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After sending the "My Dream Job" essay through cyberspace to AARP, I had two weeks of classes left in the fall semester.  With papers to finish and exams to study for, I virtually forgot about the contest.  As soon as the semester ended on December 14, 2007, I was engrossed in preparations for Christmas and travel to visit family and friends. It was quite a surprise when I returned home December 28^th to find e-mail and phone messages telling me I was a finalist in the ‘Dream Job’ contest!

The next step was a telephone interview on January 2^nd with Marci, Bob, and Julie.  I was so nervous, but these three people put me totally at ease as we talked about my ‘dream job’ and the steps I’ve been taking toward achieving my dreams.  At the conclusion of the interview, I was told that a decision would be made by January 4^th.  I would be notified whether or not I was one of the final winners.  I must confess that I stayed home all day Friday in anticipation, praying that I would get good news.  At about 4:00 p.m., having NOT received any phone calls, I checked my e-mail.  I had received a note from Marci stating that a decision had not yet been made, but, I would be notified the following Friday, January 11^th.  I was a bit disappointed. What could I do but wait? I tried not to think about it, telling myself that my chances of winning were remote.

Tuesday, January 8^th my phone rang. I was expecting a call back from a party concerning another matter, when Marci introduced herself and told me I was a ‘Dream Job’ contest winner!  It’s a good thing I was sitting down…I couldn’t believe it!  Praise God!  She told me the rest of the winners were being notified and I would receive more information via e-mail. There were acceptance forms and releases to complete and return.

Since learning the news, I and the five other winners have had a conference call with Marci and Bob.  We shared our ‘Dream Job’ stories with one another. I am so impressed with the aspirations of my fellow ’Dream Job’ winners! We also learned what the coming year is going to entail for us as winners. We’ve also had the opportunity, via another conference call, to share our stories with our AARP state office representatives.  I am fortunate that Michigan’s state office is located in a building on the Lansing Community College campus. I am anxious to meet Jacqueline Morrison, the Michigan office liason. In yet another conference call, we were guided through the process of setting up our personal profiles in this terrific new AARP web community. All of the staff in the AARP Washington, D.C. office are knowledgeable in their fields and have provided excellent advice and support. I appreciate all the encouragement and support I am receiving from all of these wonderful people. 

While the prizes are great, I am mostly going to enjoy the opportunity to share this experience with others via the AARP Community site.  I really believe that we can all benefit from hearing the successes and failures of others 50 and over who are on the same journey toward attaining their “Dream Job”. I  hope you will share your experiences with me and the rest of the gang as we gather ’round "The Water Cooler".  We’ve got a lot of living to do!