24.9.12

The Job Hunt

Well friends and family, I'm officially on the hunt for a full-time job. And the hunt started a couple weeks ago, but is in full swing after I take my Foreign Service Officer Test this Saturday. Man, this is a process. I am exploring options all over the map right now, from University and Private Sector Business Development, Fundraising and Marketing to more Governmental focused jobs, to Non-Profit work. So far I have received a few job offers, unfortunately nothing that matched with what I am really interested in. Hopefully here in the next couple weeks I will have a more solid idea of what's next for me. Election day is coming up, which means soon there will not be any more campaign work. I still do have the bartending gig at night, I guess until I find something stable. And while I have been doing some volunteer work to gain more experiences with a couple organizations during this time, the uncertain thoughts about my future are beginning to give me some anxiety.

I think most people who know me, know I always have a plan. I am usually saving for some big study-abroad, travel-abroad trip or getting ready to start some cool internship/job. So now it's a little confusing for people when they say "what's next?" and I answer, "I don't know". I am planning on applying to law schools this fall, and I still have a spot at the Universidad de Salamanca next year should I decide to take it. Also, we're going to see how far I can get with this State Department stuff. But for right now, I don't know. Genuinely. And for the people who know me well, that seems to be an odd answer from me.

People keep asking me, "do you want to live in Ohio"? And I keep saying "I don't really care". I could live in Ohio and be happy, hell I'd probably save some money if I lived at home. But I do realize that most of the big job opportunities fall into bigger cities, and honestly, I could see myself being happy there as well. I know I am hard working, so I'm not too scared about what's to come and where I end up. I know i'll be fine and get myself to where I need to be. It's just this whole not knowing process takes a lot out of a person!

...and, friends and family, that's where I am right now.

5.9.12

The battle of the Ohio Governors- who did better?



Last night was the first evening of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. And as expected, it was filled with excitement and all kinds of speakers, making their cases for why the United States should elect Barack Obama as their President for the next four years. This is all coming after the Republicans had their convention in Tampa last week.

This election is all about keeping supporter states strong and battling it out for those battleground states. According to CNN.com, the battleground states are Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. At both conventions, my home state of Ohio was represented. After all, no Republican candidate has ever won an election without winning Ohio. And as an Ohio native, and lover of politics, I am thrilled to get the attention (while I know many people are not). Both Governor Kasich and former Governor Strickland were able to represent Ohio at their respective political parties convention. 

So, who did better? 




Governor Kasich's Speech at the RNC 2012

Former Governor Strickland's Speech at the DNC 2012


Openly I admit, I am a strong Obama supporter and would obviously side with former Governor Strickland. The automobile industry is due to the President's initiative and without it, Ohio could be 800,000 jobs down. Not only was the former Governor explosive and had sound-bite after sound-bite, but he was so good that he inspired a new twitter handle. @outsourcedelf. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check it out here.

But I have to admit, Kasich held his own. And although I'm not an avid fan of the man, I will admit, he did what he was sent to do. 

However, I would say, if it comes down to who's speech will be remembered the next time the Conventions roll around, I have to give the prize to former Governor Strickland. 

And if you don't have a twitter account, you might want to get one. It's been addicting and fun just to see what people come up with while watching these conventions. 


3.9.12

Election Life

Well, the elections are heating up! And as you all know, when there's political action, I am right there in the middle of it!

I have been working on President Obama's re-election campaign for the past four months and have really been enjoying the experience. As a summer fellow, and now just a Powell volunteer, I have seen all kinds of aspects of grassroots organizing and have met all different types of people. There actually are a lot of democrats in Powell, Ohio. Who knew?!


Photo from Westerville Rally with Michelle Obama


This past Monday we had our Powell office opening, which I gave a short speech at. Basically I highlighted a million reasons why I support our President in this election, and gave some reasons why the people at the office opening should volunteer with our campaign. It seems to have been a success! There were around 100 people there, and many of them signed up to get involved. So great!

Cookies I made for the Office Opening


As a young volunteer, I have seen the issues coming up in this campaign. Young people, WE HAVE TO VOTE! This idea of "Ron Paul didn't get the nomination, so I'm not voting" is total BS! Where has this come from? Is this some kind of hipster ideology that's running around college campuses and hip downtown bars? We are the backbone of this nation! We have a voice, and for some reason, are not entirely motivated as a collective generation to exercise this right. Why? Don't we want aid for college and graduate school? Don't people like having healthcare, and being able to comfortably (somewhat) ease into that first job, without the worry of being unable to go to the doctor when we are ill? This to me is insane! Young people, VOTE!!! If you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain. Educate yourselves on the issues and candidates. Apathy gets you nowhere.

Happy 87th  Grandma!

...and on that note, I am going to my Grandma's 87th birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Grandma Juney!