Spring Break
Column: In troubled times, dreams can flourish
Sam Slaven/Columnist
Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: Opinions
I just read a report in which the National Association for Colleges and Employers said surveyed companies plan to hire 22 percent fewer grads from the class of 2009 than they hired from the class of 2008.
I've seen recent news reports that graduate college applications are up by more than 30 percent.
I suppose that's because the current senior class has experienced minimal success in finding suitable jobs to start at the end of the semester.
It seems now would be the best time to take a chance and do that one thing you truly want to do, but "fear of failure" would never allow you to do.
I have a friend who graduated from college in December with a degree in history.
He couldn't find a job, didn't get into a graduate program and refused to work a minimum wage position until the economy improved.
I asked him about his reasoning and he said, "If I'm not going to get paid what I'm worth, then at least I'll not get paid what I'm worth while doing something that I enjoy."
So what did he do?
He joined the circus.
How ingenious!
Think about the material this guy can gather about the circus for a history book, novel or screenplay.
Think about the material he can gather for research should he get into a graduate program in the future.
Think about how much happier he'll be doing what he wants rather than by working the "fry-o-lator" at a fast food joint until the job market improves, which could be years.
He followed the interest and desire that he had always pushed aside because of the "fear of failure" that keeps most of us from following our own pipe dreams.
What if he fails to achieve his goal of becoming a ringmaster or trapeze artist in the circus?
So what?
He really can't fail at this because at least he went for his dream in lieu of working at a job he despised for a pittance.
This troubled economy may be your only opportunity in life that will allow for you to follow your pipe dream of becoming a street performer, a wandering musician, walking to South America, traveling across the country in empty train boxcars or becoming a crab fisherman in the Bering Sea.
Whatever you do could unlock a new and original storyline that publishers and movie producers have been waiting for.
You might find that you've become an award-winning story writer.
You might find that your pipe dream will lead you to a successful career in your dream job.
But whatever you do, just know that you can't fail when you've got nothing to lose.
When you get a once-in-a-lifetime chance, you've got to take it.
Sam Slaven is a senior geography major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
I've seen recent news reports that graduate college applications are up by more than 30 percent.
I suppose that's because the current senior class has experienced minimal success in finding suitable jobs to start at the end of the semester.
It seems now would be the best time to take a chance and do that one thing you truly want to do, but "fear of failure" would never allow you to do.
I have a friend who graduated from college in December with a degree in history.
He couldn't find a job, didn't get into a graduate program and refused to work a minimum wage position until the economy improved.
I asked him about his reasoning and he said, "If I'm not going to get paid what I'm worth, then at least I'll not get paid what I'm worth while doing something that I enjoy."
So what did he do?
He joined the circus.
How ingenious!
Think about the material this guy can gather about the circus for a history book, novel or screenplay.
Think about the material he can gather for research should he get into a graduate program in the future.
Think about how much happier he'll be doing what he wants rather than by working the "fry-o-lator" at a fast food joint until the job market improves, which could be years.
He followed the interest and desire that he had always pushed aside because of the "fear of failure" that keeps most of us from following our own pipe dreams.
What if he fails to achieve his goal of becoming a ringmaster or trapeze artist in the circus?
So what?
He really can't fail at this because at least he went for his dream in lieu of working at a job he despised for a pittance.
This troubled economy may be your only opportunity in life that will allow for you to follow your pipe dream of becoming a street performer, a wandering musician, walking to South America, traveling across the country in empty train boxcars or becoming a crab fisherman in the Bering Sea.
Whatever you do could unlock a new and original storyline that publishers and movie producers have been waiting for.
You might find that you've become an award-winning story writer.
You might find that your pipe dream will lead you to a successful career in your dream job.
But whatever you do, just know that you can't fail when you've got nothing to lose.
When you get a once-in-a-lifetime chance, you've got to take it.
Sam Slaven is a senior geography major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
joffy
posted 3/06/09 @ 5:15 AM CST
graduate programs are great, but there is so much they dont teach you.
I wish i found this site when i was starting out:
Graduate Program
it would have saved me from making so many mistakes. (Continued…)
C.M.D.
posted 3/06/09 @ 1:16 PM CST
This was a really good piece. I'm actually rethinking my plan to apply for a bad job after graduation in May.
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