there will be updates. 

Have a blessed Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanzaa!     

My journey continues...........         Stef

     It’s been nearly a month since my last entry. I’ve had two interviews, one for which I still am awaiting a response.  I’ve started applying for positions other than my ’dream job’ as a paralegal. There don’t seem to be any entry level paralegal positions available in this area. So, I’ve responded to three advertisements for administrative assistant positions. I am hopeful that my training, previous employment experience and life experience will qualify me for one of these positions. Even though Michigan is number one in the nation for unemployment, I am confident that there is a job for me somewhere!

     On a more personal note, life is getting back to normal since the passing of my husband’s parents in April and July. I have resolved to keep healthy by eating right and exercising. I am blessed to be free of most of the ailments that plague most older people and hope to stay that way!

I’ve been reading the journals of my fellow ’dream job’ winners and pray that we all attain a measure of our dreams. There have been some very useful posts in the water cooler and new worker job groups. I;m thankful for any suggestions, hints and help given by other AARP folks. Until my next post...God’s blessings to all!  Stef

It's hard to believe it's been three weeks since I arrived back home from our fabulous trip to the AARP convention in Washington, D.C. So much happened that I can't begin to relate ALL of it in this journal, so I'll touch on the highlights. The dinner held in honor of the "Dream Job" winners at the Acadiana Restaurant was fabulous. The meal was excellent and it was great getting to meet everyone in person and put faces with the names and voices I'd been hearing from for the past nine months. My fellow 'Dream Job' winners were as impressed as I was with the excellent accomodations at the hotel and the shuttle bus service which delivered us from place to place so efficiently. The convention was beyond my expectations...hundreds of vendors and exhibitors and many helpful sessions on everything from health care to "What Not to Wear at 50+" with the TV personality from the show "What Not to Wear". My step-daughters were so impressed that I actually got photos of him!  We were treated to tickets to see Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Chicago and Paul Simon. I felt like a teenager again going to rock concerts!

On Friday morning the six of us were on a panel in a session discussing work related issues at 50+. I really enjoyed being part of the panel and afterward I met so many well wishers and folks willing to share their advice and experience with me. Friday afternoon, Cat, Jenette and I gave short talks on networking at the Work@50+ stage on the vendor floor. Members of the audience also shared their networking stories which proved very interesting and helpful to all in attendance.

The rest of the time we were kept busy checking out all of the vendors and exhibits and by the end of the convention, I had two huge bags of givaway items to haul back home. It was so informative and FUN. My sister-in-law went with me as my guest and we've already decided that we want to go to the next convention next year...in VEGAS! It was hard to pack up and leave our posh hotel to return home to the REAL world...

Since I've been home, I've been continuing my job search. I had two interviews in late August before I left for the convention. When I returned home, I received a letter from one firm to come for a second interview. The offer was for a position that MAY become available the end of October. At first I accepted it, but after much consideration, I decided that I didn't want to suspend my job search for a maybe, so I'm back looking again. I had an interview last Wednesday for a part time position as an office assistant in a law firm. It's not my 'paralegal dream job', but I hope to be hired. I think it will provide valuable experience. I am sure that I will learn skills that will be beneficial in the future. I will be notified one way or the other this week. I'm hoping to report good news!  Until then...many blessings to you.  Stef 

One week from tomorrow I will be travelling to D.C. to participate in the AARP Convention. I am so excited!  Marci, our AARP liason, has been keeping us abreast on all of the activities we will participate in while there.

Our first get-together as "Dream Job" winners will be a dinner in our honor on Thursday evening. Friday morning we will all present a Life@ 50+ University Session as a panel from 11 a.m. to noon. Friday afternoon, from 2-3 p.m. I will be at the Presentation Stage in the AARP Job fair area, booth 439 where we will be discussing tips for networking.

I really am looking foreward to exploring the Convention Center. There are so many presenters and sessions on such a wide variety of topics...it all sounds terrific! I hope many of you will be able to attend the Convention...I look forward to meeting as many people as possible.

