Alyssa Cook Alexander

Burnt Out

foxski — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:49:34 -0500

One the those interview cliche questions I’ve been asked at every interview I’ve ever done ever, is “What are your weaknesses?”

Well most employers aren’t expecting the interviewee to go into detail about their anger issues or how they are constantly 15 minutes late.

I was recently asked this question at an interview this week and I told her “I work too hard”

Now, I know what you’re thinking. That is such an uninspired answer to an uninspired question. But I made sure to elaborate.

I’m the type of person to work through death if I could. Case in point was last week. I took off the Friday before, but still worked a full work week, then spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday running around Columbus’ Convention Center. Then, I drove home on Sunday night to be ready for work bright and early on Monday. Tuesday, I got food poisioning, but stayed at work until 3. Wednesday, I had off (thankfully so I got a chance to recover), but I had an interview in the afternoon. Went back to work on Thursday and Friday I had dizzy spells. I could barely put on my shoes Friday morning. What was I doing at work?

Here’s my problem. I work until I burn out, then I force myself to relax. And I think this is common problem with our generation, especially since we’re a 24/7 generation. We know things are always going on, halfway across the world. We don’t like to fall behind.

Well, my children, stop. Stop and take a break. This kind of thinking is what got my mother sick and now she can’t work ever. It’s easy to get caught up in that sense of duty, but you are worth much more when neurons can connect and remind you why that file of email addresses are sitting on your desk.

Don’t get burnt out.

Christmas Dinner

foxski — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:51:34 -0500

This is the first time (and most like won’t be the last) that I cooked Christmas dinner by myself. Because in a past life, I was Italian, we decided to do Feast of the Seven Fishes (a day late).

If you are not familiar with Feast of the Seven Fishes, it’s an Roman Catholic holiday of eating a huge seafood meal and then attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

My mom and I were so thankful to spend Christmas together in our home. She invited two of her friends.

In case you were wondering here was the menu:

Smoked Salmon Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing (Honey, mustard and oil. Best dressing ever.)
Cannellini Bean and Crab Soup
Fried Calamari
Quick Risotto
Shrimp Fra Diavolo (spicy shrimp and tomatoes)
Seafood Linguine
Catfish with tomatoes and fingerling potatoes

and for dessert Panettone (Italian sweet bread with raisins) with homemade chocolate ganache, cranberry pomegranate jam and pear preserves.

Well done, adult me. Well done.

Kickin' It with Kenny

foxski — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:18:00 -0500

Cleveland Metroparks Chalet Toboggan Chutes and my face were on Kickin’ It with Kenny on Tuesday (January 8). I have to say, many people would cringe at having to wake up at 4:30 to meet the trucks at 6, but I really enjoyed everything about the experience.

Amy who works with the Chalet is a gem. She is exactly as fun and engaging as she seems on television.
Kenny is actually really nice and funny. I wasn’t sure he was a laid back, but he really is and he totally prefers hot chocolate over coffee. Right on.
I got to ride the toboggans 3 times with no lines. Those stairs are brutal, but hey not many people get that opportunity.
I got to see my gloves brandished and waved around on spirit fingers before a t.v. camera. It doesn’t get better than that.

I don’t have link to segment, but once it goes up, I’ll make sure to put it up.

Confidence

foxski — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:47:18 -0500

Confidence is something that you wake up and just realize you have it.

Honestly, this time last year, I wouldn’t say I was confident in all of my skills. I knew I was a good writer (I still think I am), I knew my way around Indesign and Photoshop (I’m still an amateur, but I’m always getting better) and I didn’t think I had enough experience to have job.

My last internship I was terrified to answer the phone. I let people push me around. I was a frustrated intern.

This time, I answer the phone with ease. I’m even a bit demanding.

I was contemplating this on the drive into work today.

I’m much more confident than “December 11, 2011 Alyssa” and it was 6 days before I found out my house caught fire and would be displaced for 5 months.

