In the last 5 weeks, I stayed in San Francisco with my grandparents in search for jobs. The month really flew and it was incredible in a sense how productive I was. I mean I was so productive that I actually was hard on myself for coming away from San Francisco without a job in hand. In a sense, I felt that I had failed even though deep down I knew that this was the reality- the job market sucks.
In the beginning, Zev made use of his contacts to set up informational meetings with some of the top people in the Jewish community. So I got to sit in front of Very Important People, including a museum director, a highly influential former museum director, and an executive director at one of the JCCs. I also got to speak with more people on the telephone in order for them to put in a good word for me and find other people to speak with. I had an opportunity to visit Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) downtown to ask questions about interviewing and find out about how to search for a job. As it turned out, I was already pretty much ahead (I already have Idealist.org, JewishJobs.com, AAM.org, and Hillel.org job pages on my bookmark toolbar that I click on everyday for new job postings).
As soon I started meeting people, I discovered a pattern. I am not going to say that they weren't too happy to have to give up some of their valuable time to meet with me only because Zev called them. Rather, I had to convince them that I was truly looking for a job with a very strong resume in my hand. Meeting with my thesis advisor clearly taught me to be prepared with thoughts and questions in order to make use of these people's valuable time so that they would be willing to help me out.
Zev often says the following speech: "I am calling to ask for a special favor. I have a granddaughter who just graduated from the University of Michigan with her masters in Judaic Studies/Jewish Studies. She is looking to go on for a doctorate in Jewish history. Right now she is looking for a job, so I am wondering if you could possibly meet with her?" Then he'll usually hand me the phone to speak to a complete stranger. I was forced to think on my feet! And avoid talking about getting a PhD in history because, really, I do want to take time off to get some field experience, especially that I am very interested in American Jewish History.
So... over the telephone, it usually meant I had to think up questions fast associated with THEIR organizations (Might it be JCC Association or something else) and create a sales pitch of my own. I am still refining it.
But in meetings, it's a different story. I immediately set myself apart from Zev and demonstrated that I had a very different attitude towards American Jewish community. It helped a lot that I was a very lovely and charming person as well. I tried to protray myself as a successful idealist who just wanted to help the community or public learn all about contemporary Judaism.
I often walked away with mixed emotions of hope, elation, and despair. Their positive impression of me gave me hope that there might be something for me down the road. I felt elated in making connections with these people who had terrific contacts in the Bay Area and elsewhere. Despair came to me when they told me that they didn't know of any job openings at the moment or near future.
I did improve my game each time because I wanted to strive for better, to be the best person possible. Type A personalities like me just never stop. I can't relax. I can't sit around and do nothing. I just have to be productive... if I'm not on a beach somewhere!
I have been working on my talks for why I want to work in a JCC or another Jewish organization. It was amazing to realize that in a way I didn't even need my degrees. I mean, what I learned in the classroom wouldn't necessarily translate to my job. All the skills and knowledge I attained for these jobs came from working in student organizations. No wonder why professors and college administrators admit that a lot of learning really takes places outside of the classroom. I could not have applied for any of these jobs had it not been for my decision to begin my Jewish journey, position on Colgate Jewish Union's executive board, times spent in Israel, and job at Michigan Hillel. I will have to re-strategize a bit for these new Hillel openings after realizing a few things while speaking with a regional director at Hillel Foundation.
The other thing I am learning from this process is not to underestimate my capabilities as a leader. I must take pride in what I have accomplished even though I always thought I should have done better. But those where the tasks I was assigned to and completed.
Lastly I want to say that I feel that my deafness or cochlear implant had no bearing on my ability to get a job or impress people. I was extremely surprised by how many people I was able to understand right away even though I have never heard their voices before. I used to have to meet people a few times in order to read their lips so that I could then understand their voices before going voice-only on the phone. I just think it's incredibly stunning because I still remember the time when I refused to talk on the phone or believed that I could only talk to my family members. I was deluded into thinking that as a deaf I should only rely on the TTY/Relay Service in order to communicate with the Hearing World. Clearly, I have proved myself wrong. Clearly I should have no fear in applying for jobs that will demand phone usage in which I had avoided in the past. Only one employer asked me directly about my position as a "deaf Jewish woman." I let it go only because A) I don't mind talking about my deafness and B) She actually knew my family and therefore already knew that I was doing well.
Onward to Week 8 of job-hunting.
Job Hunt Goals:
-Apply to 3 more Hillels
-Polish cover letter for a Museum... pretty long shot position
-Continue waiting on results of two job interviews
Productive Time Goals:
-Finish reading Princess: True Story of Life Behind a Veil in Saudi Arabia by Jean Sasson (it's quite.. chilling!)