In my last journal, I mentioned I had two interviews. Unfortunately, I was not selected for either position, however, there will be another opening in one of the offices in October and they asked to keep my materials on file. I take that as a good sign that I may have an opportunity with this firm after all. I’ll keep you posted!

In the interim, I am continuing to receive job postings from some of my networking contacts and have submitted a few more resumes. I remain confident that my "dream job" is attainable. I just need to persevere.

Until next time...blessings to you!  stef

In my last journal entry, which seems like years ago, I mentioned that I was going to attend another AARP Work@50+ Forum in Battle Creek on July 11th (which happened to be my husband’s and my 10th wedding anniversary).  I drove to Battle Creek on the 10th and received news that evening that my mother-in-law had been admitted to the hospital, but was in stable condition.

I remained in Battle Creek and took part in the morning session at Kellogg Community College. The keynote speaker was Jeri Sedlar, author and motivational speaker. Her books include Don’t Retire, Rewire and On Target: Enhance Your Life and Ensure Your Success. What an inspirational and motivating message! One of the activities included identifying our DRIVERS...why do we work beyond a paycheck? We were given a list of 30 to choose from and were encouraged to add our own. If you can’t think of any, here are a few that I checked...To be part of the action, to be creative, to have intellectual stimulation, to be constantly learning, to make a difference, to pursue a passion, to be connected, to use/develop skills and talent...and there were many more to choose from. After the initial checking off, we were challenged to narrow it down to the top four. The idea is to figure out if what you think you want to do fits what drives you. At the end of her presentation, she introduced Bernard Young (an entrepreneur )and me to the audience and had us tell our stories. As a result of telling my story, I was approached by the director of the paralegal program at Kellogg Community College and given a packet of resources to aid me in my job search. As I’ve stated before, I highly recommend attending any and all forums, seminars, etc. to establish your network of people who can help you in your search.

I then returned home Friday afternoon and awaited word on my mother-in-law’s condition. According to what the doctors told my sister-in-law, they felt that her condition could be improved with medications and they were going to run some more tests. We planned to go to see her (in Ohio) the next day, Saturday. Sadly, we received a call early Saturday morning from my sister-in-law that she passed away that morning. We contacted our children and made arrangements to travel to Ohio. We remained there for a couple of weeks...for the services and to grieve with family and friends. It seems surreal that we have lost two of the dearest people in our lives within a three month span. And yet, within that period of time we were blessed with the birth of twin boys to my brother and sister-in-law’s son and wife. Life has come full circle...God in his mercy gives us joy in the midst of grief.

Now I am back in Michigan and getting back to the business of life. I periodically receive notices of job openings from my former professor. I have responded to two thus far. I have an interview tomorrow with one of the firms. There are two positions...one part-time and one full-time...neither of which are paralegal positions, but both will give me valuable experience. I will keep you posted as to the outcome.

I am confident that I will find a position in my field eventually. Just like life, our work experiences take twists and turns to get to where we want to be. I will continue to network...there are some legal luncheon talks coming up and an alumni function at LCC this fall. I am convinced that more people find their ’dream jobs’ through networking than any other way.                         Until next time...God’s blessings to you!

Since graduation I have had the opportunity to attend four entirely different, yet career related events. What a great way to meet others in the field and learn of opportunites. 

I am thankful to our state AARP office and staff for an invitation to participate in one of the events called "Work @ 50+ - A New Age of Possibility. What a terrific event. The morning session included a keynote speaker and two panels. The first panel consisted of representatives of corporations  and a community college in the Grand Rapids, MI area. The second panel, of which I was a panelist, discussed job seeking experiences. Questions followed each panel discussion. During lunch, attendees had the opportunity to visit booths set up by area businesses, colleges and organizations. After lunch there were several workshops offered. I suggest that you check with your state and local AARP groups for opportunities such as this one.

While there, I learned of a service that AARP offers called SCSEP: Senior Community Service Employment Program. This program provides skills training and job placement assistance to low income mature job seekers. To see if there is a SCSEP program in your state or city go to: http://www.aarp.org.scsep  AARP has many job search aides. Contact your local or state office.

