Our final "thing", WOW, I made it. Not that I ever doubted myself but I will admit some weeks were a little harder then others. All in all, this entire process was very rewarding and informative. Besides the obvious new technology I learned along the way, I also took a personal journey that taught me much more. Having to blog each week helped me grow as a writer (well not really, I still don't think I'm very good at expressing myself, but at least I am not as fearful of writing as I use to be).
In addition to that, I now view myself as more of a professional then I did before. That may sound strange but taking a program that is designed for librarians when you are not, can be a bit intimidating. However, it gave me an opportunity to mingle and learn right along with them. While taking steps needed to complete various "things" I found I was evaluating myself and my position in the library. What I discovered is although I am just a library clerk, I share the same passions and desires as librarians. My knowledge may be more self taught then book learned but it is just as prevalent. I look forward to using SMART in order to keep growing and setting both professional and personal goals for myself.
In closing I would like to thank all those responsible for this program and to say no matter what position a person holds in the library world being an advocate for them is the utmost importance.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
cdp23..."thing 22"
Volunteering is truly a wonderful thing, and I have done plenty in my lifetime but I have never worked unpaid to further my career. However, when I think about it, indirectly perhaps I have. When my kids were younger I helped out at their schools on many occasions. From chaperoning on trips, to class and lunch room "helper", to assisting with holiday craft projects, all of these activities stayed with me and I find myself drawing upon them at my current job in the Children's Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Other volunteering ventures I've done, soup kitchen, Girl Scout Leader, etc...also have added to the "foundation" of experience I've built over the years.
I believe all aspects of volunteering is a very good thing and it is in no way devaluing our profession or any other for that matter. It is something that should be encouarged for people of ages to participate in. The lessons learned are invalueable.
I believe all aspects of volunteering is a very good thing and it is in no way devaluing our profession or any other for that matter. It is something that should be encouarged for people of ages to participate in. The lessons learned are invalueable.
cdp23..."thing 21"
Strengths of mine in the workplace...relate well with others and always strive to have a positive attitude, (whether it's working with the public or other staff members), a very quick study and enjoy learning new things, (which is the main reasons I am partaking in this course), have a strong computer knowledge, enjoy working with the public, (especially children), can easily adapt to change, and am very creative.
Outside of work...I am a self taught seamstress and have turned that hobby into freelance work. Plus, I am a mom of four and that alone has brought out talents I never even knew I had.
Bringing my home "talents" to work is something I do without even trying. My creative and compassionate side come through and I am fortunate that my employers are open to new ideas.
Interviewing tips...This past week I had the opportunity at work to be on an interviewing committee to decide which of three candidates our library would hire to be the new human resource manager. The entire process taught me a lot about what an employer looks for in an applicant. If experience and schooling are similar among them, often times it is the little things, eye contact or lack there of, body language, how you handle certain questions, etc. that may help to tilt the scales in your favor.
In closing I would like to say do I love the feeling of satisfaction I get after I complete something I've worked on. Since I try to put my all into whatever I do, either at work or at home, I get that feeling often. When our committee came to a final decision on who to hire today, it was so satisfying knowing I worked and collaborated with my peers to select the right person for the job.
And when I go home tonight and finish the dress I am making or help my daughter complete her college essay, the same sense of satisfaction will roll over me.
All I can say is try to find a job where that is something you feel and will continue to experience and then you'll know you are doing the right job.
side note: I plan on a HUGE sense of accompleshment when I finish all my 23 "things"!!!
Outside of work...I am a self taught seamstress and have turned that hobby into freelance work. Plus, I am a mom of four and that alone has brought out talents I never even knew I had.
Bringing my home "talents" to work is something I do without even trying. My creative and compassionate side come through and I am fortunate that my employers are open to new ideas.
Interviewing tips...This past week I had the opportunity at work to be on an interviewing committee to decide which of three candidates our library would hire to be the new human resource manager. The entire process taught me a lot about what an employer looks for in an applicant. If experience and schooling are similar among them, often times it is the little things, eye contact or lack there of, body language, how you handle certain questions, etc. that may help to tilt the scales in your favor.
In closing I would like to say do I love the feeling of satisfaction I get after I complete something I've worked on. Since I try to put my all into whatever I do, either at work or at home, I get that feeling often. When our committee came to a final decision on who to hire today, it was so satisfying knowing I worked and collaborated with my peers to select the right person for the job.
And when I go home tonight and finish the dress I am making or help my daughter complete her college essay, the same sense of satisfaction will roll over me.
All I can say is try to find a job where that is something you feel and will continue to experience and then you'll know you are doing the right job.
side note: I plan on a HUGE sense of accompleshment when I finish all my 23 "things"!!!
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