::Speaking at Career Day:: #HoustonHispanicForum #HAHMP #CEDHou

Learn more about HAHMP here: https://www.facebook.com/hahmp/ & http://hahmp.org/

Learn more about HHF-Career Day here: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonHispanicForum/?fref=ts & http://hispanic-forum.org/

Sybil, a local communication, and media professional, who is a board member and membership director for Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals; invited me to speak at the Houston Hispanic Forum- Career Day. It's an event I knew about in past years but wasn't sure how I could help. This year when I was asked to speak and then to help moderate a panel it was a perfect opportunity to help with this big event. It was exciting and I tried to think back to where I was in Junior and High School, many, many (many) years ago. I grew up in a small town in South Texas. My only focus was getting out, that focus created an intense need to obtain good grades and get into a good school far, far away from that small town. 

And, I did. I graduated top of my class and got into all the colleges I wanted to go to except Baylor in Waco, only because I didn't apply. I was too scared that I would not get in so, I didn't try. My life might have been different had I not come to Houston to attend the University of Houston. Do I regret not applying to Baylor in Waco? Sure. But, not really. Here is why; I came to Houston met my Husband and have a beautiful little family now. Plus, I love being a UH Coog! I wouldn't have it any other way. 

With that said, I am an observer. I listen and then I write. A lot. It was inevitable for Career day and it was only super-charged by having met some of the people I absolutely love and stalk follow on social media like Joey Guerra, I love him and I think he is just so smart and funny and purpose-filled. And then, Coppelia Acevedo whose heartfelt message really spoke to me on so many levels. I started my blog as a faith-based blog so I love listening to those women who have maintained their faith as a center of their writing. It gives me life and new inspiration. I also of course, got to meet a lot of wonderful new people and then a couple of people who I have actually collaborated with for my blog, but have never met in person. Funny. I know. 

I listened to various communication and media-related panels and the messages were so clear from everyone. Here are three messages I heard on Saturday. 

::Follow your Dreams:: 

No matter what that dream may be, follow it. With all your heart and all your might. No matter what anyone might say. No matter how cliche this may all sound. All of the panelists had that one point of consistency, persistence and simply sticking to what it was they wanted. 

Did they all make it to their dream goals from one day to the next? No. 

Did they all have an easy path created for them to reach their dream? No. 

They had to work hard, continue to work hard and no one had an easy answer on how to reach your goals. But, they did all know that you must remain focused on your dream and work hard every day to obtain it. They all knew in their hearts that they have truly followed their dreams.  

::Learn the Skills::

I have met many bloggers who have degrees, in various areas and at different levels. I have also met various bloggers who don't have degrees. What they all do have in common are the learned skills to write, blog, market, promote and do their jobs. Every panelist I heard that day either spoke about their degree and college life or the skills they have had to learn to make it in their area of specialty.

Learning to write and engage your audience would be the number one skill most bloggers should learn. There are so many workshops, seminars, online course, youtube videos and blog how-to's that can all help fill in any gaps you might have. For myself, my degree is in Psychology with a minor in Health. Not writing related but I have learned many writing and communications/media related skills throughout my career, either via my jobs or self-taught. 

::Do what you Love::

Most of all,  do what you love! I have always followed my career path as jobs are available. Let me explain. I have a degree in Psychology, in hindsight, my degree is a little vague. So, I have had job offers based on my experience and what I am willing to learn. When good jobs that I feel would fit my career path come along I have taken them.

I started in the medical field, went into non-profit and was a career/financial aid counselor, which made way for me into the government sector as a volunteer/community coordinator in communications and media. Yes, I know. Trust me it's been exciting. From there I decided on a career jump and have now ended up in a coordinator position for oil and gas. I have loved all my jobs because I have had the chance to work outside the office and with people. Which for me is a huge plus. Every job has created amazing relationships and in a way set me up for the next new adventure.

All of which I love!

It seems everyone I met on Saturday have had curvy paths that they have loved too. That's what matters. Not how you get there but the end result. Which yes very cliche, but you must follow your dreams and remain on your path to what makes you truly happy! 

