Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming

Posted: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I recently asked my mom to join Facebook.

I know what you're thinking. I must be crazy for allowing-nay, supporting---my mother in viewing my statuses and photos. But the truth is... I'm really excited for my mom.

As a Facebook user, she opens her world to technology, and at the moment, she's harnessing its power. She purchased a Blackberry, has 78 friends and text messages.

This comes from the woman who didn't know how to upload pictures from her camera onto her computer a mere two months ago.

However it is from this technological adventure I've learned a valuable lesson about the importance of perseverance. Throughout it all, my mom has never stopped trying. Even in the face of html coding.

With the shape the economy is in right now, it's easy to stop trying. Some days it's simply easier to have a defeatist attitude, blame the economy and say, "You're the reason I don't have a job, or an internship. You're the reason I didn't get hired after graduation and why I still live with my mom at the age of 30."

The truth is we can all choose to persevere. It might take a little extra work-yes-but it will be worth it.

Suggestions for my fellow college students or interns:

• Take advantage of every networking possibility. This means joining a club within your major, go to free conferences, workshops and Must See Monday's at ASU, etc.
• Find a mentor. Former or current professors are a great start.
• Follow blogs within your field. Find out who's who in your city. Follow them on twitter or befriend them on Facebook. Learn the latest trends. I have an entire folder dedicated to "all things pr." Be intellectually curious.
• Volunteer. Many times, prospective employees are equally qualified. What will set you apart? All companies want someone who's involved in the community.
• Don't do the minimum. Have two or three quality internships instead of the required one. If you're an ASU student, the link below should be saved to your favorites. http://students.asu.edu/career
• Strengthen your weaknesses. Similar to my mother, I did not like technology. So I took an online media class. I've enrolled in online media 2 for next semester. By graduation, I hope to be proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, InDesign and Final Cut Pro.

At the end of the day, I will keep trying. My mom will keep trying. But will you keep swimming?