Career Services Blog

I am sitting here watching an Alfred Hitchcock film, just finished eating, thinking of homework to do for two classes and Italian chapters I need to make up. I'm wondering how I can catch up and be able to feel like I am actually learning something other than just reading to answer a few questions in class. I had begun my recent entry a few days ago and have been stuck ever since. As I was returning the apple juice back to the refrigerator, I noticed directly above it (the fridge I mean), my vision board. What is a vision board?  You may be asking. Well, it is a different way of keeping track of your goals and dreams, other than just writing them down in some to-do list or journal. It allows one to see or visualize all one desires and in a way, help bring them into existence.

A couple summers ago, maybe more, a good friend had arranged a Secret viewing party, where we watched the self-help film or documentary, and then created our own vision board from its example. We used magazine cut outs, ads, newspaper clippings, and created some sort of collage out of all these different images, texts, shapes. I having had no furniture in my apartment at the time, glued clippings of furniture: sofa, bedroom set, and put in the quote "A room to relax" around them. I also glued pictures of a camera, a computer, a cap and gown, as well as, a plate of salad.

Now, the purpose of the vision board is to have some sort of record of ones's goals and dreams posted around the home, to remind us of what we work and toil and sweat and sacrifice for. It is a way to visualize, and to see oneself accomplishing these desires, in an effort to make them more attainable.

As I tried to write this blog on the theme of time management and balancing life, work and friends, I thought of all that I have accomplished-great and small-from graduating with my BA in English and Spanish, to my laptop,, a furnished apartment and a place to feel comfortable and pleased, to be productive and studious, to have company and not be embarrassed or ashamed while I entertain friends. I say these things because, as I think of the time that it took me to have a small part of these goals come into fruition has been, about 3 years, while some, I know will take longer, though I am doing things that will prepare me for them in the future.

last blog I wrote about dreams and being in the position of questioning the path that our lives should take, and I remember when I made my decisions I made that vision board. Now, every time I pass my kitchen for a drink, or am washing dishes-cause the girlfriend cooks-I recall nights where 3 hours were all I was allowed to sleep, when my weekend craziness meant, reading 100 -150 pages of literature and critique, and writing 5-10 pages of my own. I can look at this poster board, and around my home, at the pictures of family , postcards from friends and loved ones,  a pleasant love seat, a soft and comfortable bed, along with many other blessings life has brought my way, and be thankful. Thankful because not only did I set out to accomplish something, but I made a list or a plan on how to see it come about. I kept focused on my desires and didn't  stop due to any difficulties or obstacles that presented themselves throughout my journey.

That is my goal for all of you, to discover your passions, your dreams, your wildest desires, speak them to the universe and envision yourself having accomplished them, having that raise, that new job, new car,  and when times get rough, do not forget what all the sacrifice is for.

I will tell yea'll that though it may seem like I am preaching, I have found out that things occur in ly life at moments when I need them most. And the opportunity to write for this blog and discuss career issues, concerns, struggles, hopes, I have found an outlet for my doubts and insecurities. In this blog, I am able to mention what I am thinking about in regards to my future and I am also, able to give myself some advice or tips on how to succeed or maintain the drive and the will to continue. So, though it may sound as though I am only speaking to the million readers of our blogs, I am also trying to keep myself on course, and positive.

Gustavo Adolfo Aybar