what I do

what I do

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Work with all your heart

My youngest daughter, the one who just graduated from college is applying for her first "real" job. You know, a job in the career that she actually wants. Not the student store job she has faithfully worked at for 4 years, or the campus magazine she helped start and dedicated endless (understatement) volunteer hours writing for, editing, promoting and publishing, or the summer and non-summer internships she put her heart and soul into (for no pay) to learn the ropes. This one is the real thing. It is not the job of her dreams but it is a good first step towards her goal.


A couple of summers ago, she interned in an art gallery full-time. It required an hour commute each way and was not the easiest job. It was stressful and hard, and if you have ever interned you will know that you are often overworked and not always treated the best. But she persevered through it and on her last day we drove up to take her to lunch and met the man who was her boss. He did nothing but rave about her work ethic and her skills and told us that not only would the gallery be lost without her, she was well equipped to go into the art gallery world that she thought at the time that she wanted to be in.


However, that fall upon returning to school, she made a 180 degree turn and with two majors already under her belt decided to go a completely different direction and pursue a third field of study and a career she felt much conviction for (which is what she is doing now). In preparing for her recent interview she received a letter of recommendation from her boss from her summer internship. It was a pretty incredible letter of recommendation. In the letter, he talked about her professionalism, her good natured spirit and friendliness, and her abilities to handle the work put in front of her. At the end of the letter, he wrote, "If you have the opportunity to work with her, my only statement would be ... Do it. Now."


This man is well known and getting a recommendation like this from him is like gold. When she shared the letter with me, it reminded me of the importance of giving your best always, of working hard even when the job you have (or who you are working for) is not what you wish it was, and persevering even when it seems you are getting nothing out of it. It also reminded me that everything you do, even if indirectly, is preparation for your next step.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, ..."
-Colossians 3:23 

7 comments:

Fran said...

You must be so proud! It is so refreshing to hear a story like this. I only pray that both my children grow up to learn the importance of a good work ethic. Today, many kids have this 'entitlement' attitude (both my husband and i work in the university setting) and it's very disappointing. Your daughter will go far and has already learned how 'working hard' will pay off....thanks for sharing!

A Perfect Gray said...

lovely thoughts, sherri. what wonderful character committment you have helped to instill in your daughter. donna

Karen at Home Sweet Hollywood said...

Aw Sherri you must be so proud! So happy for you and your girl. Love reading an inspirational story like this...so fantastic. I have a similar story of my daughter's two internships with the Dodgers and she is preparing for a big interview to go there permanently for her dream job. I know exactly how you feel...so proud and just want them to get all that they have worked so hard for. Good luck to your daughter...I'm sure she will shine on her interview! xo

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

I can only imagine how proud you must be. I would be over the moon for my daughter to receive a compliment like that. :) Thanks, as always, for your Sunday inspiration. Have a great week.

Holly Gruszka said...

AMEN!! And kudos to you for raising such a talented young woman and guiding her in the right direction. My mantra lately has been "you are what you eat" and I truly believe that. So nice to read this success story about your daughter Sherri.

Karen said...

Your daughter sounds like an amazing young woman. It also sounds like she had the opportunity to intern with someone who didn't just take advantage of free labor but allowed her to shine-and even more importantlu, acknowledged her work ethic. All the best to her!

Jessie said...

It often takes great parents to raise a wonderful individual like your daughter. I am so happy for you, Sherri.

Wishing her the best of luck during the interview!

Jessie
www..mixandchic.com