Nothing Worthwhile Is Ever Handed To You

Kristen Nelson - SSHA Career Consultant

This past semester has been a whirlwind. It seems like just yesterday I was in training and learning about the SSHA Consultant position.  From creating and presenting workshops to consulting with students, I have learned much about the career world, my peers, and myself.  Being a career consultant has also given me the opportunity to build wonderful relationships.  It is always exciting when students come during drop-in hours or send me an email letting me know they got an interview, or better yet the job!

I feel I am constantly challenged, but also guided through my work to be an independent hands-on learner.  I am encouraged to discover new ways to develop the goals of Career Services as well as my individual goals. One of them in particular, is to gain as much experience as possible while in college, so that I can bring myself closer to understanding of where I will be happiest in my career.

I remember one of the first times I was presenting a workshop on my own. The workshop was “How to Land an On Campus Job.” As over 30 students were filing in to the California Room, my supervisor came up to me and told me that I would not be presenting with the PowerPoint like planned. As fate would have it, the projector wasn’t working. I don’t remember exactly what I told her but I think I just let her know I would be just fine.  Everything was happening so fast, so there was no time to freak out. Using a paper copy of the slides, I presented the workshop… and ended up enjoying every second of it.  Even though I needed to think on my feet, I felt relieved, ecstatic, and surprisingly energized and exhausted at the same time. It all went smoothly and my audience had been amazing; they were engaged and asked great questions. Looking back, maybe the projector was meant to malfunction.  I’ve learned that things aren’t always going to go as planned and it is important to take on the challenge, adapt, and move forward.

As the semester is coming to a close, this last month is usually one of stress and anxiety for many students. Whether it is a job, internship, schoolwork, or even a combination of all three, don’t give up! Take on the challenge. Finish the semester, reflecting on all you learned and be relieved, ecstatic, and surprisingly energized and exhausted at the same time. I leave you with my favorite quote, which is always inspiration during times of stress:

“Nothing worthwhile is ever handed to you.”

-Anonymous