-Pick out materials for scrapbooking for photos from my trip with Mom back in 2007 when we went to Espana (how embarrassing how we still haven't done anything!)
-Start GRE prep- take a verbal exam and focus on prefixes and suffixes
Didn't I already say that I'm not a fan of idle time?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Israel in the Gardens 2010
I went last year to enjoy some good Israeli food (namely burekas), music, and company. It was jam packed. I had to wait a good while for my burekas. I totally passed up the falafel stands because there were about 40 people waiting. I could barely find a spot on the grass to sit. I had to push my way through the shopping and strolling crowds. About 20,000 showed up.
This year was a disappointment. Thanks to the recent flotilla incident, there were threats of more demonstrators showing up to protest. A friend made an approximate estimate that about 30-35% of the crowd failed to show up. It was clear that at least 5,000 people were missing. I was shocked. I thought if people would just muster their courage and march through those protestors, they would do their part by supporting Israel BY SHOWING UP.
I still felt the same cheer in the air but... it just didn't come as strongly as it did before. Zev and I didn't wait too long for our food. We were able to move around easily, maybe too easily for a place that's supposed to be packed with Jews and their goys.
At least my favorite contestant for the talent show won, after being a runner-up last year.
Still, if I was an organizer of this event, I would have pushed a PR campaign through Facebook and Twitter in the few days before the actual event to remind people that by showing up and supporting the entertainment and vendors, they were standing by Israel and defying the protesters.
This year was a disappointment. Thanks to the recent flotilla incident, there were threats of more demonstrators showing up to protest. A friend made an approximate estimate that about 30-35% of the crowd failed to show up. It was clear that at least 5,000 people were missing. I was shocked. I thought if people would just muster their courage and march through those protestors, they would do their part by supporting Israel BY SHOWING UP.
I still felt the same cheer in the air but... it just didn't come as strongly as it did before. Zev and I didn't wait too long for our food. We were able to move around easily, maybe too easily for a place that's supposed to be packed with Jews and their goys.
At least my favorite contestant for the talent show won, after being a runner-up last year.
Still, if I was an organizer of this event, I would have pushed a PR campaign through Facebook and Twitter in the few days before the actual event to remind people that by showing up and supporting the entertainment and vendors, they were standing by Israel and defying the protesters.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The 1st 2 Weeks of Job Hunting
I had a plan. While I was in Rochester, I would apply for jobs online. While I was in the Bay Area, I'd do "hit the pavement" thing. So far so good.
First, I applied nationwide through Hillel website for Jewish student engagement type of jobs. I realized that, while working as an administrative assistant at UM Hillel, I actually liked working with college students even though I was only a few years older than them. They were just so bright, energetic, and creative. They brought so much to the table that I wanted to help them sort out what they needed to do to accomplish their goals and become good leaders. After all, I was one of those kids one time too.
I also found that I have been the "go-to" person when it comes to questions about Jewish identity. I did not know if it's because I was getting my MA in Judaic Studies or because of my research interests in American Jewish identity politics, or I just happened to be a good Jewish friend! So I do want to reach out to the unaffiliated and help them find their way back to the Tribe.
Second, I applied for an admissions counselor job at my alma mater. Ever since I entered in the world of college admissions, I have been so fascinated by the process. It's not science because there are so many variables in deciding how to build a class and whom to accept and reject. But what draws me about this opportunity is working with students who are still figuring out who they are and what kind of school is truly the best for them. Then guide them how to write the best application possible. I also want to make sure that my alma mater continues to be a great place and has those amazing students who know how to be productive leaders. I maintain an active presence at one of the popular online forums regarding college admissions as there aren't too many users who have gone to my alma mater, and I love to help.
And this was something that I've been wanting to do anyway. I mean, I'm free now in a way that I can finally accomplish some of the things I've been putting on hold for a while! But I am keeping an open mind and taking no chances by taking all of these applications seriously.
You can also follow me on Twitter too as I make my way through this messy job market.
First, I applied nationwide through Hillel website for Jewish student engagement type of jobs. I realized that, while working as an administrative assistant at UM Hillel, I actually liked working with college students even though I was only a few years older than them. They were just so bright, energetic, and creative. They brought so much to the table that I wanted to help them sort out what they needed to do to accomplish their goals and become good leaders. After all, I was one of those kids one time too.
I also found that I have been the "go-to" person when it comes to questions about Jewish identity. I did not know if it's because I was getting my MA in Judaic Studies or because of my research interests in American Jewish identity politics, or I just happened to be a good Jewish friend! So I do want to reach out to the unaffiliated and help them find their way back to the Tribe.
