Workplace
Chronicles of a 20-something’s failed entry into the workforce
I entered the workshop, and the welding and grinding noise stopped - my friend had told me over phone. After training, she was posted to the largest industrial area in an obscure place in Gujarat and her workshop stories were shocking. Was I lucky? I was in Mumbai, standing in a cabin with no sight of a spare chair, wondering if I should have breakfast at all. I was more concerned about finding a chair than my helmet and goggles which had been stolen, because that day I wondered if the acting- manager’s words of always wearing a safety coat made sense; if going to the shop floor to fill my time made sense, if my father’s words of not pursuing mechanical engineering made sense, if anything at all made any sense! Just a week before, I was ready to change the world with the armor of good grades and deep study of not just the past 4 but the past 21 years of my (illustrious) student life.
By Anuja V5 years ago in Confessions
I Am Not a Cheerleader Anymore
Seven years. That is how long I worked hard for five days a week and two hours each day. So many tiring, sweat-dripping afternoons. So many tears shed when I was just too exhausted to keep going, when I was too frustrated because I just couldn’t nail that specific tumbling skill, or when we lost a competition after countless months of late-night practices. So much blood when I endlessly got kicked in the nose while catching my flyer so she doesn’t hit the floor.
By Kaylee Meyer5 years ago in Confessions
Gifted Kid to Car Salesman
People are motivated by many different things in life. As a child, I found my niche early. I was a nerd, if you will. Think Hermione Granger with her hand raised high, bouncing up and down in her seat, eager to answer the question correctly. I sat in the front row, did all of the homework, obeyed all the rules, and had paralyzing anxiety at the mere thought of failure. The school once asked my parents if they were comfortable with me skipping middle school entirely. Fifth grade to high school freshman, just like that. Being this obsessed with perfection, it naturally followed that I was socially awkward. Very socially awkward. So thankfully, my parents passed on this offer.
By Sarah Driggers5 years ago in Confessions
The Ensign
The Ensign awoke with a start, slapping around the tiny metal box that passed for a bed to stop the bleeping alarm clock that had mysteriously disappeared into the folds of his sleeping bag. Hadn’t he just had his hand on it? Or had he fallen asleep for longer than he’d thought? Crap! Was he going to be late again?
By Claude McKenna5 years ago in Confessions
What About The Million?
We see so many The One in a Million stories. They’re the stories of people who, despite the odds, pulled themselves out of financial strife and became famous. Musk, Lil Nas X, Rowling, Gates, Nicki Minaj, Bezos, every millionaire, billionaire, or moderately successful artist, makes the same claim. They say that they worked hard and got lucky, and You Could Too! The legitimacy of this claim varies, (obviously, I’m not going to suggest that Emerald Mine Musk and Wall Street Bezos were actually in financial strife) but is still parroted by them all.
By Blake Smith5 years ago in Confessions
Happy Hour Wasn't Very Happy
I love my younger sister. She’s my best friend, not to mention one of the most talented and intelligent people I’ve ever met. I’m not just saying this because we’re siblings, either. Other people tell us all the time how amazing B. is and, as a proud big sister, I can’t help but agree.
By Palmarosa5 years ago in Confessions
Struggling passion
When I first saw this challenge, honestly I got a little bit upset. Why? Why would anyone get upset about the beautiful feeling of PASSION? Because most of the things I used to be passionate about has dimmed over time. I doubt I'll win anything because of that statement, but this is about the deep struggles with the passions in my life, the best ones I've had to change, let go and accept.
By CosmicAli5 years ago in Confessions
The anxiety that hides within
your feet may start to feel heavy but yet your body remains still. You may have your eyes closed yet you start to hear the sound of waves. Easy there your mind is now creating an alternate mind state. Take a deep breath keep your eyes closed. Pay attention to the way your breath feels when you inhale going the your nose ,the expansion of your chest then calmly pay attention to the way your body feels when you breathe out. Slowly feel the air as it fills your stomach.
By Amanda Ramos5 years ago in Confessions
My Week on Seinfeld
I write this memoir because people love Seinfeld. This is my bug’s eye view inside my one week on the show. First. Tragedy struck my life when my very active, much beloved grandmother had a massive stroke. I packed my suitcase and relocated to Laguna Beach to be nearby, when I got a call the same day. I had booked a week on Seinfeld. Something to do with Calvin Klein and Kramer…. I first said no. But my family had me call my agent back. “Are you insane? She (my grandmother) would murder you if she thought you turned down a television show for something as minor as a stroke.” They were right. My grandmother, a Christian Scientist, didn’t believe in illness. To her, none of this is real. It’s true, she would be angry if I didn’t take the offer. And thank God I made the call in time. My week on Seinfeld is one of the highlights in my life — I got away from the crazy people surrounding my grandmother’s stroke and threw myself at the kindness of strangers. I mean Jerry. The star of Seinfeld actually saved my sanity that particular week.
By Blaire Baron5 years ago in Confessions