Everything comes back to “What else could happen?” I’ve either been on the bottom or just close enough. I only have up from here on out. If it weren’t for the house and my current internship, then I would probably be always afraid.

It’s different this time. I have a strong portfolio, a willingness to learn and so much more. I’m clever. I’m an asset. I have talents and skills. Somebody out there will want me.

Confidence isn’t something you have a goal or checklist to complete. You just stop and realize there is this lack of fear or anxiety and that’s when you realize you have it.

Adulting

foxski — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:40:34 -0500

Now that I’m out of college, I’m working hard to become a real adult. I pay my own bills and buy groceries for the household. Yes, I still live with my mother, but I’m just starting out and furthermore she’s pretty sick and she doesn’t have the ability to drive.

So between my baking, cooking, attempts at a social life and work, I’ve been trying to feel out what it means to be an adult. It’s resulted in a much more honest Alyssa Cook-Alexander.

My mother and I have much more genuine conversations. I get anxious about things, but I will openly admit it instead of letting it build up. I’m poor (seriously, it pains me to shell out money for student loans, car insurance, credit card bills and cellphone bills every month).

Anyway, there’s is the awesome tumblr called adulting, which targeted toward us young adults. It’s clever, funny and full of pretty good advice. I really liked the newer post about transitioning jobs.

Adulting is sort of rolemodel for me, especially when it came to what I need to do to make my blog here more engaging for me. Anyway, check it out for a fun read.

Number Of Young Adults Out Of School, Work Hits Half-Century High

foxski — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:04:21 -0500

Number Of Young Adults Out Of School, Work Hits Half-Century High:

Since I’ve started the ill-fated job search again, I ran into this article yesterday and found it painfully relevant to my life. In case you have no interest in reading it (tl;dr) the synopsis is that the economy and higher education requirements and redirecting people over 45 to entry level jobs. Meaning there is even more competition for the jobs we apply for.

Of course I’m always open to discussion on topic like this, but as expected the comment section is full of the debate that our generation expects high paying jobs based on degrees alone, which is as true as it is false.

It's been a long time since I've been on here.

foxski — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:01:36 -0500

I think between the house catching fire last December (It’s been almost a year!) and finally getting back to the 216, I’ve just been so busy. I’ve developed hobbies (like cooking) and started working on how to fix me. But I’ll try to update more here.

lsat!

foxski — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 21:22:54 -0400

acookalexander:

Hello Alyssa! My name is Alyssa too =] I saw your post about your LSAT results & I felt compelled to message you. I’m actually a 1L, and I received a 147 the first time I took the LSAT [october 2010]. I had studied my butt off for the test, but come test day, I completely choked. I had built the test up so much that I freaked out and ran out of time on my best section [Reading Comp] .. getting that 147 was devastating, but I learned a valuable lesson. It showed me that life still went on, the sun still came up. It was just a score on a stupid test. I retook the test in December and I got a 153, and guess what. I got into all of the law schools that I applied, minus one. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that getting a below average score isn’t the end of the world, while it may seem so. If you want to pursue law school, I have no doubt in my mind that you can be successful in doing so. Feel free to message me anytime! Keep your head up, you can achieve anything you desire, I promise <3

Well golly, that was sure nice of you to come share your story. I mean when I look at my life and what makes me happy, Law School isn’t the definite answer. I’m probably still going to pursue it. I don’t feel limited by my score anymore.

lsat!

asummerdance — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 21:08:41 -0400

Hello Alyssa! My name is Alyssa too =] I saw your post about your LSAT results & I felt compelled to message you. I’m actually a 1L, and I received a 147 the first time I took the LSAT [october 2010]. I had studied my butt off for the test, but come test day, I completely choked. I had built the test up so much that I freaked out and ran out of time on my best section [Reading Comp] .. getting that 147 was devastating, but I learned a valuable lesson. It showed me that life still went on, the sun still came up. It was just a score on a stupid test. I retook the test in December and I got a 153, and guess what. I got into all of the law schools that I applied, minus one. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that getting a below average score isn’t the end of the world, while it may seem so. If you want to pursue law school, I have no doubt in my mind that you can be successful in doing so. Feel free to message me anytime! Keep your head up, you can achieve anything you desire, I promise <3

The LSATs results

foxski — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 22:09:39 -0400

I think the hardest part of getting back the LSATs score was facing the fact that for once in my life I was below average. I got a 148. The average is 152, which was 10 correct answers from my score.