Second, I applied for an admissions counselor job at my alma mater. Ever since I entered in the world of college admissions, I have been so fascinated by the process. It's not science because there are so many variables in deciding how to build a class and whom to accept and reject. But what draws me about this opportunity is working with students who are still figuring out who they are and what kind of school is truly the best for them. Then guide them how to write the best application possible. I also want to make sure that my alma mater continues to be a great place and has those amazing students who know how to be productive leaders. I maintain an active presence at one of the popular online forums regarding college admissions as there aren't too many users who have gone to my alma mater, and I love to help.
And this was something that I've been wanting to do anyway. I mean, I'm free now in a way that I can finally accomplish some of the things I've been putting on hold for a while! But I am keeping an open mind and taking no chances by taking all of these applications seriously.
You can also follow me on Twitter too as I make my way through this messy job market.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Belated Passover thoughts
Someone asked me at the first seder, "So do you have any family traditions?"
I joked, "We have a tradition of being at someone else's house! We haven't had a seder in our own house since I was 12 years old."
We do have haggadahs and a seder plate... but we don't have family nearby in Rochester for anyone to come. We do have family friends but many of them have families nearby. So we usually do it with our family friends who have families outside of Rochester. So it works out. Especially when the husband and my mother cook together. You can gain 2 pounds overnight.
Anyhow, as I have experienced different seders each year, my awareness have heightened as I have come to notice certain manners, customs, and traditions that each seder had. This is the beauty of American Judaism. How do American Jews, living in a pluralistic and democratic society, interpret the meaning of Passover and the seder? My seminar a year ago touched upon this. Who are the guests? How long has that particular tradition been in effect? What food is served? How is the charoset prepared? How is the story told?
As wonderful it would be "ha'shanah ba'ah b'Yerusalayim", I think it's truly an experience to be at an American Jewish seder. Israel is good for once but American Jewish seders are forever because it seems to me that there are no two same sederim. You just have to keep traveling and to learn something new each time about the host family. But, you know, I could be wrong about Israeli families too given that there are different levels of observance.
This year, I went to a local Ann Arbor family's home with another UM student. There were 25 people! I really enjoyed myself as I experienced every minute of it- the traditions, the food, the singing, and so forth. They introduced one tradition that I must admit that I really liked: creating our own seder plate. The husband collected very random things from around the house and we had to blindly draw an item out of the bag. Then, throughout the seder, we could call it out and explain how this item was significant for the seder plate. For example, I got a stuffed cow with a straw hat. So I saved it for the very last part of the seder and said, "Now the seder is coming to a close and we're out of Egypt into the Land of Israel, this cow represents milk and honey." Everyone loved it. Such a fitting meaning. There was a wrench, a calculator, a little jug, etc. This tradition really encouraged us to reflect, laugh, and participate.
The second night I went to my friend Sam's house. His mother had caught me writing on Sam's Facebook wall saying how much I wished he was in the US so I can come over to his family's seder and help eat the food! She invited me and arranged for a ride with other guests. The format was the same as last year, more or less. Just that Sam wasn't there to drink 4 full cups of grape juice! He's still in Israel but his absence didn't bother me as much as I really enjoyed all the company of others, including his little sister. I still get a kick out of their Dr. Seuss' 4 questions song. That's their tradition that really stands out because of its silliness, creativity, and universality.
I think it would be quite fun if I collected some of my favorite traditions and presented them at my first home seder some time down the road.
The rest of the holiday went by so fast.... and I didn't each as much matzah as I thought. So I have an extra box for next year!
I joked, "We have a tradition of being at someone else's house! We haven't had a seder in our own house since I was 12 years old."
We do have haggadahs and a seder plate... but we don't have family nearby in Rochester for anyone to come. We do have family friends but many of them have families nearby. So we usually do it with our family friends who have families outside of Rochester. So it works out. Especially when the husband and my mother cook together. You can gain 2 pounds overnight.
Anyhow, as I have experienced different seders each year, my awareness have heightened as I have come to notice certain manners, customs, and traditions that each seder had. This is the beauty of American Judaism. How do American Jews, living in a pluralistic and democratic society, interpret the meaning of Passover and the seder? My seminar a year ago touched upon this. Who are the guests? How long has that particular tradition been in effect? What food is served? How is the charoset prepared? How is the story told?
As wonderful it would be "ha'shanah ba'ah b'Yerusalayim", I think it's truly an experience to be at an American Jewish seder. Israel is good for once but American Jewish seders are forever because it seems to me that there are no two same sederim. You just have to keep traveling and to learn something new each time about the host family. But, you know, I could be wrong about Israeli families too given that there are different levels of observance.
