Maroon Striped Turtleneck: Aeropostale.
Tan Pants: Zara.
Black Cardigan, Necklace: Thrifted.
Hat: c/o OASAP.
Loafers: c/o Pink and Pepper.
Hello everyone ♥
As I alluded to last post, I have some exciting summer plans for 2015--- I got an internship! It was a very stressful and emotionally trying process that I've talked about on and off here, but most of my fears and anxieties I kept bottled up. It's a requirement to have an internship for my major before you graduate, and most students do it between their junior and senior year. I have worried about this internship since I was a freshman coming in (seriously, everyone told me how hard to was to get one), and it's been a stressful last few months as I began the application process.
I was applying to a lot and not hearing anything back from anyone, which was discouraging. One place that was kind of an "aspirational" application told me no, they didn't even want to interview me and I was crushed; another place I was so close and then someone else snagged it right it front of me. I felt like something was wrong with me, and I just got more and more frustrated and down; even going home a few weeks back if you remember because I just wanted to break down and be with my family.
But I had to keep persisting. My dad is a salesman and he told me, "no matter how many people say no, you keep trying and you keep putting yourself out there because someone will say YES." It was such an encouragement to me to hear these words from my father-- whom I admire so much for his hard work, dedication, and success. I was reminded that at times in his life in sales, he too had failed but he always continued pushing.
Fast forward to the last two weeks and it was all kind of a blur. I was actually contacted by a company who saw my application and wanted to move me on in the process and do a video interview. I felt this weight lifted off my shoulders. Finally! If I could just get past being a piece of paper, I could show hiring recruiters how passionate, determined, and hard working I am. I was super nervous for the video interview, my stomach in knots the entire time but thankfully they liked my video interview well enough that a few days later, they asked me to do an in person interview.
The position I applied for is in Columbus, so luckily I was home for the weekend and it was an easy 1 hour drive instead of the 2.5 hour drive it would be for Kent. I remember being so nervous in the car with my mom and shaking and having a panic attack because I wanted this so bad... not because it was required, but because it was such an amazing opportunity to advance my experiences/skills. I want to make my family proud; to show them I am so grateful for all they do for me. I wanted this for my future, for my family, and for me.
I waited impatiently for a few days after my interview, the anticipation killing me. But on Wednesday during one of my classes I received a phone call and couldn't answer it. I called back immediately after my class and was told I was accepted into the position; I honestly couldn't believe it.
So, I am so proud to say I will be interning for Nordstrom this summer! It is an amazing and inspiring company I am honored to represent and learn from. My program is Retail Management, and I am eager to start this summer.
Keep persisting, keep dreaming. You can achieve what you want. x
With much love, Lauren.