Top 5 Items Bloggers need for Networking/Social Media Events #HLBNetwork

Top 5 Items Bloggers need for Networking/Social Media Events:

Attending your first Blogger networking event can be rather intimidating. Learning the essentials that every Blogger should bring to any social media or networking event is important. I quickly learned what those were and to this day I pack my bag with the same items. If you have seen me at conferences you will know that I always end up with more bags than I come in with but that's part of the Blogger swag that's inevitable.

I have, over the last 4 years, acquired all my equipment and perfected my methods of networking but my bag is always filled with the following 5 items:

1) Camera- Now, I didn't start off with a fancy anything, as a matter of fact my first year or so my phone was my camera. Or, I would ask my Blogger friends to take pictures and then I would post their pictures and give them credit. If you network correctly you end up with the best Blogging buddies, who never mind sharing pictures with you. Of course as the months went by I knew I needed a good camera. Honestly some small point and shoot cameras these days, take really good pictures. A really good smart phone also does the trick now-a-days.  

2) Cell Phone- It's a no-brainer, if you are like me, your phone is your everything. I have easy access to all my social media apps. Quick access to recording both video and audio as well as taking quick pictures to post on several social media outlets at once. I also take a ton of notes on my phone. Plus you know people call and text me, by people I mean my Husband and kids. They wonder where I am, all the time. Go figure.

3) iPad/Tablet (or laptop)- I have never been a huge fan of laptops they are not my favorite computer, at all. I prefer a good old desktop or even my phone and iPad serve the same purpose. My iPad sometimes has better features and a bigger view than my cellphone. Or, if I need to multitask and be on both devices at the same time it's super handy. And, since my iPad has a keyboard it's sometimes easier to take notes on it. It also takes great pictures and video. The extra device is always good for backup. Depending on the type of event I might not even use it but I like to take it with me. Just in case.

4) Promotional Items and Business cards- These items are so useful to promote your blog. A simple business card can lead to great conversations with brands. This year I invested in pens, best idea ever. I feel like even if you are a small blog and just starting, creating promotional items is very helpful. I wouldn't invest too much money in the beginning. I purchased my pens in bulk for no more than $75.00.

5) Notebook- Yes, I bring at least 2 notebooks everywhere I go. Not only because I am obsessed with them but because I love to write. Sometimes, I just love my pen touching the paper. I am a bit nerdy. I used to have the best handwriting, these days technology has affected this. So, when I can, I try to write with pen and paper and not rely so much on my phone or computer. Truly sometimes it's faster and easier to simply open a notebook and start writing; as opposed to having to turn on a device and wait for it to load or open.

You will find that some travel lighter than others but at the end of the day being well prepared is better than not being prepared at all. Knowing the type of event and what the agenda is, is always good to find out before hand. I might take these items and only ever use my camera. Other times, I have regretted forgetting my camera or not bringing a notebook. Which is why I fill my bag with everything I need and keep them close by. You will learn what occasion call for a full bag versus a simple purse and cellphone. 

Happy Networking and good luck!

Coming off of Cloud 9, back to reality...

First off,  the conference I was in Austin for last week, was for my new job. I don't usually disclose where I work. I can tell you though that, I worked with a company involved in the Oil and Gas industry prior to this, for 2 years. The job was a very good experience, some of the people there, not so much. But, I learned and grew in so many areas. It has now brought me to where I am today. I am still somewhat in Oil and Gas. I am a coordinator for a large organization and it is allowing me to learn about conferences and I will be doing some travel. 

My experiences last week were very unique to my career. I  embraced it all and am so happy to have been able to go to Austin to my first conference with this company. Through blogging I have been able to attend several conferences. But, being on the opposite end of assisting with the logistic, running the registration office and connecting and communicating with the vendors. It was all new to me. I loved learning it all. I look forward to being further involved. We go to Vancouver in 6 months, that I am sure will be an experience all in itself.

My 2 years prior to this job, were definitely an experience, I hated that I couldn't just settle and be happy in my job at my old company. I tried. Time and time again. I adjusted my attitude, changed my perspective, and moved into a different position, just to make it all work. At the end of the day. I felt like giving that all too well known "break-up" speech, "It's not you, it's me...". Truth is, it could have been a little of both. The company was large. Some of the employees that I interacted with daily, lacked social skills and didn't know how to separate "home from work". The company is so large and production drive that culture truly lacks.  And, the focus is not on creating employees that can work together and instead focused on; how much more money can these people make us.

