One day I was reading the newspaper (something I normally don't do) and found an ad for a job writing for the newspaper. It was a tiny box on the from page and it said, "We are looking for the new face of East Montgomery." I continued reading and it sounded interesting. I remember throwing the newspaper away and telling myself that I would never have time to do anything like that.
Months went by and I saw the same ad once again. This time I decided to keep it. I folded it and put it away to discuss with my husband at a later time. I still wasn't convinced I would have the time to do it, but I was intrigued at the idea. It was something I've always dreamed of doing. I found the time to talk it over and my husband was concerned that having an extra obligation would stress me out. I have to admitnthat I had the same concern.
The ad requested a short description of why I thought I would be the right person for the job. It had to be 100 words or less. I decided to give it a shot. I honestly didn't think I would hear back from them. I was wrong. I received a call from the editor's assistant. She actually called me seconds before we were about to change my cellphone to an upgrade. We held off disconnecting it until my call was over. We agreed on a day and time to meet for my interview. I was so excited! However, at this point I was unaware of the fact that this was a paying job! I was going to an actual job interview!
I showed up to the newspaper building and everyone there was so sweet. They treated me with respect and almost like they were trying to sell ME the job. I listened to the editor describe the job in full detail and my heart beat faster and faster with each passing moment. It was my dream job! I would only have to submit a column once a week and the area I would cover would be my own area! I had lived here long enough to have various contacts and so that would be no problem.
I left the hour-long interview feeling wonderful! I prayed that I would get the job. I was told they still had another applicant. In the meantime I had to submit my first column. The editor gave me the choice of what to write about. I chose to write an introduction to my column. It was very easy for me. I submitted it right away. Unfortunately, my competition wasn't as efficient and I had to wait for them to receive the other before receiving an answer.
My answer came Mother's Day weekend. I received an email congratulating me on getting the job. Evidently they had tried to call and didn't have luck. The editor was so sweet. She wrote that she wanted me to know as soon as possible. It was the best Mother's Day gift I could have received.
It has been over six months now since I got the job and I'm still loving it!! I have learned so much about my community and have made some great contacts. It has also helped me to reach out more. I think it's important to expand our circles and appreciate diversity.
This Thanksgiving holiday I am thankful for all my blessings... Including those that were unexpected.
