Blog Topic Due October 28th

The news is getting worse and worse every day. For the past couple of days, I've been watching the news on and off after my last class. The stories are saddening and depressing. They hardly ever report on something positive or something to lift your spirits.

Just the other day, the top story was a baby, still in it's fetal stages, being found in a trash can at some gas station in Union. From the start, that turned me off from watching the news that day, but I wanted to see what brought about that tragedy. Some woman had the baby and left the umbilical cord connected, and left the baby in the trash can. Authorities were still looking for the woman. These types of stories are what you would hear most likely if you watched the news.

There are always stories of murder, violence, hate, etc. I can't remember a time where I actually watched the news and was not disgusted at what was being reported. I understand that there is a war going on in Iraq, but there are more important things to report on. People are starving in America. Poverty is a huge problem right now. Why not look at the real issues and report on them, instead of reporting that Paris Hilton is back in jail, or Britney Spears is in court trying to get custody of her kids. News programs are really losing focus and so many Americans are blind to what's really going on in the world.

Blog topic Due October 21st

My mock interview went very well. I was not all that nervous about it because I've already been through numerous interviews. I arrived early, which is always good, and I was ready for my interview. I kept good eye contact and answered all of my questions fully. I learned that it's good to be prepared to answer certain questions about situations that you've been in. That way, it will be easier to retain the information rather than prolonging the interview.
I really don't think I would have done anything differently. I just think that it went well enough for me that I could've gotten the job. I think I set myself apart from all of the other candidates applying for the same job. Overall, the mock interview was excellent experience to prepare someone for a real interview.

Blog Topic Due October 14th

This past week, everyone had really good presentations. One that stood out to me was Michele's presentation on New York. Her powerpoint really stood out to me and it was short, sweet, and to the point. I had a chance to visit NY when I was in high school and it is a wonderful city. Many of the places and sites she talked about I could relate to because I had been there. It's always good to hear a presentation on a city or another region of the world because every location has something different to offer. Michele did a wonderful job of giving visuals of the city and explaining what every restaurant/mall/location had to offer. As she was giving her presentation, I could picture in my mind what it was like when I had a chance to visit the city myself.

College Football Rankings (week 6)

College Football sure isn't dissapointing this year. There have been many upsets and suprise wins all over the board. The team that has suprised me the most is USF (University of South Flordia). Over the past couple of seasons, they have been horrible, barely winning any games. However, after week six, they are ranked 5th in the nation which is extraordinary. The team that I'm the most dissapointed in is Texas. They have really fell off since last season. They are currently ranked 23rd in the nation when they were ranked in the top 5 earlier in the season. I had high hopes for Clemson also. They really have to buckle down and win the rest of their games this season to have a chance at a good bowl game. South Carolina will give us a run for our money this year, I do know that much. They are currently 7th in the nation and doing a great job on both sides of the ball under head coach Steve Spurrier. I am anxious to see how everything turns out come Bowl Time.

Blog Topic for the week of September 24th

One of the articles that caught my eye talked about how video resumes are taking off (Diana Ransom). I never thought of employers accepting video resumes. The thought of creating a video resume never crossed my mind. When I actually start to think about it, I guess it makes sense, especially when it comes to distance. Instead of talking on the phone or having a paper copy of a resume, a company might prefer having a video resume to actually see a potential employee and his/her personality. Diana also talked about what NOT to do when making a video resume. One guy had lifted weights, played golf, and danced with some girl in his video and it didn't go well with the employer.

Another article I came across talked about employers cracking down on candidates who lie on their resumes (Barbera Mende). Lots of people get away with lying on their resumes and think nothing of it but this article spoke on how employers are actually catching people who lie on their resumes. In the long run, it's not worth it. In fact, Mende spoke on how you should count on being caught. It's better to be honest when it's all said and done.

Topic for the week of Sept. 17th

On September 19th, I attended the Career Fair for the first time since enrolling at Clemson. It was a very unique experience. I was nervous at first, but after going around and talking to different represenatives about their companies, I felt more comfortable and confident in approaching them. I was primarily looking for an internship for the summer of 2008. There were a lot of companies looking for full time employees, but I found a few that were accepting applications for interns or will be accepting them starting this January. Some companies that I found of interest were Wachovia, Bank of America, Altec, Suntrust, Target, and Wal-Mart. I always went up and spoke to the represenative, introducing myself, and asking them about their internship opportunities. The Career Fair is an excellent way to get your name out there to different companies and to network also. I would recommend everyone to go at least once before they graduate. I will definietly be going every semester until I graduate in 2009.
On Monday, September 17th, The Reverend Jesse Jackson came to Clemson in efforts to encourage voter registration. His message was clear and very informative. He is an excellent speaker and motivator. It was nice to meet him personally and to sing at his event. We were nervous at first, but after getting on stage, and seeing some members of the audience clapping thier hands, the butterflies went away. Out of all the engagements the Gospel Choir will participate in, this one will definitely be one to remember. It you are not registered to vote, register!! Use your right to vote.

In 10 years...

Ten years from now, I see myself owning my own business. It will be an Accounting/Investment Firm teaching people how to use, invest, and make their money grow. My goal in life is to make a difference in the world. I think that helping people with their money is a start. If I can see that I'm changing the way people think and give them hope for a brighter future, then I'll be the happiest man alive. In the process, I will have worked for a prestigious Accounting firm such as Arthur Andersen, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Working my way up the ladder, I'll eventually branch out on my own and start my own business.

I also see myself, not only a sucessful businessman, but the best man, father, and husband that I can be. I want to have a wife and a family and give them the world. I also want my Mom to not have to worry about a thing. She has done so much for me in my life, I want to give her everything I can. She won't have to work another day in her life. I want her to travel and see the world. Overall, I see myself being the man God has called me to be, doing his will, but also helping others and letting others see Him through me.