It’s devastating. Everything used to be so effortless for me. I have never studied so hard for a test.

So my options are to regroup, decide if I want to take the test again, decide if I even need to take the test again and continue looking for jobs and paid internships in the areas that I’m interested in.

Who knows. Maybe I don’t need law school.

LSATs

foxski — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:06:00 -0500

So the first rule of LSATs isn’t “Don’t talk about the LSATs,” but it is “Don’t bring your cellphone.”

I have never taken a test so committed to preventing espionage. I was wearing my Otterbein hoodie for good luck and I had to turn my hood inside out. My coat had to be stored under my seat. All of my possessions were to be in a gallon-sized clear Ziploc bag.

No purses.

No snacks permitted unless it’s the break.

No sips of water.

No gum.

No digital watches.

I feel it went well. My brain didn’t turn to mush. So hopefully I did do well. I want to go to Law School and either do Copyright Law or Advocacy.

I registered for the LSAT today

foxski — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:34:51 -0500

My mom paid for it as punishment for the five Christmas cards I received that congratulated me on deciding to be a lawyer before I decided to be a lawyer. I am planned on applying to Case and CSU and really want to work with Autism Awareness, LGBT rights or Media Law. This is what you can do after your journalism degree.

Don't feed the trolls: Lessons in Social Media Management

foxski — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:54:23 -0500

Don't feed the trolls: Lessons in Social Media Management:

So this story, was educational for three reasons. First, I have always said don’t troll trolls. The reason is no one likes trolls. Dwelling on trolls turns you into a troll. Ignore them. Especially if they are 18-year-old twerpy teenage girls. (If you don’t know what a troll is. A troll is someone who purposely intends to start drama by making a dramatic statement)

Second, monitoring social media is an arduous task of filtering through the monotonous, infuriating and exciting. Most things fall in the monotonous category. Things that fall in the the infuriating category are left up to interpretation.

Three, you cannot censor what people say on the internet. You can’t take away an American’s right to criticize a government. So I’m glad their demands had no teeth.

PRSA is undergoing a campaign to redefine the actual definition...

foxski — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:19:00 -0500

PRSA is undergoing a campaign to redefine the actual definition of public relations. The definition hasn’t been updated since the 80s. And professors look at me like I’m insane because I blank out on an answer to “What is the definition of PR?” The answer is outdated.

NY Times Article

PRSA Wordcloud

Busy Bee Today: How to Prevent Burnout

foxski — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:52:28 -0500

Busy Bee Today: How to Prevent Burnout:

busybeetoday:

Don’t go into Public Relations. I recently came across an article in the PR Daily News about how 20- to 30-year-old women in PR are already starting to burnout.

“First there’s the normal work routine. Add the 24-hour news cycle, then throw in the social media duties and emails that won’t…

I don’t know if I agree with this whole-heartedly. Like they said burnout affects women and men in all professions. I could easily rewrite this to say don’t go into teaching. Conversely, if it’s a job your love, you should feel burned out. And just in case you are narrow your field in PR. I’m positive you can find a place between content and burned out.

More about my opportunity after graduation

foxski — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:13:30 -0500

So for those who know me I am a major foodie. I like food. I like the way it smells and tastes. There is very little I dislike about food.

My cousin is a chef and he’d really like to be on one of those shows like Hell’s Kitchen or Top Chef. He recently tried out for MasterChef, but didn’t make it.

However, I will be helping him put together his online portfolio and making him a media kit. So…I’m very excited. It’s going to take awhile, but I think it will give me a chance to do what I love and perhaps what I’d like to focus on in the future.

