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Journal #17

September 18, 2008

 

 

 

            Two weeks ago my sister and I had the great fortune to be a part of the 50^Th Anniversary celebration of AARP . We attended the Life@50 National Convention in Washington, D.C..

            All of the six Dream Job Winners were in attendance including myself.

            It was wonderful to meet all of my fellow  winners in person. It was indeed a meeting of the minds of kindred spirits. We have gotten to know each other over the past nine months since we were chosen the winners through our calls, e-mails and bi-weekly journals each of us has written explaining the different encounters we all have had accomplishing our dream jobs. It was quite different meeting in person. We were at ease with each other. I felt that we already were close bosom  buddies and close friends who had known each other for a life time.

            We also had the opportunity to meet in person all of the AARP staff and management who had worked behind the scenes to help us realize our Dream Jobs.. Everyone made us feel special and so welcomed in Washington, D.C.

            During this special week, we had the opportunity to share our own personal stories about our Dream Jobs with a live audience of our peers at the convention. We presented an hour University session entitled:” Chasing Your Dream Job: Inspiration and Perspiration “The session was overwhelmingly positive for all whom attended the session and for us who told our stories.  It was certainly encouraging, frank and uplifting. So many people came up to us after the session had concluded and congratulated each of  us. We were bombarded by well wishers. Persons who were perfect strangers, felt they knew us. They could identify with our personal struggles and triumphs. Our stories were told through our listeners over and over again. People gave us pats on the back. We were given helpful hints, suggestions and ideas as to how we could achieve our  Dream Jobs. It was just a memorable event for me .. Even now I am still basking in the after glow of the convention.

            Bravo to and hats off to all of my other five Dream Job Winner friends. And many thank to everyone at AARP who made this event an unforgettable experience.