CAREER DAY

I was pretty nervous the night before. It's part of my nature to stress out on stuff that is important to me. It usually brings out the best in me. I've noticed in my life that I need the pressure to push myself.

Back to this event which probably, most people wouldn't take too seriously... Well, for me it's more than public speaking. It's about gaining the respect of these kids and making a positive impact in that short time you have with them. I also question my ability, experience, knowledge, and success.

But when it comes down to the moment, I took a deep breath, got that calm feeling and let my speaking abilities (thanks Dad) just do what they do. I'm really glad I got the opportunity do it and it was such a positive experience I wish I could do it all the time. The kids we're real fun to joke around with and they asked so many questions. I really felt like they listened to me even though they were restless and focused on all the wrong things.

They kept asking me about Snoop's Cadillacs that we worked on or how much money I make. But they asked questions that made me feel really good; like what my hobbies, what my dreams are, can I have a business card?

I'm glad that I got to tell them the things that were really important to me. I told them how invaluable failure is to being successful. I told them how you can an "intrapreneur" working for someone else. How it's ok to know what you want to do now but it's not important. Because you start your life off in one direction and you end up somewhere else and you look back and you just go wow... I told them that you can accomplish anything you and don't let anyone tell you different. Who are they to tell you that you can't do something?

I was really surprised on how many of them knew what they wanted to do. I was also surprised how pretty much everyone wanted to go to college. It was so fun to joke around with them and enjoy their company.

I need to spend more time with youngsters.