So let’s see what happens.

Alyssa Cook-Alexander: Welcome!

foxski — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:06:00 -0500

Welcome to my blog. If you want to see my online portfolio, links are in the sidebar.

Real Talk

foxski — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:38:17 -0500

“Real talk” is a phrase that’s been in my vocabulary for a long time. “Real talk” is usually what I preface a conversation with meaning I am about to be very honest about something that could be a sensitive topic for other. “Real talk” also commits understanding and genuineness.

I was talking to a close professor, who has been so important and influential on my life choices since I’ve been at Otterbein. Being genuinely concerned about what I want to do when I depart this school in three weeks, she began asking what I was interested.

I’ve been putting all of this off. It’s something I don’t like thinking about, because I’ve been forced to be a grown up for so long, I really don’t want to actually take the step forward into the real world. I like having the option to back out and default on being a kid.

Without out having to say “Okay, real talk, Alyssa…” Dr. Warren really helped me come to terms with my leaving. She pointed me in the direction of the career center to take some aptitude tests, because there are things I might want to do, but I didn’t know they could be jobs. She advised me to go to law school, which I’m sure I don’t want to, but it’s a possibility that my mind might change in the future.

Most of all, she said she’d be there for me. She offered her help, resources and knowledge. She also said that she’d go to dinner and have drinks with me if I wanted, but for some reason she thinks I wouldn’t want to. If she only knew how many teachers I’m friends with.

Anyway, something about “real talk” is always cathartic. It’s the best way to get at those things nagging your mind, without leading with the instantaneously offensive “don’t be offended, but…”

We all could benefit with a little more “real talk.”

Grad School: Advice given to me and my advice to you

foxski — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:34:00 -0500

So this week I casually told my mother that I would not be going to graduate school next year. I don’t think I realized what I said until I was almost halfway through the spiel and I really didn’t realize the gravity of what I said until she was dead silent for two minutes.

The way I explained it to her is: I am inexperienced. I have had many resume building opportunities and several internships/jobs, but what I was sure I was going to study last year is not what I want to study this year.

I thought I wanted to study digital media. My education in public relations has been mostly directed toward digital media. I am a computer geek. I like the internet. I like all things internet related. However, I don’t feel excited by that concept anymore.

I proposed that I’d still work and do internships until I found something I was wowed by. I have a feeling it will still be digital media, but I want to be sure before I slap down more money and acquire more student loans.

I was thankful when we had a young professionals panel on Monday and some of our Otterbein alumni said they felt the exact same way about grad school. These were people who graduated two years ago and were working in jobs they loved.

So I know that grad school may be something in my future (I’m never afraid to go back to school) but I should focus on finding what I want to do with my career.

Smoozing and Selling Yourself

foxski — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:17:16 -0400

I had an interesting experience on Friday. My university was hosting a donor party off campus. They decided to have various students and professors be entertainment for aging pensioners in what was essentially a hallways of exhibition.

The place was very nice, there was an open bar and very high class food;but I had an unfortunate experience with the donors. At the risk of sounding hypercritical of the people present, my professor and I had a near impossible task.

My life right now is working for Tan & Cardinal and Otterbein 360, the print and web components of our school newspaper. I’m the web editor of Otterbein 360 and I work so hard on keeping that site afloat. I really do treat it like it’s my baby. I wake up at 2 am because something is wrong with it. I get cold sweats when I don’t check my text messages, because I usually get texts saying something is wrong.

Selling my involvement and passion about all of my hard work to pensioners who are either terrified of technology or genuinely have no interest was emotionally exhausting. The highlights of my night were when our president’s husband, who happens to be journalism professor, told me how proud he was of the website and how efficiently it’s been running since we went through our redesign over summer.There was an alumna who was very sweet and she was very interested in our department and what we were doing.

All the free drinks and caviar in the world don’t compare to getting to talk about what you love with people who care.