Today. I am in a completely different spectrum of all that non-sense. I have creative freedom, autonomy, and employers who want to build you up as an individual to create a productive employee who will grow with the company. I came back from a great trip and conference experience to the through of, "now what?" As if I have reach the peak of my current experience and am ready for so much more. I am being propelled forward and motivated to do so much within my position. And, then I thought, I have lasted longer at jobs I didn't like, so why I do feel that this job is propelling me to go further? Maybe even into a bigger and better position else where?

I realized that this is what you call a "career" high. Finally for once in my life, I don't feel like a company  isn't giving me enough motivation, they are giving me so much I want to fly. But, instead I should step down from my cloud and pace myself. Do my job and prepare for what's next. Be reminded of the realities of life and deal with it all, one day at a time.

I need to refocus on my current tasks, step off of cloud 9 and settle back into reality. Taking it slow and truly learning what is required of me.

How about you, are your current career choices making you love your job or do you have regrets?

{On Direction} #2013

Christmas is gone. My family is going through a difficult time right now. One that when the time is right I will discuss for now I ask for prayers and time.....

I haven't uploaded my Christmas pictures, in part because my BIGGEST surprise this year was a present! An actual present. The way my Hubby works is that ever since we got married we decided that presents were not important. Moments have been. So, we don't get hung up on what to give one another and every year... the expectations are less but I still get a very well thought out present that I love and use! One year I got a hot pink blow-dryer, which I totally needed, my old one was...OLD. Another year I got a gift card to NY& Co. Which was perfect for work clothes! This year...tops it all! A brand-spankin'new camera! Which if you know me and my love for taking a million random pictures and you are my friend on FB I am totally taking the whole loading FB pictures, to a WHOLE.NEW.level! Haha.

But, with what we are going through, with Christmas, with 2013 just a few days away I want to really think about direction! For this little ol'Momma Blog, for Me as a Momma, for my family and my career and our future.

Life has been SO amazing to me in 2012 {reflections and look back at 2012 to follow soon} and I really want to make all this worth my while, my effort and my already spent time.

It's a difficult place to be but I know God has me here for a reason and just this morning my Son and I said a prayer for my future goals and I think that God has definitely given me so much more than I deserve. No, my life is NOT perfect. Never. No, I am not rich or have the fanciest and best, but my Hubby and I make it work everyday. Together. We are SO very Blessed. With truth, faith and love.

Am I ready for 2013? Yes, yes I am. 2012 has proven new strength and new hope in me and now I want to START over in 2013 and give my life a whole new DIRECTION. 

What about you?  Where has life taken you in 2012 and are you ready for 2013?

But, How do you know?

You know when you're little and your head fills with ideas, goals and fantasies about what you want to be when you grow up? I thought I knew. Some people just know. 

When it came to Motherhood; I knew I wanted to one day be a Mom but I never saw it as a "career" choice for me. It was always something extra...a perk if you will.

And, I started my life journey at 18...college, jobs{sssss}, love, community, involvement, growth, faith, marriage, friends, hobbies....

But, it's not until I start that quiet journey in my house during nap time...of picking up the sea of toys that seems to never end, the mysteries under the couch, the stuffed animals {friends of Santi} in the big blue tent sitting in the middle of my living room, arranging the books on the shelves, putting tiny socks in the washer, and cleaning up Cheerios and spilled milk off the floor that I think....

When I grow up..I want to be a Momma.

And poof! 

I am. To, TWO beautiful children. {Blessed, I know}

But, I never thought I would be. I never thought THIS would be me. I never thought I could enjoying being a Momma the way I do. My now, one and ONLY career of choice! Because, I may not be a Stay-at-Home Momma but I am a full-time Momma and I am so happy that this journey {God & life} has given me such an amazing career!

How about you...did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? Did you ever imagine to be where you are now?

I sure didn't....

BUT, I AM IN LOVE WITH IT. 

 More and More... every.single.day! 

Great Monday All.