This year, I went to a local Ann Arbor family's home with another UM student. There were 25 people! I really enjoyed myself as I experienced every minute of it- the traditions, the food, the singing, and so forth. They introduced one tradition that I must admit that I really liked: creating our own seder plate. The husband collected very random things from around the house and we had to blindly draw an item out of the bag. Then, throughout the seder, we could call it out and explain how this item was significant for the seder plate. For example, I got a stuffed cow with a straw hat. So I saved it for the very last part of the seder and said, "Now the seder is coming to a close and we're out of Egypt into the Land of Israel, this cow represents milk and honey." Everyone loved it. Such a fitting meaning. There was a wrench, a calculator, a little jug, etc. This tradition really encouraged us to reflect, laugh, and participate.
The second night I went to my friend Sam's house. His mother had caught me writing on Sam's Facebook wall saying how much I wished he was in the US so I can come over to his family's seder and help eat the food! She invited me and arranged for a ride with other guests. The format was the same as last year, more or less. Just that Sam wasn't there to drink 4 full cups of grape juice! He's still in Israel but his absence didn't bother me as much as I really enjoyed all the company of others, including his little sister. I still get a kick out of their Dr. Seuss' 4 questions song. That's their tradition that really stands out because of its silliness, creativity, and universality.
I think it would be quite fun if I collected some of my favorite traditions and presented them at my first home seder some time down the road.
The rest of the holiday went by so fast.... and I didn't each as much matzah as I thought. So I have an extra box for next year!
Party Crashers on Israel's Birthday
I went to the Diag in search for falafels that American Israel Movement student group was going to be handing out. All gone. After 2 hours since they opened. All gone. All I got was tabouleh and hummus. Eh, okay. I'll take those. The students also passed around small pieces of chocolate cake with white frosting with a small piece of paper with a fun Israel fact. Mine said, "Homosexuals serve openly in the military." Yay, go Israel!
As I turned around to walk away from the tent, a guy handed me a piece of paper, and I took it. I started reading it and it started with "Thank you for celebrating Israel's independence and..." it listed all the anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian facts such as 700,000 Palestinians being forced out of the territory in 1948 war. Oh B.S.! I tossed it away in disgust.
I couldn't believe it. Oh dare they. We do have the First Amendment going on here and they have the right to exercise their right to free of speech. Just as one side of my mind started protesting that they shouldn't have "crashed" the party like this, the other side considered another scenario. Now I forget what it was but whatever it was, I shut up.
It's really incredible to observe greater level of antisemitism on university campuses like Michigan and Berkeley. Yes, there is a good number of Michigan students who are anti-Israel and have proposed for the University to divest in companies who have ties with Israel and support its endeavors. Fortunately the administration flat out said no way. It's just so scary to see some Muslim students take advantage of their leadership positions in the student assembly to make proposals of that sort. I also have seen a number of anti-Israel comments (sometimes antisemitiism as well) on New York Times. You don't see Jewish students looking to do anything about American companies that have ties with Israel's enemies.
Sometimes whenever I see anti-Israel protests in Ann Arbor, I just want to take the posters and rip them apart and call the protesters idiots. Instead I just give them a glare, ignore them, and/or mutter what a bunch of idiots they are. Maybe next time, I should get my own posters and stand next to them or across the street and hold them up. You know, crash their party.
As I turned around to walk away from the tent, a guy handed me a piece of paper, and I took it. I started reading it and it started with "Thank you for celebrating Israel's independence and..." it listed all the anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian facts such as 700,000 Palestinians being forced out of the territory in 1948 war. Oh B.S.! I tossed it away in disgust.
I couldn't believe it. Oh dare they. We do have the First Amendment going on here and they have the right to exercise their right to free of speech. Just as one side of my mind started protesting that they shouldn't have "crashed" the party like this, the other side considered another scenario. Now I forget what it was but whatever it was, I shut up.
It's really incredible to observe greater level of antisemitism on university campuses like Michigan and Berkeley. Yes, there is a good number of Michigan students who are anti-Israel and have proposed for the University to divest in companies who have ties with Israel and support its endeavors. Fortunately the administration flat out said no way. It's just so scary to see some Muslim students take advantage of their leadership positions in the student assembly to make proposals of that sort. I also have seen a number of anti-Israel comments (sometimes antisemitiism as well) on New York Times. You don't see Jewish students looking to do anything about American companies that have ties with Israel's enemies.
Sometimes whenever I see anti-Israel protests in Ann Arbor, I just want to take the posters and rip them apart and call the protesters idiots. Instead I just give them a glare, ignore them, and/or mutter what a bunch of idiots they are. Maybe next time, I should get my own posters and stand next to them or across the street and hold them up. You know, crash their party.
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