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Writer's pictureAna Cannon

The Beginning of My Blog Journey



About a week ago, I found inspiration in a colleague's LinkedIn post sharing a blog on Medium about their internship experience. From crafting meticulous literary analyses of works like "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver to delving into research papers on topics like net neutrality, writing has always been a passion of mine. After all, I even defended my thesis, so one might assume I have an innate love for the craft. However, it seemed to have evolved into more of an obligatory assignment rather than a creative outlet. Thus, I yearn to rekindle my passion for creative writing, utilizing it as a means to document my life, archive my thoughts, and shed light on my career journey – or any topic that piques my interest.





—THE QUESTION
Today, I am eager to delve into a question I've frequently encountered recently: How did I secure a position with Comcast, especially after relocating from Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia? Allow me to emphasize that this is a narrative of my personal journey and perspective, and I do not purport to speak on behalf of everyone. This is by no means an exhaustive how-to guide. But if this helps, then great.

—½ IS HARD WORK
I've come to realize that hard work is just one component of the equation. I vividly recall my grandparents and teachers instilling in me the belief that with unwavering dedication, I could attain anything in life. However, in today's world, this conventional, one-size-fits-all path—going to college, securing a job, getting married, purchasing a house, having children, and retiring—is no longer universally applicable, or at least not in its entirety.

—WANT MORE
Growing up as a child of the military, I imbibed the notion that there is always more to aspire to. My father, a distinguished officer, epitomized excellence, adaptability, and, most importantly, the value of education. The pursuit of 'more' has become an enduring mantra in my life. My advice to students embarking on their college journey is to seek and demand more. College, in its unique way, serves as a safe cocoon, shielded from the harsh realities of the real world. I say this because, during this period, the primary concern revolves around academic performance measured in grades, rather than the complexities of finances and the daily grind of working life.

—I'M A SPONGE
Seize every opportunity, yet also discern when a particular endeavor no longer serves your growth. Pursue knowledge and accumulate experiences with gusto. I fondly recall my middle school days when my history teacher, Mr. Iles, conducted a ritual of sayings before each class. Among these sayings was a seemingly absurd yet profoundly relevant one: "I am a sponge, and I am ready to soak up knowledge." Initially, I dismissed it as a ridiculous five-minute ritual, but I have since recognized its wisdom in how we should approach learning, even beyond the confines of formal education.

—FOCUS ON WHAT YOU VALUE
Having acknowledged the importance of hard work and embracing the role of a sponge, the next step is to articulate your experiences effectively. Self-awareness is paramount. We often engage in various activities, attend events, enroll in classes, internships, and participate in clubs, but what do these experiences truly mean? The key lies in understanding the 'why' behind these endeavors, as it empowers us to express our experiences coherently while remaining true to our values and character.
During my job search, I shifted my focus towards my core values, honing the ability to articulate these values, substantiated by my experiences. Initially, I had misconceptions about interviews, believing I should cater to what I thought the employer wanted to hear. However, as I started to prioritize my own wants and values, recognizing that I was also assessing the employers as they were assessing me, I began receiving second interviews, callbacks, and job offers. The lesson is clear: Knowing your true desires leads to the rewards you genuinely deserve.

Thanks for reading!
—Ana Cannon

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