Back in October of 2017, I applied for a public relations specialist position with my current employer. It was a long, yet exciting process. I was practically prepared to transition to a new career move prior to the beginning of 2018. I had pretty much cleaned my office because I knew I wasn't coming back. HA! Well, right after the holidays, I was notified that I didn’t get the position. I was definitely crushed because I set my expectations pretty high and knew that I was good at it.
I was down and out for a month, but one day I got tired. I told myself to stop crying. Not just crying because I didn’t get the job but crying because I wanted things to move on my terms. From that day forward, I got down to business. I took every writing opportunity I could, I didn’t care if it was for free. I enrolled in an online class, listened to every webinar and attended every session that dealt with public relations.
I had sticky notes everywhere that said I was going to be a public relations specialist for UAB. My focus was so streamlined that no one could tell me otherwise. I wasn’t positive that a position would become available, but I knew if the opportunity ever presented itself again, I would be more than ready. I had faith enough to believe that if I could sacrifice one year to my goal and practice as much as I could, then the opportunity would indeed arise. And it did. Same timing as previously. God is pretty funny.
However, this time was different. I didn’t care who was applying for the position, I was so self-convinced that it was mine, I knew I was going to out beat the other candidates. Were there days I felt like giving up, of course! I didn’t want to go through the process all over again, but that process stretched me and helped me grow even more.
I’m forever grateful for this journey because I learned many valuable lessons. I’m also grateful for my past experiences as well. I was fortunate enough to learn the advertising and marketing side of communications first through working several video and photo shoots, websites, brand development and awareness campaigns, content creation and graphic design.
Will I have my own business one day? Absolutely! I’m wise enough to know that it’s not my time, and smart enough to know when it is, that I’ll be more than just good, but I’ll be great and one of the best.
This week stop crying and get up. There is no excuse to not living up to your fullest potential and reaching your goals. If you say you want something, of course life will say, “Ok, Yvonne, let’s see how bad you really want it. Let’s see if your actions match what you say.” That’s grounds for going even harder. People are watching you now – believe it or not. Show them that you can, and you will.
Sending love and positive vibes your way! Yvonne Camille
Comments