Don't Underestimate Yourself

Jun 09,2015

Are you thinking about how you can step up your resume and experience for all those jobs you’ll be applying for one day? How can you make yourself stand out? But with seemingly all students asking these same questions, to find a truly unique answer you have to think about yourself. Ask yourself some of these: What are three things I enjoy completely while doing? What do I want to achieve in the upcoming year? Is there anything I want to get more involved in? Answering these questions will leave you in a stronger mindset to then make some choices.

 

I was in the same place last fall. I had a lot of time on my hands and I realized I wanted to get more involved on my campus. In fact I convinced myself I wanted to make a mark at my school by starting the UNICEF Initiative Club at Keene State. There weren’t any leadership positions at the time that sparked my interest so instead I figured I’d make one. In searching for the right college, everyone says you’ll know when you find the school that fits you. My school fits me well, but now with the year coming and my club newly established, I want to change my school to fit me.

 

Stop thinking about all the odds, how many others are applying for the same position because all those statistics only matter as much as you let them. Think about you. If you send in five applications to five different positions but are not excited about any of them, my friend it is time to reconsider. Begin asking yourself questions regarding your interests, hobbies, and also consider the goals you have for yourself. I never thought I would be the founder of a club at my school, but looking back I have never been prouder of myself. And now I have the confidence to build my club to be the strongest it can.

 

Summer offers time. Between the job and the friends, find a relaxing spot to reflect on your past year. Set some expectations for yourself that are attainable and do not disappoint yourself. Hold yourself accountable. Look into how you could accomplish your ideas, and most importantly talk about your ideas! It’s intimidating, not going to lie. When I was starting UNICEF at Keene I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to follow through with the plans I was telling everyone. However, I received tons of support, encouragement, and names of people I could talk to that could help. Your passion will ignite others.

 

Working with philanthropic causes has been such a fulfilling outlet for me because of the people I’ve met. Every event or project I put on the calendar is a day I look forward to hanging out with my friends, working towards something awesome. Better yet, you can make other people really happy when you accomplish the goal.

 

Not all clubs have to be cause-related. It’s really about finding what your passions are, which starts with pursuing an interest you have. It is that easy. Sometimes we build up people that have achieved huge accomplishments, but it is more simple than that: they were following their passion.

 

I don’t know why but I feel like such a guidance counselor telling you all to follow your dreams, so if it has been painful I apologize. All I wanted to share was that a goal you set for yourself can seem like an impossible mountain to climb, but coming from someone who has done it, it was so much easier than I thought it would be. Don’t underestimate yourself, you can change your school, make it even better, and do big things. I’m going to leave my email right [email protected] here… I’d love to help with any questions you have! Especially if any of you are looking to start your own club.

 

Photo: Painting by me; Quote from Winnie the Pooh

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Don't Underestimate Yourself

 Don't Underestimate Yourself

Don't Underestimate Yourself

Don't Underestimate Yourself

Are you thinking about how you can step up your resume and experience for all those jobs you’ll be applying for one day? How can you make yourself stand out? But with seemingly all students asking these same questions, to find a truly unique answer you have to think about yourself. Ask yourself some of these: What are three things I enjoy completely while doing? What do I want to achieve in the upcoming year? Is there anything I want to get more involved in? Answering these questions will leave you in a stronger mindset to then make some choices.

 

I was in the same place last fall. I had a lot of time on my hands and I realized I wanted to get more involved on my campus. In fact I convinced myself I wanted to make a mark at my school by starting the UNICEF Initiative Club at Keene State. There weren’t any leadership positions at the time that sparked my interest so instead I figured I’d make one. In searching for the right college, everyone says you’ll know when you find the school that fits you. My school fits me well, but now with the year coming and my club newly established, I want to change my school to fit me.

 

Stop thinking about all the odds, how many others are applying for the same position because all those statistics only matter as much as you let them. Think about you. If you send in five applications to five different positions but are not excited about any of them, my friend it is time to reconsider. Begin asking yourself questions regarding your interests, hobbies, and also consider the goals you have for yourself. I never thought I would be the founder of a club at my school, but looking back I have never been prouder of myself. And now I have the confidence to build my club to be the strongest it can.

 

Summer offers time. Between the job and the friends, find a relaxing spot to reflect on your past year. Set some expectations for yourself that are attainable and do not disappoint yourself. Hold yourself accountable. Look into how you could accomplish your ideas, and most importantly talk about your ideas! It’s intimidating, not going to lie. When I was starting UNICEF at Keene I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to follow through with the plans I was telling everyone. However, I received tons of support, encouragement, and names of people I could talk to that could help. Your passion will ignite others.

 

Working with philanthropic causes has been such a fulfilling outlet for me because of the people I’ve met. Every event or project I put on the calendar is a day I look forward to hanging out with my friends, working towards something awesome. Better yet, you can make other people really happy when you accomplish the goal.

 

Not all clubs have to be cause-related. It’s really about finding what your passions are, which starts with pursuing an interest you have. It is that easy. Sometimes we build up people that have achieved huge accomplishments, but it is more simple than that: they were following their passion.

 

I don’t know why but I feel like such a guidance counselor telling you all to follow your dreams, so if it has been painful I apologize. All I wanted to share was that a goal you set for yourself can seem like an impossible mountain to climb, but coming from someone who has done it, it was so much easier than I thought it would be. Don’t underestimate yourself, you can change your school, make it even better, and do big things. I’m going to leave my email right [email protected] here… I’d love to help with any questions you have! Especially if any of you are looking to start your own club.

 

Photo: Painting by me; Quote from Winnie the Pooh