During the past two weeks, I have submitted resumes and cover letters for both paying and volunteer positions in the legal and governmental fields. Although I really want to land a paying job, I am anxious to use the skills I learned while earning my associates degree as a legal assistant. I have volunteered to work for a local non-profit organization which offers legal aide for seniors. I have submitted resumes to five Michigan State Representatives to work unpaid as an assistant. I am hoping to at least have the opportunity to interview for these positions.

Bob, my career counselor, has made some contacts for me with local temporary work services such as Manpower and Kelly. I am willing to do whatever it takes to gain experience and secure full time work.

I have been reading the journals of my fellow winners and am impressed with the progress they appear to be making. The important thing that I've gleaned from all of their journals is - Don't Give Up! I am anxious to meet them all at the national event in Washington, D.C.

I know it's been a while since I've written and I apologize to anyone who has been waiting to hear what has been happening. Things are moving a bit slowly, but I feel that I have been making some vital contacts through the events I've written about. I will be participating in another AARP Work @ 50+ Forum on July 11th in Battlecreek, MI. If you live in the area, I encourage you to sign up and attend. It will be worth the effort to get there!  Until my next entry...God's blessings to all!

Praise God!  I've finished my course work and graduated on Friday, May 9,2008 Summa Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Business with a Paralegal Specialty! 

I am most thankful to my wonderful husband, who is my inspiration. He has encouraged and supported me every step of the journey. Thanks also to the rest of my family for their love and prayers and patience.

I also want to thank the many professors and staff of Lansing Community College, especially Professor Elizabeth Nobis. She has been a terrific mentor. I've enjoyed getting to know my classmates of all ages and being part of the college community, and especially the LCC Paralegal Associaiton. Thanks, too, to Atty. Doug Chalgian and all the staff of Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices for your help during my internship at your firm. There are so many great people, I wish I could name them all!

  I'm back in Michigan after being in Ohio off and on for the past several weeks. Sadly, my husband's step-father suffered a severe stroke on March 18th and passed away after four weeks of uncertainty. The final service took place Saturday, April 26th. It's been a stressful time for the family, particulary my mother-in-law. It's difficult to live so far apart during these situations and to return to the business of life, when we feel we should be with family.

Be that as it may, I now have two weeks of classes left before graduation!  It's time to really get busy on completing my resume and getting it out to prospective employers. I will be contacting my career mentor, Bob, to continue with that task.

In my previous journal, I mentioned that I was going to do a call-in radio interview. I thought the interview went well. It was quite short, but I managed to give all of the information about the contest. A week after the interview, I was shopping with my "Dream Job" gift cards and the woman who was waiting on me had heard me on the radio!  I was pleasantly surprised.  My community college newspaper printed a nice article about my winning the contest .It's really strange to have people recognize me from the article and offer congratulations.

Another benefit of winning the contest came today, as I was given a tour of the Michigan AARP state offices in Lansing. The offices happen to be located in a building on the campus of Lansing Community College (where I am enrolled!) I was impressed with all of the resources that are available through their various programs.  I've signed up to take part in the Day of Service on May 8th and received a bright red AARP Day of Service 2008 t-shirt to wear that day. If you haven't heard about it...contact your local AARP and get involved. In Michigan, call 1-866-227-7448. 

I have also been invited to participate in two Work at 50+: A new Age of Possibility & Purpose Informational Forums, sponsored by AARP. One will be held in Grand Rapids, MI on June 24th and the other in Battle Creek, MI on July 11th. If you live in either on of those areas, you will be receiving information. Be on the lookout for advertisements! I would encourage anyone who is seeking employment to attend one of these FREE forums. You will gain valuable job seeker information.

I have a lot of catching up to do...I have had several people comment on my journals both on my page and at "The Water Cooer" and "The New Worker" groups. I will answer everyone who comments or contacts me. Thank you for the comments and encouragement!