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I noticed the ad for the ’My Dream Job’ contest on AARP.org.  I regularly check for items of interest and to do all the cool puzzles.  I printed out the rules and put writing an essay on my ’to do’ list.  At the time, I was enrolled in five classes at my local community college and nearing the end of the fall semester.  I was so busy that I almost missed the deadline.  I was actually sitting in a computer lab on campus working on a project for my Word 2003 computer class when I realized  the deadline was that day .  So, sitting at that computer, I composed the following:

"I completed one year of college when fresh out of high school.  Circumstances prevented me from returning after my first year. I subsequently married and raised my first family. After a divorce and re-marriage, I helped raise my second family. At the age of fifty-two, I grew weary of working for minimum wage and few, if any, benefits. With my husband’s support, I decided to pursue an associate degree as a legal assistant.  For four years, I worked and commuted 25 miles to a community college part time. Last spring, my youngest step-child graduated from high school.  My husband and I moved from his children’s hometown to the city where my school is located and he is employed. I resigned from my job and became a full time student. Finally, after four and a half years, I am close to graduation! In two weeks, I will have completed all but one requirement and my internship.  However, if I can attain full time employment in a legal setting, it will count as my internship!  I am eager to begin the search for my “dream job”.  I have tailored my instruction to work in the field of Elder Law, which serves our aging population. I am among the ranks of a generation of Baby Boomers who are quickly moving toward retirement age, but do not particularly want to retire. My desire is to work for a firm or organization that champions the cause for seniors, particularly those who are being taken advantage of in any way. I experienced challenges with the health care system and probate when dealing with my mother’s illness and death. Knowledgeable help at that time was invaluable.  The timeliness of this contest opportunity from AARP is amazing!  The resources that will be made available are just what I need to begin the search for my dream job.  A consultation with RetirementJobs.com will undoubtedly launch my search.  My wardrobe definitely needs a professional update and having a new laptop will enhance my ability to provide quality documentation (and keep my journal!).  I have kept journals of other meaningful events in my life. When I review them, in retrospect, I can see my successes and failures.  Journaling this job search can do the same for others. It is beneficial to see what has and has not worked in similar situations.  My goal in my dream job is to provide quality services that benefit fellow seniors.  Winning AARP’s Dream Job Contest will be instrumental in helping me reach my goal."