What Happened to my Spring Break?

by Eddie Rivoldi, Vollmer Public Relations Houston Intern

I have adapted to more changes in these last few months than I have in my last 22 years combined. Spring break is just around the corner and I have accepted the fact that this year I will be staring at a beautiful sunset from a screensaver in my monitor while I sip on some cold and delicious apple juice from the mini fridge. Boy I can’t wait.

**Listen to the podcast version of this post***

Growing up I moved to many different countries, yet I never understood what culture shock meant until I actually graduated from school and entered the real working world. So, here are my two cents for any recent college graduate or college student about to graduate.

First of all, don’t romanticize the real world too much. Right before I graduated I thought I was going to share a big house with a pool with all my friends. I was going to work hard, work out even harder, and party like there was no tomorrow. Well, the only thing that stuck with me from that philosophy was to actually work hard. The working out and all the partying died after a week of working. Nevertheless, you should still try to get a run in here and there.  As for the big pool house with all my friends…well I have a house with a pool, but my roommates are my parents.

In these times of recession most college graduates have had no choice but to move back home and live with their parents either because they can’t find a job or because they can’t afford to live on their own. I belong to the latter, but I realize now that living at home is practical and convenient. I have food, clean clothes, and I get to save money. Sure it would be fun to live on my own or live with roommates, but – and I can’t believe I am saying this - right now I have to stop thinking about what I want and start thinking towards the future.  I am amazed at the fact that a lot of my friends are getting into debt just to be on their own.  Save, save and save. If you want to have a down payment for a car or a house, don’t go spending it on rent, save.

The third thing I would like to say to anyone who just graduated and has a job is don’t screw it up. If you are one the few fortunate to have found a job, do everything you can to keep it. Get rid of that college mentality and take it seriously. Show up on time, always dress appropriate by and always have a “can do” attitude. I am not the smartest guy but I figured out quickly that if I give it my all and I am honest I will do just fine.  (A little side note… if you are still in school, please take advantage of it. If there is one thing I regret in college it would be not taking classes that interested me just because they were hard or had a hard professor. Challenge yourself because once you find a job you will be challenged all day, so might as well get some practice.)

The last thing I would like to say about entering the real world is to enjoy it. These last months have been nerve-racking, frightening, but very exciting. I am paying attention all day to everything around me. This is the time in our lives where we really start defining who we are as professionals and as people so make the best of it. As for spring break, well honestly I don’t think I will miss spring break that much, I am having a pretty good time working.  

What I Learned from College Admissions

by Julia Weede
Vollmer Public Relations New York City

Recently Sue Schellenbarger, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, retook the SAT on a dare from her high-school aged son. She wrote about the eye-opening experience , and how it gave her a new appreciation for him and for the rigors that kids endure as they prepare for their next step in life (“I Took the SAT Again After 41 Years,” May 27, 2009). She said the stress instantly sent her “back into a tailspin of adolescent regression and procrastination.”

My first reaction? Not for a million bucks. Funny how the whole college application experience follows you for the rest of your life.

But it got me thinking. There is probably not an adult alive who would willingly relive that first college search. But there are some pretty great life and career lessons you can take from it even if you have left the halls of your alma mater.

I live in an education household. My husband is the “enrollment guy” at Butler University, and I spent years in college admissions. So I posed the question during a long car ride. If selecting the right college is such a big deal, what are some lasting truths you can learn from the whole process?

Here’s what we came up with:

• You can do this. Whether it is finding a college, getting a first mortgage, or launching a brand, you’re rarely the first to face an overwhelming process. Find someone who knows the path. Jump in and ask questions.
• Hard work matters. It shows.
• So does following your passion. Choosing a major, career or business opportunity based solely on money, or someone else’s expectations, usually backfires.
• Grammar matters. Texting friends is fun, but important decisions are made based on how well you communicate big ideas. Pay attention to the craft of communicating.
• Be open to opportunities. Focus is good, but don't walk past the road less traveled. You don’t have to go where everyone else is going. If you are open to unexpected options, you'll be surprised by life.
• Be nice. It matters and people notice.
• Fit is important. If you are facing a difficult choice and quality is comparable, go with the people you like.
• Don't let cost be the only deciding factor. You usually get what you pay for. Go for the best you can afford to give you what you need most.
• Give back. If you went to school on a scholarship, it’s probably because someone donated the money. When you can, throw the rope back to the next generation.
• Breathe. Even if you are afraid of making a decision, remember your future includes great things you can’t imagine and options that haven’t been invented yet.

So just do the very best you can today. It’ll all work out. Really!