A few weeks ago, while I was at work, I encountered a problem that has been popping up a lot lately.
As I cleaned up for the night, an old teacher walked in. After extensive efforts to pretend that I didn't see her, I realized that I was cornered. An exchange of pleasantries ensued.
As the conversation wound to a close, she asked me what I planned to do after graduation. Like always, I drew a blank.
After an awkward pause, I blurted out that I wanted to produce and direct a theater version of "American Gladiators," featuring Raquel Welsh as the sultry vixen Thor, and Gary Busey as the evil agitator Wolf.
But the truth is, I don't have any clue what I want to do after I graduate. I'm sick of having to create lies in order to make it through conversations with past acquaintances. Fortunately for me, and any other Otterbein students who find themselves in the same dismal position, there is hope. And her name is Audra Godfrey.
Godfrey is a wonderful woman who works in the back office at Otterbein's Center for Career Planning. After years of wandering aimlessly through college with no path or direction, I decided to take initiative and plan a meeting with her at the center.
For starters, Godfrey set me up with a couple of career tests designed to assist in my search for a profession.
When I was done, she looked over the results with me. In my case, the occupations were extremely varied and even somewhat hilarious.
For starters, I never would have found myself looking into a career as a fitness trainer or wedding planner. Maybe because I rarely eat right or exercise, and the thought of convincing people to agree to a "Monty Python"-themed wedding is just too much to handle. Perhaps an exciting career as a barge captain or tractor-trailer operator would better suit my future. All these and more were flagged as possible career choices based on my test answers.
After my consultation was complete, Godfrey then helped me to create a beautiful cover letter and resume. Thanks to her and those at the Center for Career Planning, I will no longer draw a blank when asked about my career plans.
From now on, when I run into old friends or teachers, I can stand up straight, look them directly in the eye and confidently say, "My name is Mike Wise, and I want to be a barge captain."
