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High School Junior Soars to Career Heights
Fri, 01/28/2011 - 08:30 — Patty
Patty Edwards Shaver
How many high school students know for certain what they want to do for a career? I would say that a small percentage do know for certain. Even so, how many actually start working toward their career goal throughout their high school years?
While most kids would rather hang out with their friends and have fun, Chris Piccoli of Springboro, Ohio, is placing his career aspirations first. He knew what he wanted to do when he was 10 years old. Shortly after Chris and his family moved in next-door, we sat on my deck one day getting acquainted. I asked the question most adults ask kids: "So what do you want to do when you grow up?" Chris responded automatically, "I want to fly jets." I was impressed. But what impressed me more, is what he has done since that day to prepare for the attainment of his life goal.
Hawkins Discovers Her Right Livelihood by Creatively Spreading Awareness
Mon, 01/24/2011 - 14:26 — Patty
Patty Edwards Shaver
I once read a book called, "Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood" by Marsha Sinetar. As for Melinda Hawkins of Raleigh, she would say the book title is true in her case. Her love of creating jewelry combined with a passion for spreading awareness for causes such as Aplastic Anemia, Autism, Domestic Violence and Support the Troops, has turned into a business reaching all around the world. Her durable, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations have people stopping and asking the wearers where they got it. With the world wide web, people have been spreading the word via FaceBook since Hawkins posted a photo of an Aplastic Anemia bracelet (pictured at right) she made in memory of her grandmother. Aplastic Anemia is a disease closely linked to Leukemia. The colors for Aplastic Anemia are red and white and represent red and white blood cells. The ribbon represents hope for a cure.
EMS veteran Don Mathews strikes new career note
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 09:23 — Patty
By Patty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator
Who said you must be under 30 and beautiful to make it to Nashville? That may be the criteria for American Idol contestants, but not for late bloomer, Don Mathews of Galesburg, Michigan, whose song Tribute to EMS (Emergency Medical Services) has become a counseling tool for emergency responders around the world.
“I was shocked when I first learned about this,” said Mathews. “I wrote Tribute to EMS because I had no one to talk to for counseling after a very traumatic call.” After 40 years in EMS it was difficult for Mathews to understand why he was not coping as time passed. He questioned God about his career choice and wondered if it mattered to anyone else. “I kept thinking about that call during church and when I went home I wrote the song Tribute to EMS. Once I started writing I couldn’t stop. The words just flowed from me.”
Laid off worker earns income through hobby
Mon, 01/11/2010 - 10:07 — Patty
By Patty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator
The recent recession has created a tough job market with unemployment rates in the double digits leaving many dislocated workers at wits end on how to earn an income. Melinda Hawkins of Raleigh uses her jewelry-making hobby to bring in extra money to help pay her bills. Hawkins was laid off from her insurance job in Sept. 2008. When a job didn’t materialize, Hawkins decided to become a self employed insurance agent. Building a business during a downturn in the economy takes time and Hawkins could not afford to wait. With Christmas approaching, Hawkins switched to entrepreneur mode and started uploading photos of her jewelry creations on Facebook. And to her amazement, the jewelry started selling right away.
Engineer Transitions to Teaching
Sun, 07/12/2009 - 22:14 — Patty By Patty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator
After taking courses in engineering and design at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, of Greensboro, Dorrian Stephens realized that he did not want to be an engineer for the rest of his life. So he majored in technology. With a desire for teaching and coaching and a four-year degree in technology education, Stephens began a teaching career.
Mexican Immigrant Fills Need for Translation and Interpretation Services
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 08:06 — Patty
By Patty E. Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator
As a child living in Mexico, Jackie Metivier did not understand why her father felt so strongly about her learning to speak fluent English. He believed that immersing her in the American culture would be the best way for her to learn English, so he sent her to Colorado to live with family members for one year.
Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist, a Good Ally
Mon, 06/01/2009 - 12:28 — Patty
By Patty E. Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator
After gaining vast knowledge and skills many professionals desire to give back by bringing their valuable experiences into the classroom. Considering our current job market and North Carolina’s shortage of teachers, teaching may be an option worth pursuing. But first, you must be a good ally.
