Kerri's blog
Class of 2009, Communication Major, from Oconomowoc, WI

Freshman year I can clearly remember lounging in pajamas and munching on Easy Mac for 24 hours straight during both of my Advisement Days. They are the two days every year that St. Norbert students look forward to; mid-week breaks where sleeping in and doing nothing is practically a mandatory act. Suddenly as a Junior, however, my Advisement Days have drastically changed. I just spent my "day off" yesterday working and writing a paper. Sounds like fun doesn't it?

What I thought would be only a few hour visit to the good 'ol Todd Wehr Library turned into a six hour stay! The odd thing is...it only felt like two; before I knew it, my day was practically over!
Granted I got a lot of work done and used my "day off" to full advantage, I realized that when you enter the Library here on campus...time somehow magically speeds up and disappears right before you.

...not cool...

I have another paper to work on tonight but I dread the thought of entering the library yet again. It feels like I need to add hours to my day, not stand by in amazement as they soar past me. My alternative, however, is going back to my room. Now granted, I love my roommates with all of my heart, but I cannot possibly focus on my take-home essay exams with America's Next Top Model blaring from the TV next to me!

Why can't time slow down...way, way, down...why can't I add about four more hours to my day? That way I could take the time I want on my papers, reading, and studying - as well as see my friends, talk to my parents back home, and have a few minutes for myself too.

Unfortunately, I don't see time adhering to my wishes. For the time being then, I think I'll play it safe and just stay away from the library...

It has become increasingly difficult for me to stay motivated lately! I had an amazing Spring Break in California - the warm weather, long naps, and gorgeous scenery made coming back to chilly Wisconsin and looming exams less than appealing! With only 5 weeks of school left, however, I know I just need to stay dedicated to my classes and work extra hard. How is it possible that my Junior Year is almost over? I can't comprehend the reality of it!

Good news...I was offered an internship at Enzymatic Therapy, Inc! I am SO excited! They are a manufacturer/distributor of dietary supplements and natural medicines. As cliche as it sounds, the moment I had my interview and was able to tour the facility, I knew that I wanted to be a part of their Communications team. Everyone was friendly, supportive, and passionate about their work. Combining health/wellness with communication and personal interaction is a dream come true for me! I won't be starting until after Finals are over, but I will make sure to keep you updated on how it is going!

I have two exams on Monday - makes for an exciting weekend, right? I've been getting myself as organized as possible so that I don't end up stressing too badly, but I have horrible test anxiety and I'm worried about how I will do! With that being said, I should probably stop procrastinating and start studying!

...check back soon for an update!

"Anxiety" doesn't even begin to describe my emotional state while preparing for tests. I'm ridiculous. I start studying a week in advance, planning everything out, and being slightly (depending on my day) cranky when friends and family tell me to "relax". I never have been and (despite how normally optimistic I am) probably never will be, a great test taker.

The other week, however, I took two tests on the same day, completely stress free. I didn't prepare in the slightest bit, I didn't agonize over details, and I didn't memorize one fact.

You see...Career Services offers two tests on their web page, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the Strong Interest Inventory. These tests help "evaluate you career development strategy", "identify your career options", and "determine preferred learning environments". It took me around an hour to complete both exams - completely painless and anxiety free!

Here's a few highlights I received upon my follow up session at Career Services:

-My Myers-Briggs reported me as ENFJ (Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging). This reveals that my preferred work tasks include: Helping others structure their time and meet deadlines, helping teams arrive at consensus, facilitating teams' achievement of common goals, focusing on people and process issues rather than on technical problems, listening to and understanding the needs of customers, clients, and colleagues, as well as helping others develop new skills.
-My strengths include: inspiring and motivating others by articulating common values, making decisions that respect and take into account the values of others, and organizing people to help them achieve goals. However, my challenge lies in becoming discouraged if I do not receive a lot of feedback from others. (So true...)

My Strong Interest Inventory came back with the following information:
-I am AER (Artistic, Enterprising, and Realistic). This reveals that I: am likely to prefer working with people, comfortable with leading by example and by taking charge, and taking both team roles and independent roles.
-It suggests that I have a preference for helping others, leading through a variety of means, and carefully considering outcomes before acting.

As overwhelming as some of the test packets/results appeared, they provided incredible insight for me. The information presented wasn't previously unknown to me. It wasn't as if suddenly a light bulb had been turned on for me and all of my questions had been answered. I didn't leave Career Services knowing that I was a perfect fit for a specific job. I didn't learn of a new skill that I possessed, or of a weakness I had kept hidden. I was, however, given the opportunity to see myself in a more objective light. I can clearly see how identifying these personal traits will allow me to tailor my internship/job searches to opportunities that will make me happy and successful.

So, I think it's safe to say that for the first and last time, I actually enjoyed an exam!

As the second half of my Junior year is well under way, the looming thought of internships and jobs hangs heavy over head. I really want to make this summer an amazing one. I want to find an internship or a job that really "fits" me. I want to learn. I want to grow. I want to have fun! But how do I do that exactly?

It's my goal to find something that combines both my education (Communication major, English minor) and my passions (health/wellness, creativity, etc). I interviewed last week at an organization that seems perfect for me. The people couldn't have been any nicer, the atmosphere any more welcoming, or the possible learning experience any more exciting.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a positive response, and will make sure to update as soon as I hear anything!

Until then...

Kerri

*Some people dream of success while others wake up and work for it!